Why James Blanchard Turned Down Notre Dame: Loyalty, Legacy, and Unfinished Business at Texas Tech
In late January, Texas Tech general manager James Blanchard found himself at a pivotal crossroads in his career. Notre Dame, one of college football’s most prestigious programs, came calling. The Fighting Irish were searching for a new general manager after Chad Bowden’s departure to USC, and Blanchard, who played a crucial role in building Texas Tech’s No. 1-ranked transfer portal class, was a top target.
Blanchard seriously considered the opportunity. He traveled to South Bend, met with Notre Dame officials, and sat down with head coach Marcus Freeman. It wasn’t a decision he took lightly. In fact, he admitted that walking away from the chance to join Freeman and one of college football’s blue bloods wasn’t easy. But in the end, Blanchard said no to Notre Dame and reaffirmed his commitment to the Red Raiders and head coach Joey McGuire.
In a candid interview with Up Next with Adam Breneman, Blanchard opened up about what went into the decision. While he was flattered by Notre Dame’s pursuit and impressed by Freeman’s magnetic presence, he simply felt there was more left to accomplish at Texas Tech — and he wasn’t ready to leave that mission unfinished.
Blanchard spoke passionately about the people of Lubbock, the close-knit community that surrounds his family, and the staff he works alongside every day. That personal and professional bond, he explained, played a vital role in turning down such a prestigious offer.
“It’s because of the people in Lubbock,” Blanchard said. “Because of the people in the community around my children and the people I work with. Turning down the Notre Dame job was hard. You walk in there, you see Marcus Freeman – this guy’s like a rock star. He has a glow about him when he walks in the room. You can just tell why he’s so successful. But, man, we had unfinished business here.”
That “unfinished business” includes making history with a program that has never played in a Big 12 Championship game. When Blanchard joined McGuire’s staff, they set out with a bold vision to build Texas Tech into a national contender. The blockbuster transfer class they signed this offseason is a major step in that direction — and Blanchard wasn’t about to walk away just when that vision was taking shape.
“I came here to do something that had never been done at this program before,” Blanchard said. “We’ve never even been to the Big 12 Championship. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep at night if I hadn’t accomplished that mission with Coach McGuire.”
Texas Tech’s 2024 transfer portal class currently ranks No. 1 in the On3 Team Transfer Portal Rankings. The Red Raiders brought in 21 players, highlighted by former Stanford EDGE David Bailey, who is ranked No. 10 overall and No. 2 among edge defenders in the On3 Industry Transfer Rankings. Four of the incoming transfers rank inside the national Top 50.
Blanchard’s influence was instrumental in assembling that group. His recruiting acumen, eye for talent, and relationships across the college football landscape helped Texas Tech make a massive splash in the portal — and positioned the Red Raiders as serious contenders in the Big 12.
For Blanchard, that success reinforced the importance of staying the course. As tempting as other jobs might be, especially one with the prestige of Notre Dame, he believes the chance to make history at Texas Tech is even more meaningful.
“People are going to have many times to take other jobs and opportunities,” Blanchard said. “You’re not going to have a lot of times, a lot of opportunities to make history. That was big for me, that was big for our coaching staff. Again, it goes back to the people I work with, the administrators, the AD Kirby Hocutt, and the head coach I work for, Joey McGuire.”
Blanchard’s loyalty to McGuire and his staff has been a recurring theme throughout his career. The two have developed a strong working relationship rooted in trust and shared vision. McGuire, a former high school coaching legend in Texas, has made it his mission to elevate the Red Raiders into a consistent Big 12 contender — and Blanchard has been one of his most valuable allies in that effort.
Beyond the field, the sense of family and purpose in Lubbock deeply resonates with Blanchard. The culture McGuire is building isn’t just about winning games; it’s about building something bigger — a foundation of support, unity, and pride that stretches from the locker room to the greater West Texas community.
That culture has clearly taken root. In an era of frequent staff changes and coaching turnover, Blanchard’s decision to stay put is a powerful testament to what Texas Tech is building. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful success isn’t found by chasing prestige — but by committing to something greater than yourself.
Blanchard’s story also highlights the growing competitiveness of programs outside the traditional powerhouses. With NIL and the transfer portal reshaping college football, schools like Texas Tech are now able to attract elite talent and make serious noise on the national stage. Blanchard, McGuire, and the Red Raiders are proving that you don’t have to wear blue and gold to dream big.
As the 2024 season approaches, expectations in Lubbock are higher than ever. With a top-ranked transfer class, a stable staff, and a clear vision, Texas Tech appears poised to challenge for a Big 12 title — perhaps even more.
And if that breakthrough moment arrives, Blanchard will know he made the right choice. Not just because he stayed loyal to his team, but because he stayed loyal to a dream that still had chapters left to write.
In a college football world where careers are often defined by quick climbs and lateral moves, Blanchard’s choice stands out. It’s about more than just the next big opportunity. It’s about legacy. It’s about community. And above all, it’s about finishing what he started.
