Texas Tech University terminated long-time rodeo coach Jerrad Hofstetter a couple of days ago, and his sudden departure has caused an outpouring of support on social media, including from the Cook’s Garage and Texas Tech Rodeo Facebook pages. Hofstetter, who had led the Texas Tech Rodeo team for six years, was widely known for recruiting over 100 students for the upcoming semester.
The termination was revealed Sept. 5.
“In 2020, Jerrad came to us and asked us to host the Texas Tech Rodeo. Because of COVID they needed an outdoor space and could not have it at the Equestrian Center,” wrote Cook’s Garage on its Facebook page. “The program was very limited on funding at the time, so after meeting with Jerrad and having several of our close friends and family members in the farming and ranching community vouch for his exceptional character, we agreed to donate our space and time to support Jerrad’s dream of building a nationally ranked rodeo team.”
Hofstetter shared his side of the story in an interview with EverythingLubbock.com, explaining that the termination stemmed from a misunderstanding over the handling of livestock. He stated that the rodeo program kept cattle quarantined off-campus to prevent illness from spreading to other animals, a decision he claims was fully understood by everyone involved, with weekly checks from Texas Tech veterinarians.
“Everyone had full knowledge that there were animals off-site for quarantine,” Hofstetter said. “We kept all of the sick animals off-site to keep other animals from getting sick.”
The issue, according to Hofstetter, arose from the lack of documentation for these off-site cattle. Despite the regular oversight, records were not kept, which may have contributed to the university’s decision. Hofstetter also expressed concern that he had felt pressure to leave his position in recent years, especially after a leadership change in the agricultural department.
“I felt like I was being pushed out for a while,” Hofstetter admitted. Despite his concerns, he emphasized that his favorite part of the job was supporting the students outside of the formal program, and though he will miss them, he said, “a weight was lifted off” with his departure.
In response to Hofstetter’s termination, Texas Tech issued the following statement:
“After an extensive review regarding multiple concerns, Jerrad Hofstetter was terminated as the Texas Tech Rodeo coach for misconduct, effective Sept. 5, 2024. Because this is a personnel issue, Texas Tech University will not comment further on this matter. The search for a new coach is underway, and we’re committed to supporting our students throughout this transition.”
Supporters who have rallied around Hoffstetter have voiced their concern for the success of the rodeo team and how the coach will be difficult to replace in an industry where news travels quickly.
“Hofstetter was able to rally Tech alumni, businessmen/women, and others who truly cared about the sport of rodeo and the western way of life and bring them together for one goal,” wrote Alicia Jare in one Facebook post about the issue. “One thing we have found out this week is that you can take away a job, but you can NOT take away a dream and a vision.”
A billboard in Lubbock now displays Hofstetter’s likeness along with the statement, “Thank you Jerrad for your selfless service to our kids & rodeo #striveforhonor.”
Other supporters have voiced concerns that Hoffstetter’s dismissal may have been sparked by discontent surrounding which veterinarian the rodeo team used for their livestock.
Following his dismissal, Hofstetter has announced plans to assist a new organization called Behind the Chutes, which has continued to provide updates about the situation. Behind the Chutes describes itself as a nonprofit “founded by Texas Tech University alumni and other rodeo and Western lifestyle enthusiasts. Our mission is to support and advance rodeo and Western culture through community outreach and enrichment.”
On September 7, Texas Tech sent Hofstetter a cease-and-desist letter demanding that he stop using the Texas Tech Rodeo Facebook page. As of today, reports are circulating that the Texas Tech Rodeo Team’s page has been suspended.
The search for Hofstetter’s replacement continues as supporters of the former coach await further developments.
