Texas Tech names interim coach to replace Mark Adams at Big 12 tourney

Texas Tech named assistant coach Corey Williams its interim head coach for the Big 12 tournament this week in Kansas City, Mo.

Head coach Mark Adams was suspended indefinitely on Sunday following a comment he made toward a player that the school described as "inappropriate, unacceptable and racially insensitive."

It's unclear if Adams will coach Texas Tech again. The Red Raiders are unlikely to make the NCAA Tournament unless they go on a run to win the Big 12 tournament title.

Athletic director Kirby Hocutt interviewed players and staff over the weekend to "conduct a more thorough inquiry of Adams' interactions," a university statement said Sunday.

"Adams was encouraging the student-athlete to be more receptive to coaching and referenced Bible verses about workers, teachers, parents and slaves serving their masters," the university said. "Adams immediately addressed this with the team and apologized."

Adams, 66, is in his second season coaching at his alma mater. Adams is 43-25 in two seasons at Texas Tech. Last season, he led the Red Raiders to the NCAA Tournament and was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year by The Associated Press.

Williams is also in his second season on the staff at Texas Tech. He was the head coach of Stetson from 2013-19 and an assistant coach at Oral Roberts, Florida State and Arkansas over the past two-plus decades.

The Red Raiders (16-15, 5-13 Big 12) are scheduled to play West Virginia on Wednesday in the first round of the Big 12 tournament.