Antonio Huffman is leaving the Washington State Cougars staff for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and there’s a pretty decent chance you don’t know who he is and don’t know why his departure would be news.

Before we get to that, you might know Huffman from his appearances as “that sharp-dressed, good-looking, jacked guy who’s always near Mike Leach”:

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Huffman has been Leach’s director of football operations since his arrival in 2012, and added the title assistant AD a few years ago. His responsibilities have been many, via the WSU website: “At WSU, Huffman oversees the day-to-day operations of the football staff, which includes serving as the football liaison for compliance, academics and student conduct. He also oversees all aspects of team travel, the Cougar guest coach program, while also directing all of WSU’s football camps and clinics.”

Basically, Huffman has been the guy who makes sure everything runs smoothly — a really important job in an organization that involves a couple hundred people.

Now, Huffman will be taking over as the chief of staff for new TTU coach Matt Wells, which is a step up in responsibility (and presumably pay). It also gives Huffman a chance to return to his alma mater; he was a cornerback there under Leach from 2003-2006.

Congratulations to Huffman, who leaves behind big shoes to fill. But if we’ve learned anything, it’s that Leach will do a great job finding someone else to do that job, and do it well.

Antonio Huffman returning to Tech as football chief of staff - Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

New Texas Tech football coach Matt Wells is bringing a former Tech player back to the program after nearly a decade away.

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