Christmas Eve. That's how Joey McGuire described the felling following his first practice as Texas Tech's head coach Tuesday after the Red Raiders went through a two-hour workout inside the Sports Performance Center.

McGuire, who was hired Nov. 8 while the Red Raiders still had three games and an eventual bowl game still to play, had seen the Red Raiders from afar, watching numerous practices while getting to know his new team on an individual basis. Tuesday, however, was his first chance to place his own touch on the program.

"Coming here and taking this job was incredible getting to know the players, but I didn't get to coach," McGuire said following practice. "Being in the weight room through the offseason, that's awesome, but getting out here and coaching football and seeing these guys execute what we are trying to do, that was huge. It was one of the best days of my life getting back and having my team out on the football field."

McGuire and his staff will have 15 practices this spring to introduce a new system under offensive coordinator Zach Kittley and defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. The Red Raiders bring back a bulk of experience with 14 returning starters on both sides of the ball, while already adding a mixture of talented additions with key transfers like linebacker Dimitri Moore, wide receiver Brady Boyd, defensive back Tyler Owens and offensive linemen Michael Shanahan, Cade Briggs and Monroe Mills, among others.

Tuesday's practice was the first of two in only helmets before the Red Raiders don the pads for the first time Saturday afternoon. Texas Tech will host its second practice under McGuire on Thursday afternoon following a typical schedule of workouts on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday most weeks.

The Red Raiders will conclude spring drills April 23 with the annual Spring Game held inside Jones AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. with free admission to all fans.