Spike Dykes began his illustrious 41-year coaching career as a small town Texas high school football coach. He had successful teams at Coahoma, Belton, Big Spring and Alice. From 1972-1979, he served as an assistant at Texas, New Mexico and Mississippi State. He then returned to Texas to coach at Midland Lee where he compiled a 34-12 record from 1980-1983. Dykes joined Texas Tech in 1984 as an assistant and took over the head job in 1986. During his 13-year tenure (1986-1999) he led the Red Raiders to six bowl games, including a thrilling 55-41 victory over Air Force in the 1995 Copper Bowl. He was named Southwest Conference Coach of the Year three times, won a SWC title and coached nine first team All-Americans. Other accomplishments include the 78 team or individual records that were set during his reign, and becoming the first coach to have two Doak Walker Award winners. In 1996, he was named the first ever Big 12 Coach of the Year. Dykes retired with more wins (82) than any coach in Texas Tech history. Dykes is a member of the TSHOF Class of 2007.