LAS CRUCES, N.M. – New Mexico State University offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Tyler Wright was fired for derogatory social media posts he made more than 10 years ago. Wright was under investigation for two weeks before his firing was officially announced on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
Wright was hired by former Aggie head coach Jerry Kill in 2022 as a tight end coach and special teams coordinator. First-year head coach Tony Sanchez promoted Wright to offensive coordinator this season.
Wright posted more than 150 social media posts containing derogatory language about African Americans, Hispanics, women and the LGBTQ+ community while he was a student and football player at Tarleton State University in Texas in 2014.
The decision to part-ways with Wright came after an extensive investigation where the university completed and reviewed the case deeming Wright’s actions to be fireable.
The news of Wright’s investigation broke on Friday, Sept. 27, before NMSU was scheduled to play rival the University of New Mexico. NMSU Director of Athletics Mario Moccia informed the public that Wight would not be with the team going forward as the investigation moves on. The Aggies went on to lose the game 50-40.
During the investigation, Wright missed games against UNM and Conference USA opponent Jacksonville State. The Aggies lost both games. The Aggies did snatch their first FBS win of the season against Conference USA opponent Louisiana Tech 33-30 in double-overtime Oct. 15 in Las Cruces, the team’s first official game without Wright as the play caller.
Calls to request comment from Coach Sanchez and NMSU Athletics were not returned
NMSU has not yet announced Wright’s replacement, but assistant head coach Andrew Mitchell has been the play caller for the past three games.
The Aggies next game will be played on the road at Pitbull Stadium against Conference USA opponent Florida International University Tuesday, Oct. 29. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. MDT.
Previous Coverage
News22 reported on the investigation into Wright:
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