Texas Tech basketball coach Chris Beard was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year on Thursday.

Beard is the first Texas Tech basketball coach to receive the award since the AP started awarding it in 1967.

KAMC News reports that Beard has led the Tech men's basketball team to a 30-6 record, back-to-back Elite Eight appearances, and the program's first berth into the Final Four this season.

Beard was also named the Big 12 Coach of the Year and the USBWA District VII Coach of the Year during the 2018-2019 season.

Tech is set to face Michigan State in the Final Four on Saturday, April 6th at 7:49 p.m. In Minneapolis.

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