Texas Tech fires 3 defensive coaches

Texas Tech fired three defensive coaches Tuesday, the team announced.

Co-defensive coordinator Mike Smith, defensive line coach Kevin Curtis, and outside linebacker coach Trey Haverty all got the axe after a troublesome defensive campaign for the Red Raiders.

"We appreciate all that Mike, Kevin, and Trey have done at Texas Tech over the last three seasons," head coach Kliff Kingsbury said. "All three are great Red Raiders and we wish them the very best."

All three coaches arrived to Texas Tech with Kingsbury in 2013.

The Red Raiders improved from 4-8 to 7-5 in 2015, but were ranked 125th in total defense, allowing 540.2 yards per game.