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Former Texas Tech co-DC says he knew before season he'd be fired

Mike Smith knew 2015 would be his final season with Texas Tech.

Smith was fired as Tech's co-defensive coordinator after the conclusion of the 2015 season. Smith told RedRaiders.com he was told about his firing before the season began. Seriously.

“This wasn’t a surprise to me,” Smith told the site. “Even way before the season started, it was known and I was told I would be fired after the season. So I chose to stay. I made a lot of promises to my guys and to my players. It wasn’t time for me to go somewhere else with (coming off) a bad season. I just love Texas Tech. Even if it’s one year, it’s worth one year.”

We have to believe Smith made a rare choice to stay. Can you imagine a lot of coaches sticking out a season knowing they were going to be dismissed when it was over? The revelation is another interesting one involving former Texas Tech defensive assistants. When the school parted ways with former assistant Matt Wallerstedt in 2014, Smith said Wallerstedt was giving away signals. Wallerstedt denied the allegations.

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Smith first being told of his firing after the season wouldn't have been a surprise either. Texas Tech was 125th in the country in total defense. The average score of a Texas Tech game was 46-43 (the Red Raiders won!) and Tech gave up 50+ points four times.

Smith told the site he was relieved of his duties on Friday and conveyed the news to his players on Sunday. Tech beat Texas on Thanksgiving to finish the regular season 7-5.

“I’m OK with that,” he said. “I’m not mad. That’s just how it is. If somebody else helps this program win, I’m all for it. That’s how much I love this university and just want to them to be successful. It’s tough, but it’s part of the business. It’s not hard feelings. I still love Texas Tech as much now as I did a year ago and five years ago.

“Texas Tech has given me eight years of wonderful memories, playing and coaching. I hope I can come back and watch games and hang out. It was a fun ride.”

Smith, who was elevated from linebackers coach in 2014, shared defensive duties at Tech with defensive coordinator David Gibbs, who is still with the team. Smith was one of three assistants who are parting ways with the team. Tech announced Tuesday that outside linebackers coach Trey Haverty and defensive backs coach Kevin Curtis would not return.

For more Texas Tech news, visit RedRaiderSports.com.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!