The rumored coaching changes at Texas Tech are now official.

Head coach Kliff Kingsbury has announced on Tuesday, December 1 that co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach Mike Smith, cornerbacks coach Kevin Curtis and outside linebackers coach Trey Haverty will not return for the 2016 season.

The three Texas Tech alumnus came when Kliff was hired in 2012. And while the team's offense has improved, the defense has gotten worse under all the defensive coordinators employed by Texas Tech.

Instead of changing coordinators, Texas Tech has cleaned house so David Gibbs can hire his own coaches and give him some freedom on that side of the ball.

Kingsbury knew this was a possibility when he hired his buddies when he was called home as the prodigal son.

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

All three changes are effective immediately rather than after the bowl game Texas Tech will play either at the end of December or in early January. Tech will discover its fate on College Football Selection Day, which is scheduled for Sunday, December 6.

David Gibbs and Kliff Kingsbury will look to make hires as quick as possible to help with bowl preparation and, more importantly, recruiting.

[Source: Texas Tech]

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