In late December 2012, Smith was hired to be the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders. He reunited with former teammate Kliff Kingsbury, who became the team's head coach earlier the same month.
In late December 2012, Smith was hired to work as a defensive coordinator and linebackers coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.  He reconnected with his former teammate, Kliff Kingsbury, who became the head coach of the team around the same time.