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 of 2012, Smith joined the Texas Tech Red Raiders as their co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach.  He reconnected with his former teammate, Kliff Kingsbury, who was appointed head coach for the team around the same time.