Hours after multiple outlets reported that Texas Tech defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt had been fired, the program announced that Wallerstedt has resigned due to “personal reasons.”
"I have submitted my resignation to Coach (Kliff) Kingsbury effective immediately because I want the best for the Red Raider program, and this will allow them to go in a different direction on defense," Wallerstedt said in a statement. "I love our players and this school and have only their best interest in my heart and mind. I wish Coach Kingsbury every success this season."
Wallerstedt joined the TTU staff as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in 2013 after previous stints coaching at Texas A&M, Air Force, Kansas State, Akron and others. His defense had struggled through the first three games of the 2014 season. Last Saturday, the Red Raiders gave up 438 rushing yards in a 49-28 home loss to Arkansas. Overall, the Red Raiders ranked 94th in the country in total defense.
“We appreciate all Coach Wallerstedt has done at Texas Tech and we wish him the best,” Kingsbury said.
According to RedRaiderSports.com’s Matt Clare, Wallerstedt and the program parting ways was “not due to on-field performance,” while ESPN.com’s Jake Trotter reported that Wallerstedt “was suspected of being at the school’s football building while under the influence of an unknown substance.”
With Wallerstedt out of the picture, the school announced that Mike Smith, formerly the team’s co-defensive coordinator, would now lead the defense. Smith, a TTU alum, played two seasons in the NFL and was an assistant with the New York Jets and at the University of Hawaii before returning to Texas Tech.
The Red Raiders have a bye this week but will return to the field on the road against Oklahoma State on September 25.
For more Texas Tech news, visit RedRaiderSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
From Dr. Saturday - NCAAF - Yahoo Sports - Texas Tech announces resignation of defensive coordinator Matt Wallerstedt
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