Red Raiders in the World

It’s the bye week, which means a breather to check in on some Red Raiders coaching at other programs or performing in sports other than football.

At the conclusion of the regular season last year, there was a major coaching shakeup on the defensive side of the ball and turnover on the offensive side. For those of you not aware of where those coaches ended up this season here is your chance to find out.

Mike Smith - Kansas City Chiefs: Asst. DL Coach

The guy who was once called “the 2nd best known used-car salesman in Lubbock” while the Tech defense struggled, Smith has landed on his feet back in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith was widely thought of as one of the brightest young defensive minds in the NFL, earning praise from Rex Ryan and turning down multiple job offers from the NFL every year he was coaching at Tech. When it was official that he would not be retained with Tech, the calls came pouring in.

Kevin Curtis - Louisiana Tech: DB Coach

Coach Curtis went back to the program he left to come to Tech back in 2013. He has major ties to Louisiana and was a big recruiter for Tech in that state during his time here. Through 3 games, Curtis has shown his pedigree by keeping Arkansas in check in Fayetteville in a tough 21-20 loss. Currently the entire D is ranked 91st in the country, but coming off a week facing Texas Tech’s offense, that tends to happen.

Trey Haverty - Lamar University: Defensive Coordinator

The former OLB coach for the Red Raiders, ended up calling the defensive plays for FCS program Lamar. Strangely enough, on a recommendation from Baylor DC Phil Bennett. It’s interesting how much of a fraternity coaching is and who will go to bat for you when you’re in between jobs. During his first year as DC, there have been highs and lows, and the stats look a lot like Texas Tech’s (109 out of 122 in total D). Hopefully, Coach Haverty can keep progressing and turn it around.

BASEBALL

Chad Bettis - Colorado Rockies: SP

Bettis is having a solid year as the 2016 season comes to a close. And though the Rockies aren’t in contention for the playoffs, that doesn’t diminish their ability to play spoiler against the Dodgers who are fighting for the second wild card spot. Bettis is 13-7 with 4.79 ERA and is developing into one of the better pitchers with his best years still ahead of him.

AJ Ramos - Miami Marlins - Closer

Ramos continues to have a strong season with the Marlins on the outside looking in at the moment in the wild card race. Ramos has complied a 1-5 record with a 2.95 ERA and 38 saves, while also earning a All-Star spot earlier this season. If Ramos continues to stay healthy it looks like he’s done enough to be the front-runner for closer going into 2017.