Inside Mike Smith's journey from the Hub City to Super Bowl LX.
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech will be represented at Super Bowl LX.
It's not one of the normal suspects in Wes Welker or Patrick Mahomes on the field, but rather a coach on the sidelines.
Mike Smith, the New England Patriots' outside linebackers coach, is a Texas Tech alum and former Red Raiders linebacker from 2000-04. He is also a Lubbock native, having graduated from Coronado High School.
At the time of his graduation, Smith was one of just five players in program history to suit up in at least 50 games for the Red Raiders. He was a four-year letterwinner, team MVP and captain during his career in the Scarlet and Black under legendary head coach Mike Leach.
After leading the team in tackles and receiving Honorable Mention honors in the Big 12 as a senior, Smith was drafted in the seventh round by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2005 NFL Draft. He played for the Ravens for three seasons before injuries forced him to retire in 2008.
Smith quickly transitioned into coaching shortly thereafter, landing back in his hometown of Lubbock to coach at his alma mater from 2013-15 in a variety of roles under Leach's second predecessor Kliff Kingsbury.
Since making the jump into the professional ranks, Smith has led some of the best pass-rushing units in the league.
He has stops at some of the most historic NFL franchises in the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Patriots.
Smith's career highlights include helping players like Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith reach the Pro Bowl. Hunter, who is now the fifth highest-paid defensive end in football, recorded a career-high 16.5 sacks under Smith's tutelage in Minnesota in 2023.
This season, the Patriots meet the Seattle Seahawks in a winner-take-all season finale that spotlights dominant defense.
New England ended the regular season as a top-10 defense against the pass and the run while allowing 18.8 points per game, the fourth-least in the league.
In this three-game postseason run, head coach Mike Vrabel - also a former linebacker - has seen his defense go on a tear only allowing 209.7 yards and 8.7 points per game - both tops in the NFL.
Mike Smith has helped his outside linebackers register 12.0 sacks and a +3 turnover differential so far in the postseason.
He looks to continue that success to potentially allow the Patriots to hoist their league-leading seventh Vince Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl LX.
Smith will be representing Texas Tech and Lubbock every step of the way.
