Texas Tech defensive coordinator resigns

LUBBOCK, Texas, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Texas Tech defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich resigned and will be replaced in the interim by assistant head coach Ruffin McNeill.

Athletic director Gerald Myers said the move, which follows a 49-45 loss to Oklahoma State that featured the Texas team giving up four big-play touchdowns and three 100-yard rushes, was initiated by head coach Mike Leach, the Lubbock (Texas) Avalanche-Journal reported Monday.

"Mike told me early this morning that he was going to talk to Lyle today about this," Myers said Sunday. "Mike did initiate it and felt he needed to talk to Lyle about it, and so that's what transpired. ... I think they just decided that a change needed to be made on defense."

McNeill will be in charge of the linebackers, as had been Setencich.

Leach said Setencich's departure was also motivated by personal issues.

"The biggest thing is he's got some personal, family issues to deal with," Leach said. "Trying to take care of both, I think, was a tall order for anybody. So we wish him and the family the best."

McNeill said Setencich's wife, Kathy, has been in the hospital for several days.