[1][2][3] He had been employed as the defensive coordinator for the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
[4] Kaufman graduated from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, playing at the linebacker position for the Boll Weevils.
[3] In the 2009 season, Kaufman was named to the list of finalists for the Broyles Award given to the top assistant in college football.
[6] On January 10, 2012, Kaufman was announced as the new defensive coordinator for the Texas Tech Red Raiders and former employer Tommy Tuberville, replacing Chad Glasgow.
[8] In the opening game of the 2012 season against the Northwestern State Demons, Kaufman's defense set a school record of only 84 yards allowed.
[11] The Red Raiders maintained their number 1 ranking after a Week 5 defeat of their first Big 12 conference opponent, the Iowa State Cyclones.
Kaufman was again praised for the performance of the defense, with Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports also naming him as the frontrunner for the Broyles Award.