Assistant Head Coach | Running Backs | Recruiting Coordinator
Since joining the Southern Utah staff, Smith has helped lead the Thunderbirds to an 18-16 overall record, including a 7-5 finish in the 2024 season and a 6-2 mark in United Athletic Conference play. Coach Smith has been instrumental in developing the SUU running backs into a dynamic and competitive unit. Under his guidance, Targhee Lambson became a unanimous All-American selection and led all of FCS in rushing yards during the 2024 season. In the 2023 Battle for the Axe, the T-Birds had two separate 100-yard rushers, helping the team secure a 24-16 road victory.
Smith joined the Southern Utah staff after serving as the head football coach at Fort Lewis College for two seasons. Before Fort Lewis, Smith was the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Bryant University. Prior to his time at Bryant, Smith worked with the offense at UMass and developed one of the nation's leading running backs, Marquis Young.
Prior to his time at UMass, Smith was with Villanova for eight seasons, where he helped the Wildcats to the 2009 FCS National Championship. The Wildcats also won two CAA conference titles during Smith's tenure. Before Villanova, Smith also coached at Northeastern, James Madison, Idaho, Indiana (Pa.), and New Mexico Highlands University. Smith began coaching at Frostburg State University, where he also played defensive back and was a three-year starter. While there, he earned his bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education. Coach Smith recently completed his Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies through Southern Utah University.
