Sam Smith begins his first season with the Western Football coaching staff in 2015. Smith will assist the defense with an emphasis on coaching defensive backs. Smith is also currently a Heads Up Football Assistant Master Trainer for USA Football.
Prior to Western, Smith played professional football for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL), Indoor Football League (IFL) and Arena Football League (AFL) from 2006-12.
After ending his playing career, Smith moved into a coaching roll first with the Lakeland Raiders of the AFL as a defensive backs and linebacker coach during the 2012-13 season.
A St. Petersburg, Florida native, Smith then began coaching at St. Petersburg High School where he served as a defensive backs, linebackers and special teams coach until coming to Gunnison. While at St. Petersburg, Smith helped guide multiple Green Devils to NCAA Division I scholarships.
In addition to coaching, Smith was an educator at Pinellas County Schools in Florida from 2012 until his departure to Western in 2015. Smith taught physical education and health to students in kindergarteners through 12th grade.
Along with coaching duties at St. Petersburg High School in 2014, Smith became defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the St. Petersburg Tide of the PSFL during that year.
Smith earned his bachelor's degree in sports management from Delaware State University in 2006. As a Hornet, Smith captained the football team for three seasons, was a three-time all-conference performer and a two-time All-America selection.
Â
