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ATHENS, Ohio— The Ohio football team announced today (July 1) that former Washington State Cougars associate head coach Brian Smith will be joining the Bobcats' coaching staff as the running backs coach and passing game coordinator. 
 
"Coach Brian Smith is an experienced play-caller who has been an integral part of exceptional offenses throughout his impressive career. We're excited to see the innovations he'll bring to our personnel," said head coach Tim Albin. "We couldn't be happier that he's joining our staff and we're thrilled to welcome him to Athens and Ohio University football." 
 
Smith was the Cougars' offensive coordinator and running backs coach prior to being promoted to associate head coach. In 2020, he saw five student-athletes earn All-PAC 12 Conference honors and produced the PAC-12's top red zone offense and third-best passing attack. Smith also coached the 2021 PAC-12 Freshman of the Year, Jayden de Laura. 
 
Prior to Pullman, Smith was the University of Hawaii's associate head coach and offensive coordinator, working specifically with running backs and tight ends from 2016-19, where he previously coached from 2008-11. In 2018, he oversaw the No. 9 ranked passing offense, averaging 310 yards per game, and mentored nationally ranked quarterback Cole McDonald, who was No. 6 in passing touchdowns (36) and No. 8 in total passing yards (3,875). Smith directed the 2016 offense, which scored 40 or more points on three occasions, highlighted by a 52-35 Hawaii Bowl victory. 
 
From 2013-15, Smith was Occidental College's offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. The 2015 team averaged 33.8 points and 480.6 yards total of offense per game. Under Smith's leadership, quarterback Bryan Scott was named the 2013 SCIAC Newcomer of the Year and running back Kwame Do was named the 2015 SCIAC Offensive Player of the Year. Prior to Occidental, Smith served as the offensive line coach at California Lutheran in 2012 after his first coaching stint at Hawaii. While there, he led the Kingsmen to a league championship and the second-best scoring offense in NCAA Division III. Smith previously coached California Lutheran in 2005, where he worked with running backs and receivers. 
 
In 2007, Smith took a position with Portland State as an offensive line coach after spending 2006 as a graduate assistant at Oregon State. 

"My family and I are excited to be moving to Athens and work for Coach Albin, who's vision for developing a team is inline with my values as a husband, father and coach. I cannot wait to work with the outstanding players at Ohio University and help them reach their potential as student-athletes," said Smith. " I am looking forward to building on the foundation that is in place that the OU community will be proud of." 
 
Smith was a long snapper and center at Hawaii from 1998-01 before signing professional contracts with the Baltimore Ravens (2002) and Green Bay Packers (2003). He earned his bachelor's degree from Hawaii and continued his education at California Lutheran, earning his master's degree. Smith and his wife, Liane, have one daughter, Chloe. 
 
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