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ATHENS, Ohio – Prior to Ohio, Running Backs Coach and Passing Game Coordinator Brian Smith hadn't lived any further east that Pullman, Washington. 
 
"The only times I've ever lived outside of the west coast were when I was playing in NFL camps—Green Bay and Baltimore," said Smith.
 
The southern California native attended Hawaii after high school, where he was a long snapper and center before signing professional contracts with the Baltimore Ravens (2002) and the Green Bay Packers (2003). With his experience on the professional level, Smith hopes to help prepare student-athletes for playing beyond college.
 
"There are traits and skills you develop—how to prepare, practice and train like a professional," said Smith. "A lot of development there is going to translate with their ability on the field. My goal is to develop them to be complete, smart running backs that love playing football at a high level, understand the entirety of our offense and continue to bring a physical edge to our offense."
 
In 2005, Smith kick-started his collegiate coaching career as the running backs and wide receivers coach at California Lutheran, where he coached again in 2012. Smith bounced up and down the west coast, making multiple appearances at Hawaii (2004, 2008-11, 2016-19) with pit stops at Oregon State (2006), Portland State (2007) and Occidental College (2013-15). 
 
Most recently, Smith served as the offensive coordinator and running backs coach prior to being promoted to associate head coach at Washington State (2020-21). Under his guidance, the Cougars won the annual Apple Cup by the largest margin in school history (40-13). 
 
With fall camp underway, Smith is excited to be in Athens preparing for the 2022 season. 
 
"Every fall is great; the experience is always good," Smith said. "It's fun to be out with the players, coaching football and helping these kids get better." 
 
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