Al Smith - Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers - Football Coaches

Al Smith

Title:
Defensive Coordinator / Linebackers
Email:
al.smith@uni.edu

Al Smith begins his first season with the Panthers ahead of the 2025 season after spending the past six years as defensive coordinator/linebackers coach at Drake. He originally joined the Bulldogs as linebackers coach in 2014. Under his direction, Drake held six opponents under 20 points during the 2024 campaign after permitting a mere 12.1 ppg in conference play in 2023. Prior to his arrival at Drake, Smith helped found the football program at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota. After beginning his tenure as defensive backs coach in 2008, he helped guide the squad to a pair of NCAA Division III playoff appearances in his final two campaigns as defensive coordinator/linebackers coach. Smith was a two-time team captain and all-conference performer during his playing career at Wingate University.