Brian Smith - Defense - Simplicity & Variety

The Coach

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Brian Smith became Rice University's defensive coordinator in December 2018, following two years as Michigan's defensive backs coach. After coaching linebackers at Rice for two seasons, he returned to coaching safeties, a role he initially held during his first three years there. Smith's coaching has led to notable achievements, including developing standout players like linebacker Blaze Alldredge and defensive tackle Elijah Garcia.

Under Smith's guidance, Rice's defense significantly improved, ranking among the top in Conference USA and nationally in various categories. Notably, his 2020 defense ranked third in total defense in C-USA and 26th nationally, showcasing remarkable progress. Smith also had successful coaching stints with Michigan and NFL teams like the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. He began his coaching career at the University of Massachusetts, where he played a key role in mentoring players like Victor Cruz. Smith's extensive coaching experience and dedication to player development highlight his contributions to football.