There is typical a career arc coaches follow to land coordinator jobs.
Many start as players before getting an entry level position as a graduate assistant or analyst and then work their way into their first full-time role. After a few seasons of that, many coaches want the opportunity to call plays as a way to put their own stamp on their respective side of the ball.
Typically that's how a coordinator journey plays out, but there's always exceptions.
Southwestern College (NAIA - KS) is the recent home of one of those exceptions.
Just three seasons ago, Drew Smith was a standout linebacker and long snapper for the Southwestern program, where he earned All-Conference recognition three times, and helped the program to back-to-back KCAC titles and NAIA playoff appearances while carrying over a 3.7 GPA.
After graduating, Smith joined Brad Griffin's staff with the Moundbuilders and has spent the past two seasons as a graduate assistant where he has worked with the defensive backs and linebackers (mentoring a number of guys who earned postseason honors) while also assisting with the special teams.
Smith's impact has also been felt on the recruiting trail. In his short time on staff, Smith has been entrusted with, and had success in key recruiting areas in Kansas, namely Wichita and the Kansas City metro area, as well as Texas with a focus on Dallas and Houston.
Yesterday, Southwestern head coach Brad Griffin announced his former player and top young assistant had earned a promotion to the defensive coordinator spot.
"We are thrilled to have Drew step into this leadership role," Griffin shared of his latest promotion.
"His experience as both a player and a coach at Southwestern, along with his ability to develop talent and build relationships, makes him a great fit for our staff. He knows what it takes to win in this program, and we're excited for the future with him leading our defense."
Smith takes over a defense that helped pave the way for an impressive 11-2 finish to last fall that ended in the second round of the NAIA playoffs with a 24-13 loss to a top 3 Indiana Wesleyan squad.
Stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.