Rod Smith Bio

Similar to offensive line coach Greg Frey, Smith was in his third season at Michigan after previously being on the West Virginia staff. Smith also played QB for Rich Rod at Glenville State. Smith was integral to the success of 2008 Fiesta Bowl Most Valuable Player Pat White. White was the 2007 Big East Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for over 1,300 yards and passing for 1,700 yards. He also rushed for 14 touchdowns and tossed 14 passing scores.

Smith originally worked at WVU as an offensive graduate assistant in 2001, but was quickly offered a full-time position coaching the quarterbacks at South Florida (2001-04). He mentored the signal callers for four years at USF before being elevated to offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for his final two seasons (2005-06).

All-Conference Performers

1998: Frank Carrico (All-MSFA)
2001: Marquel Blackwell (All-Independent)
2002: Marquel Blackwell (All-Independent/Player of the Year)
2006: Matt Grothe (Big East Rookie of the Year)
2007: Pat White (1st, Big East)

College Bowl Experience (4)

Clemson: Gator (2001)
South Florida: Meineke Car Care (2005), Papajohns.com (2006)
West Virginia: Fiesta Bowl (2007).

Coaching Philosophy

“Coaching started to appeal to me as a profession when I faced the fact that my playing days were coming to an end. Coaching allows me to stay involved with football and keep competitive, but more than that, it allows me to help develop young kids into men along the way. That development process in life is so important, and coaches can make a great impact. It’s wonderful to be a part of that.”