Coach Smith is bringing 15 years of AFL experience into his first season as Head Coach of the LA KISS. Smith was previously assistant Head Coach, and defensive coordinator, of the 2015 ArenaBowl Champion, San Jose SaberCats. He is tied with the late, Coach Tim Marcum, with an AFL record 7 ArenaBowl championships.
A native of Torrance, California, Smith attended Bishop Montgomery High School and earned all-league honors in football, basketball and track. His skills earned him a football scholarship to San Jose State University where he played all four years. After graduating from San Jose State, Smith joined the AFL where he was a key part to three championship seasons with the San Jose SaberCats in2002, 2004 and 2007. He was also with the Tampa Bay Storm during their championship season in 2003. Smith’s famed career ended after his 9th season in the AFL. He tallied an impressive 35 interceptions, 88 pass breakups and 8 defensive touchdowns.
Smith brings 7 years of coaching experience to the LA KISS. Most recently, he spent the last two years with the San Jose SaberCats, as assistant Head Coach and defensive coordinator. His defense led the SaberCats to their 2015 ArenaBowl championship. Prior to the SaberCats, he served as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Rattlers, where his defense surrendered the second least points per game from 2011-2013 and won the ArenaBowl in both 2012 and 2013. Smith started his AFL coaching career, in 2009, as the defensive back coach for the Arkansas Twisters.