By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director
CHADRON, Neb. – January 30, 2020 – Chadron State College Head Football Coach Jay Long announced on Thursday the addition of former Eagles wide receiver Micah Smith to the football coaching staff as the offensive coordinator, beginning immediately.
"I'm very excited to announce the hire of Micah as our next offensive coordinator," said Long. He was born an Eagle, and after his interview, I knew that he was qualified and ready to come back home. We can't wait to get Micah, Jadrianne, and Joslyn here."
Since hanging up his cleats at Chadron State in 2007, Smith has strung together 11 consecutive years of coaching at NCAA Divisions I, II and III, NAIA, Nebraska State College System, and Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference institutions.
Smith last coached at NAIA Mayville State University in fall of 2019. As the MSU offensive coordinator, Smith tutored the North Star Athletic Association's leader for total offense per game. He also increased the team's scoring output by nearly 25 percent in his only season there.
Recently, Smith received the title of interim head coach at Mayville for the past several weeks, after the departure of the head coach, who was former CSC defensive coordinator Jeff Larson.
Prior to Mayville, Smith spent five seasons at Division I FCS Eastern Illinois University, first as tight ends coach but later as co-special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach. The Panthers were 24-16 in the Ohio Valley Conference during those years, earning an FCS playoff berth in 2015. In addition, Smith mentored four all-conference and one All-America selection during that term.
Stints as position coach at Division III Wabash College and CSC's conference rival Fort Lewis preceded the Eastern Illinois job. At FLC, Smith coached one season under coaching legend John L. Smith.
Smith's first college coaching job was at Wayne State College in Nebraska. There, as a graduate assistant with wide receivers responsibilities, he oversaw the rise to All-America status of both Frederick Bruno, as well as former CSC offensive coordinator Logan Masters, in 2009.
Following his graduation from CSC, he coached the 2008 season at Chadron High, where he helped lead the Cardinals to the the state semifinals. There he worked with none other than senior quarterback Jonn McLain, who was named All-State First Team Captain following the season. McLain went on to an illustrious career with CSC, beginning the following year.
"I'd like to thank CSC President Dr. Randy Rhine, Athletic Director Joel Smith, and Coach Long for allowing me this opportunity," said Smith. "Words can't describe how excited I am to come home. This college, community, and football program have been so good to me. This is my opportunity to try to repay the debt that I owe. Raising my family in a place that is nothing but supportive is a chance that I couldn't pass up."
"There were four characteristics that we were looking for in our next coordinator," added Long. Those were commitment to Eagles football, a similar offensive philosophy to our current one, an understanding about recruiting top student-athletes to Chadron, and an appreciation for what it takes to be successful here. Micah has gained valuable experience at all levels of NCAA football, coaching just about every offensive position, and serving as interim head coach. He'll add a tremendous amount of coaching knowledge to our program."
Smith is the youngest of three children of longtime CSC head football coach Brad Smith, a CSC Hall of Famer, Class of 2010, and the winningest coach in Chadron State history. Brad was named to the RMAC All-Centennial Team as head coach in 2009, the RMAC Hall of Fame in 2011, and the Nebraska Football Coaches Hall of Fame, just last year.
Micah Smith received his master's degree from Wayne State and his bachelor's from Chadron State, where he earned a place as the punt returner on the school's All-Century team, helping the Eagles to two conference titles and two playoff berths. He and his wife, Jadrianne have one daughter, Joslyn.