Football Names Alex Smith Defensive Coordinator

The former Central Michigan football defensive end/linebacker has been coaching for 12 years

Whether lining up for Central Michigan University or coaching from the sidelines, Alex Smith has relished the havoc a well-schemed defense can create on the football field.

The 35-year-old native of Portland, Oregon, will bring a track record of competitive excellence to the Hope College football team as the Flying Dutchmen's new defensive coordinator, head coach Peter Stuursma announced.

"We are very excited to welcome Alex Smith to the Hope College football family," Stuursma said. "A highly successful defensive mind, Alex is a high-energy guy who loves his players and will be an incredible asset to our program, not only defensively, but also with recruiting through his vast connections with high school football. His defensive presentation and instant connection with our player committee were truly amazing to observe. Alex will have our guys well prepared through his teaching skills and work ethic. We are so excited to have Alex and his wife, Julia, be a part of Hope College."

Smith takes over a nationally ranked Hope defense that has been a catalyst in the team's back-to-back NCAA Division III playoff appearances the past two seasons, a first in program history. The Flying Dutchmen posted a 9-2 record last season.

Smith follows Jacob Pardonnet '18, who left last month to become the defensive coordinator at NCAA Division II Saginaw Valley State University.

"I don't take lightly the responsibility that comes with coaching at Hope College," Smith said. "I'm thankful for the trust placed in me and eager to work alongside a staff and group of student-athletes who care deeply about representing this program and institution the right way."

Smith played for Central Michigan between 2009 and 2013 after being recruited out of Barrington High School in Chicago. A four-year letterwinner, Smith started multiple games at defensive end, inside linebacker, and outside linebacker for the Chippewas.

Following his graduation from CMU, Smith went into coaching. He has spent the last 11 seasons at the high school level in Michigan, primarily as a defensive coordinator, elevating his defenses' play wherever he has coached.

Most recently, Smith served as defensive coordinator at East Kentwood High School for two seasons. Last fall, East Kentwood reached the state semifinals for the third time in program history at the Division 1 level. The Falcons, who finished with a 10-3 record and doubled their win total from the previous season, recorded 21 takeaways — 16 more than Smith's first season.

From 2022-23, Smith coached at Muskegon Reeths-Puffer as defensive coordinator. The Rockets launched their best scoring defense since joining the OK Conference in 2003 during his tenure.

In 2021, Smith guided Holton High School to the state playoffs for the sixth time in program history as head coach.

Smith also served as the defensive coordinator at Grand Rapids Christian (2020), Spring Lake (2018-19), and Shepherd (2015-18). Spring Lake and Shepherd both allowed at least 10 fewer points in Smith's first season calling defenses.

In 2014, Smith coached as a graduate assistant at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee, working with defensive ends. Current Denver Broncos pass rush specialist Brandon Jordan mentored Smith.

Smith holds a Master's of Education degree from the University of Texas at Arlington (2025) and a bachelor's degree in physical education and health from Central Michigan (2013).

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