Alex Smith was introduced as Hope College’s defensive coordinator on Feb. 12, 2026. The native of Portland, Oregon, played defensive end and linebacker at Central Michigan University between the 2009 and 2013 seasons and was a four-year letterwinner for the Chippewas after being recruited out of Barrington High School in Chicago.
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).
After graduating from CMU, Smith went into coaching and has spent the last 11 seasons coaching 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.
