Missouri's linebackers coach/co-defensive coordinator DJ Smith reportedly accepted a position to become the next defensive coordinator of Appalachian State.
Welcome back home, @CoachDjSmith!
— App State Football (@AppState_FB) December 30, 2024
A championship former player and coach with the Mountaineers, Smith returns to his alma mater as defensive coordinator. He has spent the last five seasons coaching linebackers at Missouri, including the last three as co-defensive coordinator.… pic.twitter.com/pWMHWv9S9y
Smith has quite the history with the Mountaineers, having played for App State during its 2007 FCS National Championship run, recording over 500 tackles for the program in his tenure.
He first returned to his alma matter in 2016, quickly rising within the program, going from a defensive analyst to linebackers coach within the span of three years. When Eli Drinkwitz made the transition from App State to Mizzou in 2019, Smith eventually followed just a year later.
Smith quickly rose within Mizzou's program as well, becoming a co-defensive coordinator in 2022 under Blake Baker. When Baker left for LSU last offseason, Smith's future came into question, but ultimately he stuck with the Tigers in the same co-defensive coordinator position.
When he returns to App State this time, Smith will be spear-heading the defensive play-calling for the Mountaineers.