Coach Sam Smith brings a wealth of experience, a proven track record of success, and a passion for player development to his role as General Manager and Head Coach of the Seattle Sabercats.
Most recently, Coach Smith led his team in the Gridiron Developmental Football League (GDFL) to the 2023 National Championship Game in Washington, D.C., finishing the season with a stellar 10-1 record and earning a No. 4 national ranking. In his debut season with the team, they posted a 10-2 record, capturing their conference championship. As Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator of the Rebels, Coach Smith’s defenses ranked among the best in the nation for two consecutive seasons—top 3 in total defense, top 3 in sacks and interceptions, and top 2 in points allowed, averaging only 8.3 points per game. Over two seasons, his defensive unit produced 13 All-Pro selections.
Prior to his success in the GDFL, Coach Smith built a solid collegiate coaching résumé, including multiple tenures at Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri. At Avila:
- He coached Offensive Line, producing two All-Conference players.
- He served as Linebackers Coach, mentoring three All-Conference selections.
- He then moved to Defensive Line Coach, where he developed an All-American Defensive End and three additional All-Conference players.
In 2015, Coach Smith joined Texas College as the Recruiting Coordinator and Linebackers Coach. There, he helped the program achieve its best record in years and recruited over 35 student-athletes across Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. One of his linebackers earned First-Team All-Conference honors and led the team in sacks.
Coach Smith returned to Avila University in 2016, once again as Recruiting Coordinator and Linebackers Coach. His recruiting success played a pivotal role in Avila’s rise into the NAIA Top 25 national rankings for the first time in school history. He helped guide the team to back-to-back 7–3 seasons, the most successful two-year stretch in the program’s history at the time. Multiple players he recruited earned All-Conference recognition.
Coach Smith began his coaching career at University Academy High School in Kansas City, Missouri. Starting as the Linebackers and Offensive Line Coach, he was quickly promoted to Defensive Coordinator in his second year. Over five seasons as DC, he coached numerous All-Conference athletes and helped lead the team to its first conference championship.