University of New Haven Athletics

Chris Smith starts his third season at New Haven in 2016, with responsibility for the offensive line as well as serving as the run game coordinator.

Prior to arriving at UNH, Smith spent two seasons as offensive line coach at the University of Northern Colorado, a member of NCAA Division I. The New York native was a member of the coaching staff which led Northern Colorado to its most successful season at the NCAA Division I level with a program record for wins and Big Sky Conference finish. In two years with the Bears, he coached an offensive line which ranked sixth (2013) and fifth (2012) in the Big Sky Conference in sacks against. Smith also coached four Big Sky All-Conference honorable mention selections in his two seasons at UNC.

Before Northern Colorado, Smith spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at the University at Buffalo where he helped coach the linebackers. Smith coordinated the scout team and assisted with all scout special team units as well.

Smith is a 2009 graduate of Holy Cross, where he was a four-year starting center for the Crusaders football team. He was honored as a second-team All-Patriot League performer his senior year and was a four-time Academic All-League selection. He graduated holding the school record for most starts and most consecutive starts (45). In 2009 Smith was a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top scholar-athletes.

A western New York native, Smith played high school football for his father Jerry Smith at St. Francis High School in Buffalo.