Chatting with Our High School Leaders: MHS's Jeff Smith

contributed by: joearriolajr

By Joe Arriola

Sports Reporter -- TOWNSQUAREBUZZ.com

Before landing his first head coaching gig at McKinney High, Jeff Smith was the defensive coordinator for a Lake Highlands football team that featured the #1 ranked defense in the DFW area. The Lions had a plenty of issues on defense for Smith to clean up and he and his staff managed to turn things around in 2010. Although McKinney High failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2007, the Lions totaled the same number of wins (4) as each of the previous playoff teams. Smith's players also laid the foundation for what is sure to be an exciting season of football this fall and beyond.

In addition to coaching football, Smith has taught U.S. History, Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History, World History, World Geography, Physical Education and Health. He has also worked with the PALs Program (Peer Assistance and Leadership. He is actively involved in the Texas High School Coaches Association, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Coaches Outreach. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He and his wife Kelli are the proud parents of son Jake and daughter Allie.
 

Are you a dog or a cat person?

Dog person.

Do you have a dog?

No, I don't. My wife is not that much of a dog person but I think we're getting close because both kids want one and I want one and she's becoming outnumbered quickly.

What's your favorite movie?

The Natural or Hoosiers.

Favorite song or band?

I don't really have a favorite song. But I listen to a lot of George Strait.

Is there a person who influenced you the most in your decision to become a football coach?

Probably my high school coach Perry Graves. He was a very good coach and someone I really admired as a young high school player. He took an interest in me and opened his home up and really took me in. He didn't just teach me the game of football but he really encouraged me in being a man and learning the game and growing up. He's definitely one of the main reasons why I'm a coach.

Do you still keep in touch with coach Graves?

Yeah, actually he has two sons that were little bitty when I was playing but they're both coaching. He is a principal in a small school down near Galveston.

Outside of football, do you have any hobbies?

I like to play golf. I like to fish. Those are my two favorite things to do.

What's your favorite sports team?

It would have to be either the Dallas Cowboys or the Texas Rangers.

If you weren't a high school football coach, what would you be doing?

I don't see myself doing anything else. I love kids and the chance to work with kids everyday. The business world is not for me. I tell you what - if there was something else I could do it would be to run a youth sports camp. A camp that works with kids for various reasons and uses sports as that vehicle to motivate them.

You've only been here at McKinney High for a short time but is there something you're most proud so far?

I'm proud of the work ethic the kids put in and I'm proud of the effort that they gave this year. I thought that everyone from the coaches to the kids worked very hard this year. We did everything we could do - every day, every week, every hour. I'm proud of the effort by everyone involved.

Editor's Note: This is the ninth and final part of a recent series in which you get to know your MISD high school leaders. Links to the first eight are included below for your convenience.

Part I, North principal Jimmy Spann: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-norths-jimmy-spann/0/24501/n/24502

Part II, North band director Alan Harkey: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-norths-alan-harkey/11995/24732/n/24733

Part III, North athletics director Mike Fecci: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-norths-mike-fecci/17168/24760/n/24816

Part IV, Boyd principal Rick McDaniel: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-boyd-s-rick-mcdaniel/11995/24753/n/24754

Part V, Boyd band director Joe Nunez: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-boyd-s-joe-nunez/11995/24966/n/24968

Part VI, Boyd athletics director Don Drake: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-boyds-don-drake/17168/25057/n/25058

Part VII, MHS principal Stewart Herrington: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-mckinney-high-schools-stewart-herrington/11995/25143/n/25144

Part VIII, MHS band director Ken Ringel: http://townsquarebuzz.com/chatting-our-high-school-leaders-mhss-ken-ringel/11995/25152/n/25153