DJ Smith

[DomCrosetto]

Loved this part of the conversation last night. I'd VERY excited about this hire!

https://youtu.be/maejQ67aDHo?si=8o9MKVfN7BlQsEBu

[Saint3333]

By all accounts he was a high IQ player and has experience as a player (all levels), been around successful people, and has recruiting experience.

I would be excited about DJ. Would need a quality OC.

[ASUTodd]

By all accounts he was a high IQ player and has experience as a player (all levels), been around successful people, and has recruiting experience.

I would be excited about DJ. Would need a quality OC.

You hit the nail on the head. Gotta have a good OC..... DJ has what it takes I wouldn't mind him as a coach. Those NFL ties would be a plus.

[AppinVA]

I’m warming to DJ. I am still intrigued by Casey Woods. If we haven’t announced anything by Saturday night, he will be auditioning Saturday night in Charlotte.

[AppSt94]

Not opposed to DJ but is an App guy with 2 years as a “Co-DC” a big step over a position coach?

[Mjohn1988]

My wife taught DJ in middle school. Was a quality kid from a solid family.

[BallantyneApp]

Not opposed to DJ but is an App guy with 2 years as a “Co-DC” a big step over a position coach?

Imo co dc @sec> OL @sum belt and he was also recruiting coordinator which is a plus

[Saint3333]

Not opposed to DJ but is an App guy with 2 years as a “Co-DC” a big step over a position coach?

Three years (2022-2024), but splitting hairs.

- High IQ
- Recruiting Coordinator for the successful years at Mizz
- Has been surrounded by success at every position

He's not the best option on paper compared to the other candidates, but would be intriguing. Is the era of the HC being a CEO type, I like my chances with someone passionate and intelligent.

[BeauFoster]

Not opposed to DJ but is an App guy with 2 years as a “Co-DC” a big step over a position coach?

Three years (2022-2024), but splitting hairs.

- High IQ
- Recruiting Coordinator for the successful years at Mizz
- Has been surrounded by success at every position

He's not the best option on paper compared to the other candidates, but would be intriguing. Is the era of the HC being a CEO type, I like my chances with someone passionate and intelligent.

He’s also worked at multiple places, under multiple coaches. If you’re gonna go the coordinator route, I think those are almost requirements at this point.

[AppSt94]

Not opposed to DJ but is an App guy with 2 years as a “Co-DC” a big step over a position coach?

Three years (2022-2024), but splitting hairs.

- High IQ
- Recruiting Coordinator for the successful years at Mizz
- Has been surrounded by success at every position

He's not the best option on paper compared to the other candidates, but would be intriguing. Is the era of the HC being a CEO type, I like my chances with someone passionate and intelligent.

He’s also worked at multiple places, under multiple coaches. If you’re gonna go the coordinator route, I think those are almost requirements at this point.

I don’t have a problem with DJ. Some position coaches can have the same pedigree without the title.

[DomCrosetto]

Not opposed to DJ but is an App guy with 2 years as a “Co-DC” a big step over a position coach?

Three years (2022-2024), but splitting hairs.

- High IQ
- Recruiting Coordinator for the successful years at Mizz
- Has been surrounded by success at every position

He's not the best option on paper compared to the other candidates, but would be intriguing. Is the era of the HC being a CEO type, I like my chances with someone passionate and intelligent.

The recruiting aspect may actually be more important than the experience at 'Co-DC'. And yes, exactly with the CEO type! Although, having heard more about DJ, he's way more likely than others to be hands on and incorporate the entire process. I think the youthfulness is a big part of my excitement on this.

Look at Coach Dez down at Louisiana. Great QB for them in his playing days (Offense player of the year in 2004) and now is the Sun Belt's Coach of the Year. Doesn't mean it would just happen here but I'd be very excited about the possibility.

[goapps93]

Why should, or would, we take a chance on a coach who is even less qualified than the coach we just fired was when we took a chance on him? He’s only worked with 2 programs unless you count Vance High School. There are MANY better choices out there.

[JTApps1]

His assistant hires would be pivotal.

[AppSt94]

Why should, or would, we take a chance on a coach who is even less qualified than the coach we just fired was when we took a chance on him? He’s only worked with 2 programs unless you count Vance High School. There are MANY better choices out there.

There are likely many “better” candidates. But they have to be both interested in the job and actually take it. Don’t know the pecking order of any specific candidates, but if DG is down to his 8th best option, then the first 7 passed.

[goapps93]

Why should, or would, we take a chance on a coach who is even less qualified than the coach we just fired was when we took a chance on him? He’s only worked with 2 programs unless you count Vance High School. There are MANY better choices out there.

There are likely many “better” candidates. But they have to be both interested in the job and actually take it. Don’t know the pecking order of any specific candidates, but if DG is down to his 8th best option, then the first 7 passed.

But we don’t “know” that. All of this is speculation. I’m guessing there ARE better candidates who are interested and will actually take. Many of us are antsy to get this hire done. Many, some the same people depending on who is hired, would be critical of hiring too soon if we already knew.

[ASUTodd]

Why should, or would, we take a chance on a coach who is even less qualified than the coach we just fired was when we took a chance on him? He’s only worked with 2 programs unless you count Vance High School. There are MANY better choices out there.

Because our last coach didn't have what it took to use NIL/Portal and didn't recruit the best. DJ is doing all of this at Mizzou and they are doing pretty good.

[DomCrosetto]

Why should, or would, we take a chance on a coach who is even less qualified than the coach we just fired was when we took a chance on him? He’s only worked with 2 programs unless you count Vance High School. There are MANY better choices out there.

That's the old school mentality. Don't get me wrong, I understand why but hear me out.

"Experience" over a younger guy who could be hired and learn how to better the process along the way. He's got enough experience not to be lost. Look no further than Deion Sanders. Guy isn't a great X's & O's coach. BUT, he's great at recruiting! And look where that's positioned Colorado in short order. Literally the worst of FBS over the past few seasons before he got there to a fringe playoff team this season.

My guess is DJ already has a list of guys he's spoken to about a future staff, and very likely, some of those are pretty exciting names as well.

[BallantyneApp]

Why should, or would, we take a chance on a coach who is even less qualified than the coach we just fired was when we took a chance on him? He’s only worked with 2 programs unless you count Vance High School. There are MANY better choices out there.

How can you say someone who was recruiting coordinator and co dc at a successful SEC program was less qualified than someone whose top job was as a position coach in the Sun belt?

Personally I think DJ needs a little more experience meeting and networking with coaches before taking a hc job but that was also an issue with clark

[PhillyApp1]

Why should, or would, we take a chance on a coach who is even less qualified than the coach we just fired was when we took a chance on him? He’s only worked with 2 programs unless you count Vance High School. There are MANY better choices out there.

How can you say someone who was recruiting coordinator and co dc at a successful SEC program was less qualified than someone whose top job was as a position coach in the Sun belt?

Personally I think DJ needs a little more experience meeting and networking with coaches before taking a hc job but that was also an issue with clark

i like his resume... and his IQ.... and his decision making through his career.... And i think with his SEC and APP connections he could be a touchdown

[RaleighApp27609]

Ok I will ask. How is this much different than Clark? This potential hire seems like a big risk vs hiring someone that has had HC experience at the FBS level.