Event Details
Raised in Daytona Beach, Mike smith played linebacker at Father Lopez Catholic High School then collegiately for East Tennessee State University. Following his playing days, Smith took up coaching, where he held a variety of positions at San Diego State, Morehead State, and Tennessee Tech before being named the defensive assistant and defensive line coach for the Baltimore Ravens in 1999. In 2002, Smith was promoted to the linebackers’ coach, and had the opportunity to coach future standouts such as Ray Lewis and local legend Peter Boulware. Following his Super Bowl XXXV win with the Ravens, he was named the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars where he spent five seasons before accepting the head coaching position for the Atlanta Falcons in 2008. In 2010, Smith led the team to a record 13-3, earning the NFC South title for the team’s second time and fourth divisional championship. During his career with the Falcons, Smith became the franchise’s winningest coach, and was awarded the 2008 NFL Coach of the Year Award by the Associated Press and for the Sporting News in 2008, 2010, and 2012.
