Smith returns home

Eagles’ football team hires new offensive coordinator

Beginning as a wide receiver for Chadron State College in 2004 to coaching at Eastern Illinois University and Mayville State University, Micah Smith returns home as the Eagles’ new offensive coordinator.

With the departure of Logan Masters, CSC’s former offensive coordinator, Smith fills the categories Head Coach Jay Long was looking for.

“There were four characteristics that we were looking for in our next coordinator,” Long said to CSC sports information, “Those were commitment to Eagles football, a similar offensive philosophy to our current one, an understanding about recruiting top student-athletes to Chadron, and an appreciation for what it takes to be successful here. Micah has gained valuable experience at all levels of NCAA football, coaching just about every offensive position, and serving as interim head coach. He’ll add a tremendous amount of coaching knowledge to our program.”

Smith inherits the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference’s top passer in Dalton Holst, senior of Gillette, Wyoming, and plans to run a similar offense the Eagles had with Chris Stein and Logan Masters, but with more simplicity and tempo, according to Smith.

“We are going to give him (Holst) a little more freedom than he maybe had last year and allow for him to use his mind to put us in the best position.” Smith said.

Smith was the offensive coordinator at NAIA school Mayville State last year and spent five seasons as the tight ends coach at Div. I Eastern Illinois. Those coaching experiences helped Smith develop his offensive mindset and find ways to involve tight ends in the passing game.

“Eastern Illinois helped me find ways to get those guys more involved because as a coach you want your guys to be successful. So, in our game plans as a tight ends coach I was trying to come up with ways to get them more looks, so that should be a big benefit for me along with the guys that can do it.” Smith said.

Last season, three Eagle tight ends combined for 15 catches for 160 yards and zero touchdowns.