Del Smith returns to Bridgewater College football program as defensive coordinator

Bridgewater College football has announced the hiring of Del Smith as the school’s new defensive coordinator.

Smith returns to the Eagles after previously serving as special teams coordinator and inside linebackers coach at BC in 2011. He will also provide assistance in the weight room.

For the past three seasons, Smith was the head football coach at Bishop O’Connell High School in Arlington, Va. He was the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2012 and implemented the strength and conditioning programs for all of O’Connell’s varsity sports. He had previous head coaching experience at Blue Ridge School, where he was Virginia Independent High School Coach of the Year in 2009.

Smith played at West Virginia Wesleyan College, moving into an assistant role after graduation. He then coached for two years at Division I (FCS) Wagner College.

“In Del we have someone who understands the philosophies that have allowed Bridgewater to be the top-rated defense in the ODAC in two out of the last three seasons,” said Bridgewater head coach Mike Clark. “He has broad-based coaching experience and having seen him work in our program before, I know he can be a comfortable and great fit again at Bridgewater. We welcome he and his wife Ashley back.”

“Coach Smith brings knowledge and passion each and every day,” said Andrew Palmer ’14, an All-State and two-time first team All-ODAC linebacker who had Smith as a position coach. “He is an excellent teacher and motivator to every single player. His intensity shows on the field and drives players to get better. During the 2011 season Coach Smith was a mentor to myself and others players on the team. He truly cares about his players’ well-being and growth, both on and off the field.”

Smith replaces former BC defensive coordinator Jack Johnson, who accepted the special teams coordinator job at his alma mater Mary Hardin-Baylor.

Johnson spent nine years at Bridgewater, with the Eagles compiling a 59-31 record over that time. Last year, his unit led the ODAC in scoring defense.

Johnson graduated from Mary Hardin-Baylor in 2002 and set the school’s career sacks record during his time as a defensive end. He was then an assistant for four years at UMHB, earning his master’s degree and helping the Cru to an appearance in the 2004 Stagg Bowl.