Ryan Smith - Football Coach - Murray State University Athletics

Ryan Smith

Title:
Defensive Coordinator/Safeties

At Murray State

2024 marks Smith's first season at Murray State

Prior to Murray State

Smith comes to the Racers after leading one of the most dominant defenses in the nation at Florida A&M from 2018-23
Smith served as linebackers coach, recruiting coordinator, and director of player personnel before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2020
In 2023 Smith's defensive unit ranked second in total defense nationally, allowing just 260 yards per game
FAMU finished 2023 in the top-10 nationally in sacks, red zone defense and passing defense and top-five nationally in interceptions, rushing defense, defensive touchdowns, tackles-for-loss, scoring defense, third down defense, and defensive pass efficiency
Florida A&M went 12-1 in 2023 and took home the SWAC title and won the Celebration Bowl over Howard
In 2022, FAMU picked up a 9-2 record as the Rattlers ranked top-25 nationally in five defensive categories and top ten nationally in three
In 2021, Smith's defense ranked top-25 nationally in 15 different categories and top-10 in nine categories
Smith played a vital role in developing multiple All-Americans and a Buck Buchanan Award (FCS Defensive Player of the Year) winner in Isaiah Land who led the nation in sacks (19) and tackles-for-loss (25.5)
Smith coached Isaiah Major who earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Year and also helped in the development of current Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell
Prior to his time at FAMU, Smith worked at Florida as the assistant recruiting coordinator from 2016-18. During his tenure with the Gators, Smith helped recruit three straight top-15 classes nationally
In 2015, Smith worked under legendary coach Nick Saban as an offensive quality control coach for Alabama

Playing Career

Smith played football at Valdosta State as a defensive lineman and earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education Fitness
He became a student assistant coach in 1999

Personal