University at Albany Great Danes

Brendan Smith joined the University at Albany football staff in the spring of 2021 after previously serving as an assistant in the fall of 2020. In his current role, Smith serves as the team’s Tight Ends Coach.

Smith was a part of a historic UAlbany offense in 2023, a unit that claimed the program’s first-ever NCAA FCS National Semifinal appearance and first ever CAA title. Tight ends under Smith accounted for over 200 yards of offense and two touchdowns, in addition to protecting the team’s quarterback in Reese Poffenbarger who was able to pass for career-high numbers. UAlbany’s starting tight end, Ian Renninger, collected All-CAA Honorable Mention honors in addition to being selected to the Phil Steele All-CAA Fourth Team while under Smith’s guidance.

Smith originally joined the staff as an Offensive Assistant, where he specialized in developing game breakdowns for the UAlbany offense, led scout players for special teams, put together team practice schedules and scout cards, and assisted the TE/OL position coaches in practices and games. Before UAlbany, Smith served as a Coaching Intern for Western New England University in 2020 and an Assistant Varsity Coach for Seeonk High School during the summer from 2015-18.

Smith played football for Western New England for four years, playing on a Golden Bears team that won three-consecutive Commonwealth Coast Conference championships from 2017-19. Smith graduated from Western New England in May of 2020 with a degree in Sports Management. 

In addition, Smith has served as a coach for the New England Elite Football Camp, as well as a volunteer for Bryant University Football and the USA Football Camp.