Tim Smith, Leander High School’s head football coach and athletic coordinator, came to Texas by way of Illinois and said he has always had a love for football. After playing quarterback for Iowa Wesleyan University, Smith decided to pursue a career in coaching.
When did football become a part of your life? It seems like it’s always been a part of my life. I would go to the high school games when I was in elementary school. All my friends would run around. I watched the game [and] asked questions about the players. Growing up in the Midwest it was the Chicago Bears and Notre Dame football.
Describe your experience as a football player. I played quarterback for [Head Coach] Hal Mumme at Iowa Wesleyan. One of our assistants at that time was Mike Leach. Both have had a great influence on my career. I graduated from Iowa in 1990. I have a Bachelor of Arts in education and physical education, health and speech certifications.
What did you do after college? I packed my 1987 Escort with everything I owned and drove to Texas. Mark Coley was the head coach at New Caney [Middle School in Porter, Texas]. He gave me a job coaching at the junior high school. I coached eighth-grade football, freshman basketball and junior varsity baseball.
