Chris Smith hired Tues. as MCHS head football coach

Smith said his time under Hybl and Owens was very valuable and that he’s learned a lot.

The new MCHS head coach said he’s “grateful” and “excited” about the days ahead.

“I’m excited about the new region and about the players we have,” said Smith. “I think we can do some really good things. The foundation has been laid for some great things.”

Smith said he will continue to serve as the team’s offensive coordinator with head coaching responsibilities.
He said Mike Haynes will remain defensive coordinator. Marty Tate will coach special teams. And Jamie Sims will be in charge of strength and conditioning, Smith said.

“I’ve got to find an offensive line coach; that’s my number one priority right now,” said Smith of his coaching needs.

The new head coach said he plans to run a spread offense.

“Offensively, we’ll be in the spread,” said Smith. “That’s where our talent base is. I think we can be very successful in the spread.”

Smith noted that the team played a lot of young linemen in 2011 and that getting guys developed in the trenches is a priority.

With two young boys of his own, the new coach has been very active in coaching youth sports outside of the high school. And he said he’s committed to getting more youth and community coaches involved in the high school program.

For instance, he plans to have a week-long summer camp for Madison County Youth Association kids to develop their football skills. Likewise, he plans to hold a camp for MCYA coaches, too, so that youth coaches know what’s being taught on the MCHS gridiron.

“We want to show them what we’re teaching at the high school level to make things as consistent as possible,” said Smith.

The coach said he welcomes input from the community.

“I want to be as accessible as I possibly can,” he said. “My door is open.”