Norwich University

Okesa Smith joined the Norwich coaching staff in August 2022 as the program's Wide Receivers Coach.

Prior to Norwich, Smith served as the cornerbacks coach for the Methodist Monarchs.  In 2021, the defensive unit was ranked in the top three in seven categories in the USA South Conference.  Methodist was ranked third in fourth down conversion percentage, fumble recoveries and scoring defense, ranked second in third down conversion percentage and interceptions, and ranked first in red zone defense and turnovers gained.  Okesa Smith helped Methodist to its best win mark since 2013 to a second-place finish with a 7-2 record.

Under Smith's guidance, cornerback DeIrvin Grate garnered All-Conference USA South accolades and a National Top 10 position ranking (ninth) in passes defended per game.

Before Methodist, Smith served three seasons as the defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator and interim head coach at Saint Augustine's University.  At regular season's end, Smith coordinated a top-20 unit in two categories, as interceptions and turnovers gained were 14th and 18th in the nation, respectively.  In 2019, the defensive unit set four single-season program records in fumble recoveries (eight), interceptions (15), passing yards allowed (180.5), and turnovers gained (23).  Under Smith's tutelage, the unit produced three CIAA All-Conference performers and one Division II All-American linebacker, Durrell Nash, in 2019.  He also coached two All-CIAA defensive backs in 2018.

Previously to Saint Augustine's, Smith brought over a decade of high school coaching experience from Virginia and North Carolina.

Smith earned a bachelor's in Liberal Arts and Science at Virginia Tech where he played defensive back for the Hokies.

Recruiting areas:
Primary: New York (Sec. 8, 9, 11, and NYC), North New Jersey, Hampton Roads Virginia, Maryland, and the Low Country South Carolina
Auxiliary: Oklahoma, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii