A veteran coach with several years of experience on the sideline, Okesa Smith enters his first season with Allegheny as the defensive backs coach in 2023.
Smith joined the Allegheny staff after working at Norwich University as their wide receivers coach in the fall of 2022. Under Smith's mentorship, senior Trevor Chase and freshman Tykell Stewart were named to the All-New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) First and Second Team, respectively, after having seasons to remember for the Cadets. Chase finished second in the nation in receptions per game (8.9), 13th in receiving yards per game (106.0), and 14th in yards (1,060), and became the first Norwich Cadet to win NEWMAC Offensive Player of the Year. Stewart ranked among the top-5 receivers in the conference in yards per game (68.0) and touchdowns (6).
Prior to Norwich, Smith served as the cornerbacks coach at Methodist University. In 2021, under Smith's direction, freshman cornerback DeIrvin Grate garnered USA South All-Conference accolades and ranked ninth in the country in passes defended per game (1.6). Grate led a defensive unit that paced the USA South in red zone defense (59.4%) and forced turnovers (20), was second in opponent third-down conversions (31.0%) and interceptions (11), and third in scoring defense (22.2). Smith helped Methodist to its winningest season since 2013, as the Monarchs finished in second place with a 7-2 overall record.
Smith spent three seasons as the defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator, and interim head coach for the Falcons of Saint Augustine's University, a Division II institution in Raleigh, North Carolina. At regular-season's end, Smith coordinated a top-20 unit in two categories, as the Falcons were 14th nationally in interceptions and 18th in turnovers gained. In 2019, the defense set four program single-season program records in fumbles recovered (8), interceptions (15), passing yards allowed (180.5), and turnovers gained (23). During Smith's tenure, seven players made the All-Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) teams, and one Falcon, linebacker Durrell Nash, earned All-America honors.
Smith earned a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts and Science at Virginia Tech, where he played defensive back for the Hokies under College Football Hall of Fame inductee Frank Beamer.
