ALI SMITH
Rainbow City
Summary
Results-driven and inspirational head football coach with 28+ years of coaching and program leadership experience. Proven ability to build winning cultures rooted in character, accountability, and excellence. Skilled at leading large coaching staffs, developing competitive teams, and fostering strong community and school partnerships. Guided 106 student-athletes to earn college football scholarships and led teams to multiple playoff appearances, advancing to the first, second, and third rounds. Committed to the holistic development of student-athletes while maintaining the highest standards of sportsmanship, safety, and performance.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Head Football Coach
Gadsden City High School
01.2019 - Current
- Lead all aspects of a competitive 6A football program, including player development, staff leadership, practice planning, and program culture.
- Strengthened academic accountability by collaborating closely with faculty, counselors, and administrators.
- Oversaw program budgeting, equipment procurement, and fundraising efforts to expand resources and opportunities.
- Built strategic partnerships with youth programs, feeder schools, and local community organizations.
- Guided 106 student-athletes to earn college football scholarships.
- Led teams to multiple playoff appearances, advancing to the first, second, and third rounds as head coach.
Associate Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator
Gadsden City High School
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Designed defensive schemes, in-game adjustments, and weekly preparation strategies.
- Mentored assistant coaches, position groups, and student-athletes.
- Led film analysis, evaluation sessions, and scouting reports.
- Implemented safety-focused practice methods and conditioning programs.
Head Track Coach
Gadsden City High School
01.2010 - 01.2019
- Directed full program operations including scheduling, staff oversight, and team conditioning.
- Organized fundraisers, sponsorship drives, and community partnerships.
- Developed training programs improving speed, agility, and athletic performance.
Associate Head Coach & Co-Defensive Coordinator
Gadsden City High School
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Co-developed defensive game plans and coordinated defensive staff operations.
- Supported youth football outreach initiatives to grow the program.
- Provided advanced instruction in technique, fundamentals, and player development.
Recruiting Coordinator
Gadsden City High School
01.2006 - 01.2012
- Created athlete recruiting profiles and managed communication with college coaches.
- Coordinated campus visits and promotional events.
- Assessed athletic potential and compiled recruitment reports for college programs.
Assistant Head Coach / Coordinator / Position Coach
Emma Sansom High School
01.1997 - 01.2006
- Served in multiple roles including Assistant Head Coach, Special Teams Coordinator, QB Coach, Receivers Coach, and Defensive Backs Coach.
- Head Track Coach from 2002–2006, overseeing team development and competitive preparation.
- Contributed to football, basketball, and track programs as an assistant coach.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Jacksonville State University
01.2018
Criminal Justice Coursework
Alabama State University
01.1997
Skills
- Program Leadership & Culture Building
- Defensive Strategy & Game Planning
- Staff Supervision & Mentoring
- Player Development & Academic Support
- Fundraising & Booster Collaboration
- Youth Pipeline & Community Engagement
- Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
- Recruiting, Evaluation & Athlete Promotion
Timeline
Head Football Coach
Gadsden City High School
01.2019 - Current
Associate Head Coach & Defensive Coordinator
Gadsden City High School
01.2016 - 01.2019
Associate Head Coach & Co-Defensive Coordinator
Gadsden City High School
01.2013 - 01.2015
Head Track Coach
Gadsden City High School
01.2010 - 01.2019
Recruiting Coordinator
Gadsden City High School
01.2006 - 01.2012
Assistant Head Coach / Coordinator / Position Coach
Emma Sansom High School
01.1997 - 01.2006
Criminal Justice Coursework
Alabama State University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Jacksonville State University
Awards & Honors
Class 6A Region 8 Coach of the Year (2023, 2024), Gadsden Times Coach of the Year (2023), Area Coach of the Year (2023), Etowah County Sports Authority Board Member, Five former players advanced to NFL careers, Emma Sansom High School Wall of Fame (2007), Honorable Mention All-State Cornerback (1990–1991), All-Area Football (1989–1991), Member of 1992 State Championship Basketball Team