D. J. Smith

Darryl Devon ”D. J.” Smith Jr. (born February 24, 1989), is an American football coach and former linebacker who is currently the defensive coordinator at Appalachian State and was formerly the linebackers coach at the University of Missouri. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers out of Appalachian State in the sixth round (186th pick overall) of the 2011 NFL draft.

Early life Smith attended Independence High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he started for three out of four years and was part of Independence football teams that went undefeated and won four straight North Carolina 4AA state titles. During his time at Independence High School, he was often rotated between middle and outside linebacker. He was an All-State recognition twice, an All-Conference nominee three times, and named team MVP his senior year. Smith finished the season with 123 tackles, including 53 solo tackles. Scouts stated that his arms were too small and limited his ability to "grab NFL backs on the way through or get off blocks". They also stated that he had a habit of overrunning plays. note = All values from NFL Combine

Green Bay Packers Smith was selected by the Packers 186th overall with the second of three sixth round picks in the 2011 NFL draft. Smith responded to being drafted by stating: "I'm ecstatic that Green Bay saw my talent and decided to pick me up.”

Smith was released by the Packers on April 24, 2013 after he failed a physical.

San Diego Chargers Smith was claimed off waivers by the San Diego Chargers on April 25, 2013. He was released before the season.

Houston Texans Smith signed with the Houston Texans on November 13, 2013.

Carolina Panthers Smith signed with the Carolina Panthers on January 3, 2014.

Coaching career After his playing career ended, Smith accepted an offer from his former high school coach to be the defensive coordinator at Vance High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. He accepted a position at his alma mater Appalachian State in 2016 as the program's director of recruiting relations. He was reassigned to a defensive analyst position in 2017, and promoted to outside linebackers coach in 2018.

Smith was named the linebackers coach at Missouri in 2020. In January 2022, Smith was named co-defensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator while retaining his role as linebacker coach. Following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Smith signed an extension with Missouri through 2024 with an annual salary of $550,000.

On December 29, 2024, it was announced that Smith would be returning to his alma mater to serve as the defensive coordinator for the Appalachian State Mountaineers beginning with the 2025 season.