TOBIAS SMITH RETURNS TO HA AS HEAD VARSITY FOOTBALL COACH
Special to the Packet
May 12, 2023, HA Head of School Sean Harrison introduced Tobias Smith as the school’s new Varsity Head Football Coach. Although new to the Head Coach position, Smith is not new to Heritage, as he served in 2018-2019 as HA’s Head Junior High Football Coach, Varsity Offensive/Defensive Line Coach, Head Track & Field Coach, and Elementary PE Teacher. About his new coach, Harrison said, “Having previously worked with Coach Smith and witnessed first-hand the type of role model and leader he is, this was an easy decision to make him our next head football coach. Coach Smith is a man of character who relates well with our student-athletes and is the type of example that anyone would want their children around on a daily basis. Obviously, with his playing and coaching background, he is a great football mind who can easily carry on the level of success that our football program has sustained for many years.
A former Mississippi State University Offensive Guard (2012-13), Offensive Line Team Captain, Team Offensive Player of the Week, and SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week, Smith graduated from MSU in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Education and Sociology. He served as a Graduate Assistant at MSU in 2013-2014, working with the offensive line. In 2015, he earned his Master’s Degree from MSU in Workforce Educational Leadership.
Smith’s most recent coaching experience includes serving as the Offensive Coordinator/Head Jr. High Football Coach at West Lowndes High School in Columbus (2022-2023) and Offensive and Defensive Line Coach at Amory High School (2021-2022). He was the Offensive Coordinator at Mississippi Delta Community College (2020-2021). He also coached the offensive line at Columbus High School in 2016-2017 and 2014-2015.
The Columbus native played Offensive Guard at Columbus High School from 2005-2008, where he was a 3-year starter for Offense and Defense. He was a 5A Region 1 District 2 All-District First Team in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and received Mississippi State 1st Team All-State Honor in 2008. He was Team Captain in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Classic and received an Athletic Scholarship to play football at MSU.
His coaching accomplishments include 2021 3A Region 4 District Champion, 2021 3A North Half Champion, 2019 MAIS State Champion, and selection to be an Offensive Coordinator in the MAIS All-Star Game.
About his return to Heritage, Smith said, “Patriot Family, words cannot express how excited I am to become the next head coach of your football program. This has been a dream of mine for a very long time and I can’t think of a better place to start my head coaching career. My wife, Gabrielle, my daughter, Ava, and I are really happy to be back in the Red and Blue! I cannot wait to meet you guys and work with your student-athletes to continue on the championship trajectory that has been set forth by the teams before us. We will be relentless in everything that we do!! It’s a great day to be a Patriot.”
Coach Smith will officially begin his duties at Heritage on June 1.
