Washington & Jefferson College Athletics

Chris Smithley enters his fourth season as a Presidents’ football assistant in 2015 as the team’s special teams coordinator and secondary coach.

Smithley helped W&J rank ninth in the nation in 2014 with 21 interceptions, including a school-record eight in the NCAA First Round at Wittenberg. Alec Schram ranked seventh in the nation in passes defended last season, averaging 1.8 per game.

The W&J special teams unit was one of the best in the conference in 2013, thanks in part to Smithley’s leadership. That year, the Presidents were first in the conference in yards per kick return (24.3), kick return touchdowns (2), punt return average (13.3) and second in average punt (31.6).

Smithley spent 2009-2011 seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater Waynesburg University. He coached the defensive line his last year after two years working with the defensive backs. Smithley also served as the team’s academic coordinator. 

A native of Bolivar, Pa., Smithley played quarterback and H-back during his playing years with the Yellow Jackets. He is a graduate of Laurel Valley High School.