HONOLULU - Former University of Hawai`i center Brian Smith has been named the new offensive line coach for the Warriors announced by head football coach Greg McMackin. Smith lettered at UH from 1998-2001 and returns to his alma mater after serving as offensive line coach at Portland State last season.

"It's a very exciting time to get the opportunity to coach the position I played," Smith said. "I was here during coach McMackin's first time here and I have tremendous respect for him. I feel fortunate to be a part of his first staff."

At PSU, Smith coached under former UH assistants Jerry Glanville and Mouse Davis, where they ran the run-and-shoot offense. Prior to PSU, Smith was a graduate assistant at Oregon State in 2006, working under former UH offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh. In 2005, he was an assistant coach at California Lutheran, where he coached the running backs and receivers.

As a player, Smith was a member of the 1999 squad which captured a share of the Western Athletic Conference title and won the Jeep O`ahu Bowl. He started most of the team's games during his junior and senior seasons. In 2001, he played with Nick Rolovich, who on Wednesday signed on to become UH's quarterback coach.

After finishing his playing career at UH, Smith signed free agent contracts with the Baltimore Ravens in 2002 and Green Bay Packers in 2003.

Smith began his coaching career in 2003 as an assistant at Royal High School in Simi Valley, Calif., coaching the offensive line. He was also an assistant wrestling coach at Agoura High School in California before returning to UH to finish his degree while also serving as a student assistant in 2004.

Smith earned his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies in 2005 from UH.

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