MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | Florida Memorial has announced the hiring of Jameel Smith as the head flag football coach. Smith becomes the second head flag football coach in the program's young history after serving as the team's defensive coordinator last season.
"I am deeply honored to continue my journey within the Florida Memorial University family as the newly appointed Head Coach of the flag football team" said Smith.
"Jabo" Smith was announced as the co-defensive coordinator for the FMU football team this past May. He will continue to serve in that role alongside being head flag football coach.
"My unwavering commitment lies in fostering a culture of excellence, teamwork, and personal growth, with a firm belief in the transformative power of athletics" said Smith. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes as they strive to achieve success both on and off the field. Together, let us embrace the challenge and embark on a path of triumph, growth, and graduation," Smith continued.
Smith first came to FMU as defensive backs coach and special teams coordinator of the football team in July of 2022, joining head coach Bobby Rome's first coaching staff. Smith came to FMU after serving a season as cornerbacks coach and defensive passing game coordinator at Ave Maria University (2021-2022), transitioning to full secondary duties at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
Smith is a Miami native who attended Youngstown State University. During his playing experience, Smith was a four-year starter for the Penguins earning defensive captain and all-conference accolades.
He was a key contributor to the rebirth of the YSU National championship run in 2017, as they faced James Madison University in the National Championship. Two months after graduating from Youngstown State, Smith started his coaching career as defensive backs coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma.
Within his first season, Smith was able to improve the teams' pass defense from second to last, finishing number one in pass defense, while also completing the season as Southwest Junior College Football Conference (SWJCFC) champions in 2017.
Smith would then return home to enter his first year on the high school ranks. While at Miami Carol City, he was able to mentor and develop the top secondary unit in Dade County.
Doing so landed him the opportunity to become the defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Miami Norland, where he was able to develop an aggressive unit and win the Tri-County Championship.
In his senior year, Smith was a two-way starter for Miami Norland. The Vikings finished the season with an undefeated record of 15-0 and a Florida High School 5-A state championship title in 2011.
