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After six years as a Jaguars college scout, Gene Smith was promoted to director of college scouting in 2000, and he has guided the team's NFL draft for the last seven years. His responsibilities include the scouting and evaluation of hundreds of college players on an annual basis, as well as directing a staff of eight college scouts. Smith also has some additional pro personnel responsibilities, including the evaluation of selected unrestricted free agents.
Smith is one of 15 staff members who joined the franchise in 1994. He has been a part of building Jaguars teams that have made nine playoff game appearances, including two AFC Championship games.
Smith was previously the team's college scout responsible for the southeast United States. He joined the Jaguars on May 1, 1994 and was originally the team's scouting representative for the northeast with the BLESTO scouting combine, which he joined in February 1994. He was the southeast regional scout for BLESTO in 1995 before becoming solely the southeast regional scout for the Jaguars. Smith had previously been an assistant coach at the college level for eight years. He worked at Edinboro University from 1989 to ‘94, serving as an assistant coach, recruiting coordinator, and strength and conditioning coordinator. From 1986 to ‘88 Smith worked at Ohio University, where he began his college coaching career as a graduate assistant and later served as an assistant coach.
Smith graduated from Heidelberg College, serving as captain of the football team while playing as a defensive lineman. He graduated in 1986 with a degree in education and in 1987 received his master's degree with emphasis in athletic administration from Ohio University. He also served as a captain of the Monroeville High School football team, under Ohio High School Hall of Fame head coach, Steve Ringholz.
Born December 31, 1963, Smith is a native of Monroeville, Ohio. He and his wife, Debbie, have two daughters, Alana and Carlie. They live in Fleming Island. | 