Cottey College is excited to announce the hiring of Chris Smoot, a seasoned football coach with more than two decades of experience at the high school and collegiate ranks. Smoot brings to Cottey a deep background in player development, program leadership, and multi‑level coaching success.

Smoot began his coaching career at his alma mater in 1996, launching what would become a decorated career.  His early stops included Palmyra High School (1997) and a spring season at Culver‑Stockton College (1998) before moving to Hickman Mills High School in Kansas City for the 1998–99 seasons.

From there, Smoot took on his first major coordinator role at Odessa High School, serving as offensive coordinator from 2000–2003. He later shifted to the defensive side of the ball as the defensive coordinator at Jefferson County High School (Tenn.) from 2004–2006, showcasing his versatility and tactical range.

Smoot returned to Missouri in 2007 as the offensive coordinator at Clinton High School, where he spent three seasons before being elevated to head coach from 2010–2014. He then joined Nevada High School as offensive coordinator from 2015–2017, helping guide the program's offensive identity. Most recently, he served as running backs coach from 2018–2020, continuing his reputation for developing disciplined, high‑character student‑athletes.

"We are excited to welcome Coach Smoot to our staff," said Athletics Director Dr. Maryann Mitts. "His passion for the game and dedication to the growth of our student athletes is exceptional.   In a short period of time, through a disciplined approach and strong leadership, the culture of our flag football program has improved dramatically.  We are excited for our student-athletes and the direction of our flag football program."

A graduate of Central Methodist University, Smoot was a standout two‑sport athlete, competing in both football and track. He was a three‑year letterwinner on the gridiron and earned 1994 NSCA All‑American honors, cementing his place as one of the program's top performers of the era.

"I am fortuate and blessed to have the opportunity to serve the young women of Cottey College.  I am thankful to Dr. Mitts and Dr. Adams for believing in me and supporting me through this process.  I am honored to have been chosen to lead this program and am committed to buldign this program into a consistent, disciplined and closely knit group that competes every day in everything we do."

Coach Smoot has assumed coaching duties, and has hit the ground running in targeting his first recruiting class.