Tesfa Smith

Biography

With 29 years of collegiate coaching experience, Tesfa Smith begins his second season on head coach Matt Drinkall’s staff as defensive line coach. In his first season at Central Michigan in 2025, Smith helped guide the Chippewas to their first bowl appearance in four years, posting a 7-6 overall record and their highest win total since 2021. Under his leadership, the defensive line recorded 18.5 sacks, 32 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hurries, while also forcing five fumbles and recovering three. Michael Heldman earned First Team All-MAC and All-American honors, ranking among national leaders in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (16.5). Jonathan Decker, Korver Demma, JJ Douglas, and Quavion Bird made significant contributions as key playmakers. Smith joined CMU after 10 years at Ferris State as defensive run game coordinator and defensive line coach for Tony Annese. During his tenure, Ferris State won three NCAA Division II national championships (2021, 2022, and 2024) and six Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. The Bulldogs also recorded five unbeaten regular seasons, six regional titles, six appearances in the national quarterfinals, and a 122-14 overall record. Notably, Ferris State is one of just four college teams at any level to win least 11 games each season for eight consecutive years. Since 2015, Smith’s Ferris State defensive linemen earned two Gene Upshaw NCAA Division I Defensive Lineman of the Year awards, one Ted Hendricks Award, achie

Career Path