Jermaine Smith Named Head Football Coach of MDCC Trojans

By Neshun Holmes

A New Chapter at MDCC

Smith comes to MDCC with an extensive and diverse coaching background that spans the professional ranks, NCAA competition, and the junior college level. For Smith, the opportunity at MDCC represented the next step in both his professional journey and personal calling.

"What attracted me to MDCC was the support system," Smith said. "From Dr. Jones, C.P. House, and Coach Banks, the support I've received so far has been phenomenal. Knowing that support is there gives you the opportunity to truly build something special."

Before arriving at MDCC, Smith most recently served as a head coach at the NJCAA level, where he helped build a successful program from the ground up. His experience also includes five to six years coaching professionally in the Arena Football League, along with time spent coaching at the NCAA Division I (FBS) and Division II levels.

Coaching Philosophy & Program Vision

Smith's wide-ranging experience has shaped a coaching philosophy rooted in process, accountability, and consistency across all areas of the program.

"Everything we do will be process-driven," Smith said. "From the coaching staff down to the players, everyone is held accountable. We align academics, on-field performance, and daily expectations the same way. High energy, high focus on time, and developing young men for life after football."

As he takes the reins of the Trojans program, Smith is focused on establishing a winning culture that extends far beyond the football field.

"Winning isn't just about football," he said. "It's about winning in life. We're helping these guys develop habits now—being on time, handling responsibilities—that are going to carry over when they leave here and enter the workforce."

Recruiting the Trojan Way

Recruiting at the junior college level, according to Smith, begins with building genuine relationships.

"For me, recruiting is about relationships," Smith explained. "You have to know who these kids are as people. You want them to know you care about them beyond the X's and O's. When tough days come—and they will—those relationships matter."

Smith emphasized that understanding a student-athlete's background, personality, and goals is critical to long-term success on and off the field.

Connecting with the Community

Smith also highlighted the importance of community engagement as a cornerstone of MDCC football.

"Athletics has to connect with the community," he said. "We want to connect with local schools, young kids, families—everyone. Our goal is to pack the house on Thursday nights and support the community in return."

He believes a strong relationship between the program and the surrounding community will help create a lasting foundation for success.

A Calling to Lead

When asked what it means to serve as the head football coach at Mississippi Delta Community College, Smith's answer reflected both gratitude and purpose.

"This is God's calling," Smith said. "I'm extremely appreciative of the opportunity, and I'm committed to staying aligned with that calling and doing everything I can to serve MDCC the right way."

With Smith at the helm, MDCC football looks ahead to a future grounded in discipline, connection, and sustained growth on the field, in the classroom, and throughout the Delta community.