Smith takes over the position as the 15th head coach of the program. The team he inherits is also full of new faces, giving the new coach an opportunity to deploy his methods with a fresh squad. Perhaps most notable is the position of quarterback, which, in scrimmage matches leading up to Saturday's game, had been filled by three athletes, Mike Proulx, Brian Hildebrand and Garrett Hubrich.
"We're fortunate to have three quarterbacks who can play at this level," says Coach Smith. "All three have different strengths and weaknesses but all three are confident in their abilities. Mike Proulx has emerged as the starter primarily due to his composure and the confidence he has displayed in the huddle, which can be contagious."
In March, Coach Smith added offensive coordinator Eric Tripp, who served on Smith’s staff at WWU from 1993-2005 in the same capacity, and Solomona Tapasa as assistant. Tapasa worked as an assistant coach at Western Oregon University from 2004-2007 and coached at the high school level for 10 years.
For the Jacks' leadership, this summer's training has been all about getting to know their team.
"As a new coaching staff, we are still learning the different strengths and weaknesses of our players and how they respond to the different situations that they will encounter over the course of the season," Smith says.
"The team is progressing. Our main emphasis has been in working to improve our team chemistry and in making sure that our players take great pride in the privilege of representing Humboldt State University on the football field. These players work hard and have responded in a very positive way to the standards we hold them to," Smith adds.
Before guiding the Lumberjacks, Smith served as director of athletics at Grays Harbor Community College in Aberdeen, Wash. for the last two years after stepping away from his position at WWU following the 2005 season.
During his 17-year career as the Vikings’ head coach, Smith’s teams posted a cumulative record of 109-62-1 for a .640 winning percentage. His wins total and winning percentage are the best in school history. A total of 48 athletes earned All-America recognition during his tenure.
In welcoming Coach Smith, HSU Athletics Director Dan Collen praised Smith's qualifications.
“Rob brings extensive experience as a Division II head coach, along with a record of student-athlete success in the classroom and on the field,” says Collen. “He also possesses the knowledge and enthusiasm that will energize our program.”
Smith guided the Vikings to five national playoff appearances, including a trip to the NAIA Division II National Championship game in 1996. Smith directed WWU to the school’s first national playoff appearance in 1992 and its first postseason trip as a NCAA Division II member in 1999.
The Vikings won six league titles under Smith, nearly half the school’s total of 13. He was named Columbia Football Association Coach of the Year in 1989, 1995, 1996, 1999 and 2000 and Great Northwest Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2001 and 2003.