Air Academy names Derek Smith as new football coach

The Air Academy Kadets have named Derek Smith as their new football coach, athletic director Blue Anderson announced in a press release.

Smith brings 19 years of coaching experience with him from Florida, where he has two state championships as an assistant. Last season he led Viera High School (Melbourne, Fla.) to the Class 7A state championship game, a game they ultimately lost.

He first got into coaching at Cowhan University where he was also a two-time All-American defensive lineman.

He also has experience coaching wrestling, track, baseball and girls soccer.

The Kadets went 3-7 last year under former coach Mike Roof.

Follow all of the coaching movement this offseason in our tracker.

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