University of West Florida Hires Tanner Smith as Men’s Basketball Head Coach

The University of West Florida has hired Tanner Smith as its men's basketball head coach, UWF Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dave Scott announced Tuesday.

"I couldn't be more excited to welcome Tanner Smith as our new men's basketball coach," Scott said. "We are in a pivotal moment in the history of UWF Athletics, and I'm confident Tanner will lead this program to new heights. He's a high character man who will build lasting relationships with his student-athletes and the community while developing a high-caliber team on the court. It's an exciting time for Argos basketball."

Smith arrives in Pensacola after spending the past two seasons at Appalachian State, where he served as associate head coach and played a key role in one of the most successful stretches in program history. During his time at App State, Smith helped lead the Mountaineers to 26 conference wins and back-to-back 10-win seasons in Sun Belt play, the program's first such stretch since 2010-11.

In 2023-24, he was part of a staff that led App State to a program-record 27 wins, an outright regular-season championship and its first National Invitation Tournament appearance since 2006-07.

Smith played a critical role in developing one of the top defenses in the conference, as the Mountaineers led the Sun Belt in scoring defense in each of his two seasons. The team also ranked among the nation's top 50 in multiple defensive categories, including field goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense.

"What stood out to me first about the University of West Florida was its people," Smith said. "The competitive, family-oriented atmosphere that resonates throughout campus is something truly special and not found everywhere. I'm excited to get to work identifying and developing young men who are not only talented players, but outstanding individuals who will represent the Argonaut brand with pride. My family and I are deeply grateful to President Diaz and Athletic Director Dave Scott for the opportunity to lead the historic men's basketball program at the University of West Florida."

Smith also played a key role in player development, helping Myles Tate earn All-Sun Belt First Team honors after finishing among the league leaders in scoring, assists and steals.

Prior to his time at App State, Smith spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Stephen F. Austin, where he helped the Lumberjacks capture a regular-season conference championship and rank among the nation's top teams in turnovers forced, steals and three-point shooting. Smith's coaching experience also includes stops at Kennesaw State, Mississippi State and Charlotte, where he began his career as director of basketball operations before being promoted to assistant coach.

A former standout guard at Clemson, Smith totaled 986 points, 459 rebounds and 320 assists during his career while helping lead the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances.

Smith earned his bachelor's degree in marketing from Clemson University in 2012. He and his wife, Julia, have two children together.

Tanner Smith Coaching History
2026 - West Florida Head Coach
2023-2026 - Appalachian State Assistant Coach
2021-2023 - Steven F. Austin Assistant Coach
2020-2021 - Kennesaw State Assistant Coach
2018-2019 - Mississippi State Director of Men's Basketball Operations
2017-2018 - Charlotte 49ers Assistant Coach
2014-2017 - Charlotte 49ers Director of Basketball Operations

What They're Saying About Tanner Smith
"Coach Tanner Smith is truly a grand slam hire for West Florida. He checks all the boxes of someone that you want to lead a basketball program. Parents will want their sons to play for him. He is not only an outstanding teacher of the game, but his ability to motivate and maximize talent is a truly special gift that I have seen in only a rare few in our profession. Tanner will galvanize the Pensacola community and university campus with his enthusiasm, and his ball club will always be extremely hard working and prepared on a nightly basis. He is truly a rising star in coaching. I commend West Florida on their choice!" - Kyle Keller, former head coach at Stephen F. Austin University and current assistant coach at Texas A&M

"Tanner is a fantastic coach. He's a very good person and role model for young men to learn from. Tanner is an excellent evaluator of talent and character and is outstanding at teaching fundamentals on the floor. He has a unique ability to connect with players and help them improve and grow both on and off the court. Most importantly, he's a man of faith and a good family man." - Ben Howland, former head coach at Pittsburgh, UCLA and Mississippi State

For more information on the UWF men's basketball program, visit GoArgos.com and follow the team on social media at @uwfmbb (Instagram) and @UWFMensBBall (X).