[3] In 2001, Smith reunited with Miles at then-NCAA Division II North Dakota State, where he was an assistant coach and director of operations for three seasons.

[6] With a 27–9 record in Smith's final season 2006–07, Mayville State won both DAC titles again and made the championship round of the NAIA tournament as a no.

[6] Smith got his first NCAA Division I job on April 10, 2007, as director of operations at Colorado State, his third association with Tim Miles.

[6] During his time at Colorado State, Smith helped the team qualify for the 2010 CBI, 2011 NIT, and 2012 NCAA tournament.

On March 26, 2018, Smith was announced as Utah State's new head coach after the firing of Tim Duryea.

In 2021, Smith earned his third consecutive NCAA tournament appearance with the Aggies with an at-large bid.

Smith was hired to be the new head coach of the Utah Utes men's basketball team on March 27, 2021.