He coached Western Suburbs in the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) competition.
Smith began his coaching career with Western Suburbs in 1948, a year after Frank Burge had taken the club to the finals.
Smith guided Wests to the 1948 minor premiership only losing two games throughout the home-and-away season.
In the grand final, Western Suburbs prevailed 8–5 at the Sydney Sports Ground winning their third premiership.
In 1949, Smith stepped down as head coach for one season and was replaced by Col Maxwell.