Leif Gunnar Smerud (born 24 January 1977) is a Norwegian professional football manager, former player and psychologist.

He holds a UEFA Pro license, and has been working as Deputy Technical Director in the Norwegian Football Federation.

[citation needed] Smerud started playing for Våganes, but soon went to FK Vidar, where he made his first team debut at the age of 15.

Helped by former coach legend Kjell Schou-Andreassen,[citation needed] he left Vidar after two promotions and two relegations in four years, for Lillestrøm SK in 1997.

When the regular coaching staff was quarantined, he was asked to gather and lead the team to a win in the decisive game against Austria.