Mike Smith (born April 3, 1980) is an American coach who has been the director of cross country and track and field at Northern Arizona University since 2017.
His coaching philosophy involves emphasizing "executing a great team race" at championships rather than focusing on the final outcome.
[4][5] As a runner, Smith competed for the Wachusett Regional High School Mountaineers where his team placed 2nd at the 1997 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association cross country championships.
He rose through the ranks to eventually become the Director of Cross Country and Track and Field during the 2015–2016 academic year.
In 2024, it was announced that the 2024-2025 academic year would be Smith's last as Director; he would leave NAU to lead a Nike-sponsored professional running team based in Flagstaff.