[1] After taking a hiatus for three years, Smith came out of player retirement in October, 1996 to sign with the Solna Vikings in the Sweden Professional League.

Returning to Florida, he spent two years as director of player development for the Magic, then was promoted to Co-General Manager for 2005–2006 season.

Sources say Otis F. Smith stood in loyalty for his friend Stan Van Gundy by walking away from Orlando Magic with not desiring players to run the team but allowing Management to do so.

[3][4][5] Otis Smith was head coach of Grand Rapids Drive for two years as he desired to help players find what was missing to gain pro status.

[7] On September 3, 2014, Smith was named the head coach of the Grand Rapids Drive of the NBA Development League, where he remained for two years.

However sources state: Smith & Stan Van Gundy had first discussed the position of general manager within the Pistons organization prior to coaching.

In 2017, the Sacramento Kings offered Otis Smith a vice president of basketball operations role but he declined by withdrawing his name from consideration to stay and assist his close friend Van Gundy in Detroit.