Chris Smithley enters his fourth season as head coach in 2021, after taking over as Waynesburg University interim head football coach in May of 2017 following the 2016 season where he was the Yellow Jackets' offensive coordinator. Shorty after his only season as the interim head coach, Smithley was given the title of head coach prior to the 2018 season. He added the title of offensive coordinator prior to the 2021 campaign.
During the 2018 season, Smithley's second as head of the program, Waynesburg saw its victory total jump from two in each of the previous two seasons to four (4-6). The Orange and Black also won its most PAC games (4-5) since 2014, when the team went 8-3 and hosted the ECAC Southwest Bowl.
Smithley served as the offensive coordinator for the Yellow Jackets starting on June 2016. The Bolivar, Pennsylvania, native also served the Jackets as a secondary coach for a year and a defensive line coach for two years between 2009 and 2012.
Before returning to Waynesburg in 2016, Smithley was a member of Washington and Jefferson College's coaching staff from 2012 to 2016. While there, he served as secondary coach and special teams coordinator for three years and as a linebacker coach for one year.
During his tenure, the Presidents compiled 59 interceptions, including PAC-leading marks of 21 and 16 in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Washington & Jefferson ranked ninth in the country in interceptions in 2014.
Smithley pushed his players to the top of the conference in nearly every major return category in 2013. That year, W&J student-athletes ranked first in kick return average, kick return touchdowns and punt return average. In 2015, W&J led the President's Athletic Conference in punt return average and punt return touchdowns, while finishing second in kick return average.
Smithley holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Business Administration degree, both from Waynesburg University.
Smithley's playing career at Waynesburg included two years as quarterback prior to two seasons as a fullback/halfback. He enjoyed his most success on the field as a senior in 2008. That season, he finished third on the team with 23 catches for 158 yards and a touchdown.
Smithley currently resides in Washington, Pennsylvania, with his wife, Lindsey.
