Clemson fans, get ready to beam with pride—one of our own, a true Tiger through and through, is finally getting his shot to run the show from the bench.
Tanner Smith, who Tiger fans remember as the heart and soul of our backcourt from 2008 to 2012, just took the next big step—he’s now the head men’s basketball coach at the University of West Florida. At just 36, Smith has put in the hard yards, climbing the coaching ladder with the same grit he showed in orange, most recently helping Appalachian State reach heights their fans had only dreamed of.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Tanner Smith as our new men’s basketball coach,” said UWF Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dave Scott. “We are in a pivotal moment in the history of UWF Athletics and I’m confident Tanner will lead this program to new heights. He’s a high-character man who will build lasting relationships with his student-athletes and the community while developing a high-caliber team on the court. It’s an exciting time for Argos basketball.”
A Tiger Trailblazer
If you bleed orange, you saw this coming. Smith was the definition of a Swiss Army knife for Clemson, stuffing the stat sheet with 986 points, 459 boards, and 320 assists over four unforgettable years. He wasn’t just a player—he was a winner, helping lead the Tigers to three straight NCAA Tournament trips and making sure Littlejohn was rocking every winter.
Smith’s senior season in 2012 is still talked about in Tiger circles. He did what no one else in Clemson history had done—averaging double digits in points, five rebounds, and four assists a night, something nobody else in the ACC managed that year. That basketball brainpower made his jump to coaching a no-brainer after a couple of years playing pro ball overseas.
The Road to the Top
Smith’s coaching journey has been all about putting in the work and building winners. Before he helped Appalachian State notch a school-record 27 wins and a Sun Belt title last year, he was grinding at places like Charlotte, Mississippi State, Kennesaw State, and Stephen F. Austin. No matter where he’s gone, Smith has brought a winning edge and a defensive toughness that would make any Tiger proud.
“What stood out to me first about the University of West Florida was its people,” Smith said. “The competitive, family-oriented atmosphere that resonates throughout campus is something truly special and not found everywhere. I’m excited to get to work identifying and developing young men who are not only talented players, but outstanding individuals who will represent the Argonaut brand with pride. My family and I are deeply grateful to President Diaz and Athletic Director Dave Scott for the opportunity to lead the historic men’s basketball program at the University of West Florida.”
Smith, a proud Clemson grad from the class of 2012, is heading south to Florida with his wife Julia and their two kids. He might be suiting up in Argonaut blue and green these days, but make no mistake—he’ll always be part of the Clemson family, and Littlejohn will always be home.