Texas A&M University-San Antonio has named David Smith as interim head coach of the men's basketball program, which he has helped shape since its inception.
Smith, who served as an assistant coach under former head coach Chris Dial for the past two seasons, takes over as the Jaguars continue to grow following the program's first two years of competition.
Jaguar Athletics also welcomed Zach Adair in August, who has joined the team as the assistant men’s basketball coach. Adair was previously at Sul Ross State University, where he served as associate head coach, and has a master’s degree in sports management.
The men's basketball team made significant strides last season, earning its first appearance in the Red River Athletic Conference Tournament while continuing to establish the culture and identity of a young program. As head coach, Smith aims to build on that momentum and help the Jaguars reach new heights on and off the court.
"I want to keep building it. I want to be a part of it," Smith said. "That's the challenge I need. That's the challenge I want."
"Coach brings a tremendous amount of stability and continuity to our program," said Dr. Darnell Smith, director of athletics. "Having been part of our staff, he already has strong relationships with our student-athletes and understands the expectations and culture we've built."
Dr. Smith also highlighted Smith's military background, leadership experience and knowledge of the game as strengths that will serve the program moving forward.
"He values responsibility, service, sportsmanship, integrity, accountability, hard work and teamwork, which are all critical components of a successful program," Dr. Smith said.
For Smith, building a successful program means more than wins and losses.
“I’m in the business of creating great fathers, great husbands, great sons, great brothers, great coworkers, and I’m using basketball to do that,” Smith said. “Because if I can do that, teaching them to be basketball players will be easy. It’s the same life lessons.”
That philosophy reflects Jaguar Athletics' commitment to developing student-athletes through academic success, community engagement and personal growth alongside athletic achievement.
As the Jaguars enter a new chapter, Smith said he wants those values to be evident in the way his players compete, carry themselves and represent the University.
"I want a fan that may not know anything about our program to come watch us play and just say as they leave, 'Man, that team really loves being at Texas A&M-San Antonio,'" Smith said.
Smith succeeds Dial, who guided the Jaguars in their first two seasons and helped establish Jaguar Men's Basketball. The University is appreciative of the foundation Dial built as the inaugural head coach.
Now, Smith will lead the program forward as the Jaguars continue to grow and evolve.