The University of West Florida has found its new basketball coach.
UWF Associate Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Dave Scott announced Tuesday the hiring of Tanner Smith as the Argonauts’ new men’s basketball head coach.
Who? Smith arrives from Appalachian State, where he spent the past two seasons as associate head coach and helped transform the Mountaineers into one of the Sun Belt’s most formidable programs. During his tenure, App State posted 26 conference wins and back-to-back 10-win seasons in Sun Belt play—the program’s first such stretch since 2010–11. In 2023–24, the Mountaineers set a program record with 27 wins, claimed an outright regular-season championship and made the National Invitation Tournament for the first time since 2006–07.
Defensive identity was a hallmark of Smith’s work. The Mountaineers led the Sun Belt in scoring defense in each of his two seasons and ranked among the nation’s top 50 programs in field goal percentage defense and three-point percentage defense.
Scott didn’t hide his enthusiasm for the hire.
- “We are in a pivotal moment in the history of UWF Athletics, and I’m confident Tanner will lead this program to new heights,” Scott said. “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.”
Other Coaching Stops
Smith’s resume extends well beyond App State. He spent two seasons at Stephen F. Austin, helping the Lumberjacks win a regular-season conference title and rank among the nation’s leaders in turnovers forced, steals and three-point shooting. He’s also had stops at Kennesaw State, Mississippi State and Charlotte, where he rose from director of basketball operations to assistant coach.
- Before coaching, Smith was a standout guard at Clemson, finishing his career with 986 points, 459 rebounds and 320 assists while helping lead the Tigers to three NCAA Tournament appearances.
The endorsements that accompanied the announcement were notable. Former Mississippi State and UCLA head coach Ben Howland called Smith “a fantastic coach” and praised his ability to connect with players and help them grow on and off the court. Kyle Keller, now an assistant at Texas A&M, went further.
“Coach Tanner Smith is truly a grand slam hire for West Florida,” Keller said. “Parents will want their sons to play for him. He is not only an outstanding teacher of the game, but his ability to motivate and maximize talent is a truly special gift.”
Smith, who earned his marketing degree from Clemson in 2012, will relocate to Pensacola with his wife Julia and their two children.
Why UWF?
For his part, Smith made clear that UWF’s culture was a major draw.
- “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. 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.”
UWF is in the process of transitioning to NCAA Division I athletics, making this hire one of the most consequential in program history. Smith’s track record of building winners at the mid-major level—and his experience competing in the Sun Belt Conference—positions him well for exactly that challenge.
Argos basketball just got a lot more interesting.
