RICHMOND, Ky. – Former Kentucky and San Diego State quarterback Maxwell Smith has joined EKU's football's staff as quarterbacks coach, head coach Walt Wells announced on Tuesday.

Smith, who threw for 4,599 yards and 34 touchdowns in his collegiate career, has served as the quarterbacks coach at Heidelberg University for the last two seasons. 

"I'm excited to welcome Maxwell to the EKU football family," Wells said. "Maxwell has a great passion and love for the game and has had success as a player and a coach. Our quarterbacks will benefit greatly from his knowledge and experience."

Under Smith's tutelage, Heidelberg quarterback Drew Sims ranked in the top-10 nationally in yards per completion in 2021 and 2022. Sims was also an All-OAC selection following the 2021 season. 

"I want to thank Coach Wells and his staff for this opportunity to be a part of a such a historic program," said Smith. "I'm excited to be back in the great state of Kentucky and to help EKU compete for championships."

Prior to joining the staff at Heidelberg, Smith coached for three seasons at Kentucky as a grad assistant.  

As a player, Smith started 11 games at quarterback for Kentucky. In 2013, he led the Wildcats in passing, throwing for 1,276 yards and nine touchdowns against just one interception. Smith was a Freshman All-SEC performer in 2011, setting a UK school record for most passing yards by a true freshman with a 283-yard performance against Ole Miss. 

Smith transferred to San Diego State in 2015 and won the starting job for the Aztecs. The Granada Hills, Calif., native threw for 1,529 yards and 13 touchdowns while setting an SDSU record by going 10 consecutive games without throwing an interception. As the starter, Smith guided the Aztecs to seven consecutive wins as SDSU captured the Mountain West Conference championship and won the Hawaii Bowl.