Drake University Athletics

Al Smith joined the Drake coaching staff for the 2014 season as linebackers coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2019 season. In addition to his coordinator position, he coaches the team’s linebackers and coordinates quality control for the program.

Prior to Drake he spent six seasons at St. Scholastica where he was the defensive coordinator his last two seasons.

In his first season as defensive coordinator, Smith's linebackers were led by fifth- year Zac Rujawitz who led the Bulldogs in total tackles with 68, including an impressive career-high 18 in the season-finale win over Davidson. Rujawitz was recognized for his outstanding final season by being named to the All-Pioneer Football League First Team. Fellow linebacker Andrew Shafis earned All-PFL honorable mention honors.

During the 2018 season, Smith's linebackers were instrumental in helping the defense be one of the best in the nation. The Bulldogs' defense ranked ninth nationally in scoring defense (19.1 ppg), ninth in total defense (296.0 ypg), sixth in rushing defense (96.8 ypg), 10th in interceptions (17 INT), 10th in tackles for loss (8.1 TFL/g) and 15th in defensive touchdowns (3). Kieran Severa earned All-PFL First Team honors while Conner Willis earned second team honors. Rujawitz and Tyler Terveer collected honorable mention honors.

Smith's linebackers helped the Bulldogs lead the PFL in total defense in 2017 as well as pass defense. Mike Maize was named to the PFL Second Team and Severa earned All-PFL honorable mention accolades. In 2016, Smith coached Taylor Coleman to his second All-PFL honor. Smith guided John Hugunin to earn third-team FCS STATS All-American, third-team AP All-American and first-team All-PFL honors in 2015. Hugunin graduated as Drake's all-time leader in career tackles.
 
In his first season at Drake, Smith helped Hugunin and Coleman to All-PFL honors as both finished the 2014 season in the top-10 in the league in tackles.

In his two seasons guiding St. Scholastica’s defense, the Saints boasted the top defense in the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference while winning a pair of conference titles with two NCAA Division III playoff appearances.

Allen began his career at St. Scholastica in 2008, the program’s first season, as the team’s defensive backs coach. Three years later his work resulted in an undefeated season and conference title for the fledgling program.

He received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Wingate University where he was a two-time team captain, all-conference selection and the team’s leader in tackles.

Al and his wife, Amber, have two sons, Allen, Jr. and Gabriel.