Ahmad Smith joined the University of North Alabama men’s basketball staff on June 1, 2018, and was elevated to Associate Head Coach in March 2023. Entering his eighth season with the program in 2025–26, Smith has been a key figure in UNA’s successful transition to Division I and its emergence as a consistent contender in the Atlantic Sun Conference. In 2024–25, he helped guide the Lions to a 24–11 overall record and a 14–4 conference mark, earning a share of the ASUN Regular Season Championship and advancing to the conference title game. UNA also secured its first-ever at-large berth to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT). During his tenure, the program has produced 15 all-conference selections, including six All-Freshman Team honorees and multiple All-Academic picks.
Working primarily with the frontcourt, Smith has built a reputation for developing elite rebounders. His players have led the ASUN in rebounding three times, and in 2024–25 North Alabama was one of only two Division I programs with two players recording 300 or more rebounds. Prior to UNA, Smith served as Associate Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator at Charleston Southern, contributing to conference championships and postseason appearances. His coaching career also includes international experience in Ireland as a head coach and technical director, as well as time at Appalachian State, his alma mater. A former NJCAA All-American and national champion at Cedar Valley Junior College, Smith later competed at Appalachian State before transitioning into coaching. He and his wife, Teresa, have a son, Tristan.
