"I'm not going to coach high school football anymore" — Former USC football coach's son makes major decision; resigns from Crismon

Crismon High School's head football coach Corbin Smith, the son of former USC football coach Larry Smith, announced his resignation late Tuesday night. The timing of his decision surprised many, as spring football is in full swing.

The day after his announcement, he told the Arizona Republic:

"I love those kids. I appreciate everything Queen Creek Unified did for me. It's just time for me. The kids are out of the house. Just time for me to explore some other things. I've had opportunities, and I just haven't followed through."

Smith emphasized his gratitude towards the team and the community, saying:

"But I'm not going to coach high school football anymore. Just time for me to enjoy life. I have great coaches, great kids, and great parents. I appreciate all of them."

Principal Elyse Torbert confirmed Smith’s resignation, which was obtained by The Tribune. She expressed confidence in the existing coaching staff, particularly assistant coach Derrick Sainz, who will take over as interim head coach.

"I am confident that Coach Sainz and the remaining coaches on staff will do an excellent job of preparing the boys for the upcoming season," Torbert wrote.

Smith's coaching career at Crismon began two years ago, marking the school's first football program after leading McClintock High for five years. Crismon’s inaugural varsity season under Smith saw a winless record of 0-10, with a team composed mainly of sophomores.

Former USC football coach Larry Smith's son's coaching journey comes to an end

Crismon High School's head football coach Corbin Smith's resignation marked the end of an illustrious coaching career. Smith, who led Crismon since its inception, announced he is moving out of state and will no longer coach high school football.

"Some things work, and some things don't," Smith said.

Smith previously served as the head coach at McClintock High School in Tempe, achieving more wins in a five-year span than anyone since 2006. Smith, whose father Larry Smith coached multiple Power Five college programs, including USC football and Missouri, was passionate about starting a program from scratch.

His coaching experience includes six seasons at the University of Missouri as offensive tackle/tight end and coordinator at special teams (1995-2000), a season at Arkansas State University serving as wide receivers coordinator and special teams coach (2001), and four years working as a head coach and offensive gunner at Mesquite High School situated in Gilbert.

Smith graduated from the University of Iowa in 1995, majoring in sociology as a player. He was a quarterback and special teams player at both USC football (1991-1993) and Iowa (1993-1995).

Having been a student of Loyola High School in Los Angeles, he led his high school to a CIF Southern Section Division 1 state championship in his senior year, being the captain of both football and baseball teams.