Craig Smith - Eastern Regional Scout

Craig Smith rejoins the Lions in 2008 as the club’s eastern regional scout, his primary role being the evaluation of talent within the CIS ranks in Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. The appointment marks a homecoming for Smith as he returns to the Lions after three seasons in Hamilton as the Ti-Cats’ director of player personnel.

Smith entered the CFL as a guest coach for the Lions during the 1999 season and spent six seasons in various roles for the club including the last four as player personnel coordinator. During his time with the organization, he enjoyed a Grey Cup championship in 2000 and was heavily involved with the Canadian Draft where the team selected the likes of Jason Clermont, Javier Glatt, Lyle Green, and Paris Jackson.

Smith began his coaching career in 1990 for Vancouver’s Westside Warriors and spent the next five seasons with the club. Following a stint as the quarterback/kicker coach for South Delta Secondary School in 1995, he moved to the college ranks, coaching receivers and kickers for UBC and capturing a Vanier Cup with the squad in 1997.

A passionate supporter of amateur football, Smith has coached for the lower mainland’s Senior Bowl as well as for Team BC at the 2000 Canada Cup and has been a clinic speaker for Football BC.

After playing juvenile football for Manitoba’s St. Vital Mustangs, Smith obtained his BA in History from the University of Manitoba followed by a certificate in Computer Programming from Winnipeg’s Red River Community College.

A Winnipeg native, Craig and his wife Cathy reside in Hamilton.