TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – It's been a family affair for Curt Mallory as he built his staff here at Indiana State, bringing in close connections he's had throughout the coaching world in his stops at Michigan, Wyoming and elsewhere throughout the country. For assistant head coach Mark Smith, it's also homecoming to where it all began.
 
Smith, who is also in charge of the Sycamore defensive line, coached at Indiana State for 14 years from 1988-2002 – then his third coaching job after a four-year stint at Bowling Green (1982-85) and a two-year position in town at Rose-Hulman in 1986-87.
 
"Terre Haute has always been a kind of home for us," Smith said. "We lived in Terre Haute for 17 years, but it was 14 years ago since we've been here. It's good to be back."
 


Smith, like Mallory and several others on staff, fell into Brady Hoke's coaching tree, joining Hoke's staff at Ball State in 2003 and following him to San Diego State (2009-10) and Michigan (2011-14). The two first coached together at Michigan as defensive assistant coaches under Hoke.
 
"I've known Curt a long time," Smith said. "He's a great husband, a great father, he's a guy who understands how to do things the right way, and obviously he's a very good football coach. It's exciting, and it is one of the main reasons I did want to come back is because Curt was going to be in charge."
 
For Smith and his family (which includes his son, current director of operations and video coordinator Craig Smith), the trip back to Terre Haute has opened their eyes to how much can change in 14 years while also being able to see what has remained the same.
 
"I think they've done a great job of improving the campus," Smith said. "There are a lot of things that are very familiar and a lot of people that are still very familiar that I knew back in the day when I was here the first time. Overall, I've been impressed with the University and the athletic department and how things are being done."
 
Smith inherits a defensive line crew that returns two starters: nose tackle Norvell McGlaun and defensive end Kenyota Rollins. It remains to be seen how the defensive line shakes out in the transition from a three-man front to a more traditional 4-3, but Smith likes what he has witnessed so far.
 
"It's a learning experience every day; not only for me, but for them in getting to know their new coach," Smith said. "It's a great group. I like these guys. These guys are hungry and they want to be coached and they're very willing to learn and it's been great so far."
 
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Day Two of practice took place late this afternoon and into the early evening, and the pace picked up a bit from the first morning session on Tuesday. This was the last day of non-contact action for the Sycamores, as Saturday will begin padded workouts.
 
Day 3 (March 25): 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
 
Day 4 (March 28): 5:15-7:15 a.m.
Day 5 (March 30): 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Day 6 (April 1; 1st Scrimmage): 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
 
Day 7 (April 4): 5:15-7:15 a.m.
Day 8 (April 6): 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Day 9 (April 8; 2nd Scrimmage): 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
 
Day 10 (April 11): 5:15-7:15 a.m.
Day 11 (April 13): 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Day 12 (April 14): TBA
 
Day 13 (April 18): 5:15-7:15 a.m.
Day 14 (April 20): 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Day 15 (April 21, Spring Game): 4:00 p.m.
 
For the latest information on the Sycamore Football team, make sure to check out GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media including Facebook and Twitter.