Penn State Announces Addition of Edge Rushers Coach Christian Smith

Penn State has poached from another Big Ten school for its latest coaching staff addition.

On Friday evening, the Nittany Lions announced the hiring of edge rushers coach Christian Smith, who spent the previous three seasons as Northwestern’s defensive line coach. Ikaika Malloe is still considered Penn State’s overall defensive line coach.

Smith was recently named to the 2025 AFCA 35 Under 35, which recognizes some of the top young coaches in the sport. With the Wildcats, Smith coached Aidan Hubbard, who recorded 7.5 sacks last season en route to his second All-Big Ten honors. Smith also coached defensive end Anto Saka, who was a coveted transfer portal target and recently committed to Texas A&M.

Prior to arriving at Northwestern, Smith spent six seasons coaching the defensive line at South Dakota State, which won its first national championship in 2022.

During his playing days, Smith was a defensive end for Toledo from 2010-13, playing three of those seasons under now-Penn State head coach Matt Campbell and totaling 80 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and five sacks.