DeAndre Smith realizes NIU football coach Joe Novak gave him a great chance when he hired him in 2001. But because of a greater opportunity, Smith accepted a similar position at Miami-Ohio on Jan. 21.

In his four-year career as running backs coach for NIU, Smith saw three running backs gather four first-team All-MAC selections.

“I get more responsibility,” he said. “It’s exciting to have a little more input, and it gives me an opportunity to grow in this profession. The more I can learn, the better coach I’ll be down the road.”

Smith, 35, is one of seven coaches hired or retained by the RedHawks since Dec. 28. At Miami, he will be the running backs coach and the running game coordinator.

Miami graduates its top running back, Luke Clemens, who finished 10th in MAC rushing last season. The RedHawks will look to their youth to expand the running game.

“It’s something they want to definitely emphasize,” Smith said. “They have a few young guys they’re excited about that have potential.”

Smith leaves behind running backs Garrett Wolfe, A.J. Harris, Cas Prime and Adrian Davis, a group he said would be the best class of running backs to play at NIU.

“Obviously, it’s extremely tough,” Smith said of leaving the Huskies. “Coach Novak gave me a chance as a young coach without much experience. The biggest thing was seeing us grow as a team.

I enjoyed my time at Northern and hate to go, but it’s a good opportunity for me and my family.”