CHICO, Calif. – After 21 seasons and almost 300 career victories, Chico State head basketball coach Puck Smith has announced his retirement. Smith, who was hired to be Chico State’s 10th men’s basketball coach in 1987, retires as the second-winningest coach in the history of the program and boasts the second longest tenure in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Fittingly, Smith finished with a win as his team played like it knew it was his last game, defeating Cal State Dominguez Hills 75-66.
“It’s been all about the relationships with my coaches and players,” said Smith. “Coaching these young men over the last 20-plus years at Chico State has been one of the highlights of my professional life. But now it’s time for me to stop and smell the roses and join my wife Linda in retirement.”
Smith shared the news with his team immediately following the Wildcats’ season finale against Cal State Dominguez Hills Friday night.
“Puck Smith has been the face of Chico State men’s basketball for the past 21 years, and we’re proud to be able to say that,” said Athletic Director Anita Barker. “He has provided leadership to the program through many changes, not the least of which was our move to the CCAA ten years ago. Through it all Puck has provided a steady hand, wise council, and dedication to all who have had the pleasure of playing for him or working with him. His wisdom and leadership with be missed. The hallways of Acker Gym will definitely be different without his presence. But we wish Puck and his family well as they begin this new chapter in their lives.”
Smith led the Wildcats to four conference titles and five NCAA Championship Tournament appearances during his tenure. He was named the Northern California Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1991, 1992 and 1993. He also coached a trio of Conference Players of the Year, 10 All-West Region players, and 32 All-Conference players.
“I still keep in touch with many of my former players and coaches,” said Smith. “Those relationships transcend the game of basketball, and that’s been important to me.”
Smith even had the opportunity to coach two sons and work with another. His son Ryan just wrapped up his senior season at Chico State. His stepson Ross was an assistant coach with the Wildcats for one season. Another stepson, Scott, was a four-year player and two-time All-Conference performer for the Wildcats.
“That’s been one of the highlights, without a doubt,” said Smith.
Following his graduation from Southwest Oklahoma State in 1965 and a stint in the military, Smith began his coaching career at Highlands High School in North Highlands, California. He eventually earned his master’s degree at Oregon State while serving as a graduate assistant.
Smith was the head coach at Sacramento’s Grant High School from 1971-75 and posted a 95-35 record. He was twice named Metro Coach of the Year and was eventually named to the Sacramento Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame.
Smith moved from Grant to the collegiate level, where he was the head coach at Columbia Basin College from 1975-78. He did stints as an assistant coach at Portland State (1978-79), Oregon State (1979-80), Boise State (1980-83), and Washington State (1983-87) before coming to Chico.
A national search to find Chico State’s next men’s basketball coach will begin immediately.
