Northwestern has officially announced the hiring of Ryan Smith as the program’s next cornerbacks coach. Smith was most recently Virginia Tech’s defensive pass game coordinator.

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald is effusive in his praise for Smith.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Ryan and his wife, Kristina, to Northwestern,” Fitzgerald said. “Coach Smith is widely respected among our coaching community for his knowledge of the game and his ability to recruit and develop talent. His dedicated and energetic approach to coaching is sure to have an immediate impact on our student-athletes and the program.”

Smith is grateful for the opportunity at Northwestern.

“Thank you to Coach Fitz, Coach O’Neil and the staff for the opportunity to join the Northwestern Football Family,” Smith said. “The commitment to excel both in competition and in the classroom, while having incredible facilities in one of the best cities in the country, makes Northwestern unlike any other program in college football. I look forward to contributing to the amazing culture that has been established here and can’t wait to get to work with these coaches and student-athletes.”

Smith was selected o 247Sports’ 2020 College Football Rising Stars list.

Northwestern posted a 3-9 record and sixth place finish in the B1G West this season.