Marquette Assistant Nevada Smith Named New Siena Head Coach

Smith spent the past six seasons on Shaka Smart's staff at Marquette after previously working with Smart at Texas.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:18pm

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Marquette men's basketball assistant coach Nevada Smith has been named the new head coach of the Siena Saints. Smith, a 45-year-old with 22 years of coaching experience, spent the past six seasons on Shaka Smart's staff at Marquette after previously working with Smart at Texas.

Why it matters

Smith's departure is a significant loss for Marquette, as he was credited with engineering the Golden Eagles' highly efficient offense during his time as an assistant. His 'Dunks, Layups, and Threes Only' system helped Marquette post top-70 offenses in each of Smart's first four years, including top-40 finishes in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Marquette is coming off a down season and will now need to find a replacement who can maintain the program's offensive identity.

The details

Smith arrives at Siena with 22 years of coaching experience, including eight seasons as a head coach in the NBA G League and at the NCAA Division III level. He spent the past six seasons working on Shaka Smart's staff, first at Texas in 2020-21 and then at Marquette from 2021-26, serving as an assistant coach for the past three seasons. Smith's offensive system helped Marquette become one of the most efficient teams in the country, though the shots did not always fall this past season.

  • Nevada Smith spent the past six seasons on Shaka Smart's staff at Marquette.
  • Smith previously worked with Smart for one season at Texas in 2020-21.

The players

Nevada Smith

A 45-year-old with 22 years of coaching experience, including eight seasons as a head coach in the NBA G League and at the NCAA Division III level. He spent the past six seasons working on Shaka Smart's staff, first at Texas in 2020-21 and then at Marquette from 2021-26, serving as an assistant coach for the past three seasons.

Shaka Smart

The head coach of the Marquette men's basketball team, who brought Nevada Smith with him from Texas when he took the job in Milwaukee in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“My family and I could not be more excited to arrive in the Capital Region and become a part of the Siena community. I am honored and humbled to be able to lead this program, and build upon the momentum created by Gerry McNamara, his staff, and the great players who have proudly worn the Siena jersey throughout the years. I would like to thank President Seifert, John D'Argenio, and the search committee for having the trust in me to lead this storied program. I can't wait to get to work. GO SAINTS!”

— Nevada Smith, New Siena Head Coach

What’s next

Smith will now begin the process of assembling his first coaching staff and recruiting players to Siena as he looks to build on the program's recent success under Gerry McNamara.

The takeaway

Nevada Smith's departure is a significant loss for Marquette, as he was instrumental in the team's highly efficient offensive approach during his time as an assistant coach. However, the change also presents an opportunity for Shaka Smart to bring in a new voice and potentially reshape the program's identity as it looks to bounce back from a down season.