Longtime LHS Head Football Coach, Mike Smith, Announces Retirement

On Thursday, Mike Smith, the head coach of the Lapeer High School football program, announced his retirement from football in front of a group of more than 50 players and coaches.

“At some point, you have to decide when it’s the right time to go,” Smith told his players. “But don’t feel sorry for me, I’m the lucky one. I’ve been so blessed to be your coach.”

Coach Smith addresses players and coaches on Thursday, November 30, at LHS.

Smith, who has spent the last 26 years at the helm of Lapeer football, will remain in his position as Dean of Students at LHS, and will continue his supportive roles within the athletic department.

“You would be hard pressed to find anyone who has made a greater impact on our school community than Coach Smith,” said LCS Superintendent Matt Wandrie. “We are so fortunate to have had a man of such integrity, clarity of purpose and love for community mentoring our young people.”

“No one loves Lapeer more than Mike Smith, and we are forever grateful for his leadership.”
Matt Wandrie, LCS Superintendent

Smith took over the reins of the Lapeer High School football program after the merger of East and West High Schools in 2014. During his time as the head coach of Lapeer High School, he amassed an incredible 75-27 record. Last summer, Coach Smith was inducted into the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Smith told his team that even though he will no longer be on the sidelines on Friday night, the expectations of the program will not change. The goal has always been about getting to graduation and, he assured them, they’d still see him there.

Mike Smith speaks to his team after the East-West game in 2011.

“I’ll be there for that,” he said. “And that’s the thing I will miss most … the relationships I have with you guys .. seeing you grow as men. I love that and I love all you guys.”

The District will begin the process of evaluating potential head coach candidates in December. The position will be posted internally and externally with the goal of having a new person in place by mid to late January.

For more information, contact Jared Field, LCS Director of Communications, at Jared.Field@Lapeerschools.org.