Sports

Kyle Smith Breaks Down In Emotional Presser While Speaking On Resources Stanford Can Offer His Family

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Washington State head coach Kyle Smith speaks to the media during the NCAA Tournament.

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Kyle Smith is taking over as the head coach of the Stanford men’s basketball program after having spent five seasons at PAC 12 rival Washington State. The move is significant not only in terms of opportunities on the court, but also in resources away from it.

Smith got emotional in his introductory press conference, breaking down in tears while speaking on everything the university can provide for his family. He seems thankful to call Stanford his new home.

Smith has been in a head coaching role since 2010, leading three different programs in Columbia, San Francisco, and Wazzu. Over that time, he’s won 258 games, most recently posting a 94-71 mark in Pullman.

He was named PAC 12 Coach of the Year in 2024 after leading the Cougars to the NCAA Tournament, which included a first-round win over Drake.

Now, he’s buoyed that success into landing his dream job.

But while many would believe that to be for reasons on the court, a number of off-court incentives play a role in that “dream job” status, too.

Stanford offers Kyle Smith and his family resources most can’t.

He said as much in an incredibly emotional presser on Wednesday.

“We were put in touch with the Stanford autism center,” the head coach, who has an autistic 13-year-old son, said. “It’s hard not to cry, but to have that opportunity, for our family, my son to have maybe more resources, just honored and thankful.”

It’s often easy to bash coaches and players when they move from one place to the next, especially when that means leaving your favorite team, but moments like this help put things in perspective while reminding us that these are real people, too.

Not every move is about money or greed, sometimes, it’s just the right thing to do for the individual and his or her family.

Smith will look to continue success achieved in that final season at Washington State upon taking over for the Cardinal. He’ll have his work cut out for him as Stanford makes the jump to the ACC.