GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State University head football coach Mickey Joseph announced the addition of three defensive coaches to his staff Thursday afternoon.
Joining the G-Men is linebackers coach Thaddaeus Washington, defensive line coach Jay Smith and cornerbacks coach Del Lee-Collins.
Thaddaeus Washington
Thaddaeus Washington enters his first season at GSU as a Linebackers Coach.
Washington is a Louisiana native. He attended John Ehret High School in Marrero, Louisiana, where he was a Linebacker. After graduating high school, Washington attended the University of Colorado and was a Linebacker for the Buffaloes.
While at the University of Colorado, Washington served as a team captain throughout the years he played and during final eligibility. Some of his awards earned include being named a member of the 2002, 2004, and 2005 Big 12 North Championship teams. He was selected as a preseason All-American by both Football.com and Nationalchamps.net and was a near-unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection by the preseason publications. Lindy's rated him the No. 5 inside linebacker in the NCAA, and The Sporting News selected him as the hardest-hitting linebacker in the Big 12 as the No. 11 inside linebacker in the nation. He was also on the official watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski, Dick Butkus and Rotary Lombardi Awards.
Washington graduated from the University of Colorado in 2006, earning his bachelor's degree in Sociology and Ethnic Studies. After graduating, Washington played in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills as a free agent. Following his time with the Bills, Washington coached Linebackers at Lambuth University and Southern University. Washington has since coached at a variety of high schools as a Linebackers Coach, Defensive Line Coach, and Defensive Coordinator.
Washington is the proud father of two beautiful daughters, Jalynn and Joy.
Jay Smith
Jay Smith enters his first season as the defensive line coach for the upcoming football season.
Smith, a Grambling State University alum, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. He holds a Master of Science in Sports Administration (2004) and a Bachelor of Arts and Science in Mass Communication (2003) from Grambling State University.
With a strong background in community engagement, Smith has been involved in various football clinics, including the X & O's Women's Football Clinic and the DFW POP Warner Coaches Clinic.
In his professional experience, Smith has been instrumental in training linemen for NFL combine, college, and high school athletes at Traction Sports Performance Facility in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, since 2018.
Smith's coaching journey includes significant roles at various high schools, including Capitol High School, Baker High School, Madison Prep High School, Austin LBJ, and Lancaster High School. His responsibilities ranged from defensive coordinator to associate head coach, specializing in defensive line coaching and techniques.
At the collegiate level, Smith served as Offensive Quality Control at Alcorn State University and held multiple positions at Grambling State University, including Special Teams Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach, Offensive Quality Control, and Defensive Quality Control.
Smith is an active member of professional organizations such as the American Football Coaches Association, Louisiana High School Coaches Association, and Texas Coaches Association.
As a former player for Grambling State University, Smith contributed to the team's success as part of the 2000 SWAC and Black College National Champions.
Del Lee-Collins
Del Lee Collins returns to Grambling as the cornerback's coach.
A native of New Orleans and former professional football player, Del Lee-Collins joined the Lion coaching staff as cornerbacks coach prior to the 2020 season.
In his first season with the Lions, which was moved to spring of 2021, Lee-Collins oversaw a talented group of SLU cornerbacks. Under his direction, junior Ferlando Jordan was named All-America by Stats Perform and Phil Steele, while also earning first team All-Southland Conference and All-Louisiana honors.
In 2021, Lee-Collins' troops once again featured an All-American, as Zy Alexander finished among the FCS leaders with a Southland Conference-high six interceptions. Alexander earned All-America honors from Stats Perform, Associated Press, and Phil Steele, while also claiming first team All-SLC and All-Louisiana accolades.
Both of his starting cornerbacks earned first team All-Southland Conference honors for the 2022 conference champions. Jordan was named first team All-SLC for the third time in his career, while Alexander was a repeat selection.
Lee-Collins' previous coaching stints include Grambling and his alma mater McNeese.
Lee-Collins started his coaching career at St. Augustine High School. He worked as defensive backs coach, defensive coordinator, and assistant head coach. He has subsequently served as co-defensive coordinator at both Landry Walker High School and John Ehret High School, as well as head coach at Sophie B. Wright Charter in New Orleans.
Lee-Collins played from 1994-98 at McNeese, helping the Cowboys to a pair of Southland Conference championships. Collins finished his collegiate playing career as the program's career leader in blocked field goals. Following his time in Lake Charles, he played professionally for five years in the NFL and Arena Football League.
A 1998 graduate of McNeese, Lee-Collins and his wife, Cheryl, have two sons, Caleb and Kiazer.
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