Austin James (A.J.) Smith is in his first year as Southeastern's quarterback coach. Smith began his coaching career at age 19 and is entering in his 9th season of coaching.

Prior to Southeastern, Smith was an Offensive Analyst at UCLA. During his year in Westwood, Smith used his Virtual Reality software to help Josh Rosen become a First Team Freshman All-American.

Smith's resume also includes coaching stints at Southern Methodist, Louisiana-Lafayette, Northwestern State, and University of New Orleans.
 
Prior to coaching college, Smith was the offensive coordinator at West St. Mary High in Baldwin, La. Smith would help turn around a team who had previously gone 3-27 the past three seasons to an offensive powerhouse. In 2011, after implementing the Air Raid, his offense averaged 421.2 yards, set two single-game national records by his wide receiver who caught five touchdowns in one quarter; six in one half, and finished that night with 404 receiving yards. His receiver would also lead the entire state in yards and receptions. Smith's quarterback performed multiple games of 500 yards passing, which led him to become a four star recruit (Rivals.com), and signed with Nebraska. His offense featured tackle Jerald Hawkins, who was a fourth-round NFL Draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Austin James is one of the leading innovators in virtual reality training methods for quarterbacks. His Virtual Coach software he developed is used by hundreds of teams and he has been featured on the NFL Network.

Additionally, Smith is a top consultant for Hal Mumme Air Raid system. He consults with teams all over the country on the "Air Raid" including travels to consult professional teams in Japan.

Austin James has coached in two East West Shrine games (2014 & 2016) as co-offensive coordinator and wide receiver coach under head coach Jerry Glanville and June Jones. There, he coached future NFL players Jimmy Garoppolo, Allen Hurns, Matt Hazel, and Derek Watt.

In high school, Austin James played at Calvary Baptist (Shreveport, La) for Doug Pederson who is now the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.