PITTSBURG — Pittsburg State University head football coach Tom Anthony has announced the recent hiring of two new staff members to complete his coaching staff for the 2024 season.
 
Anthony has hired Brian "BK" Smith II to serve as the Gorillas' running backs coach and former Pitt State All-American Trase Jeffries to serve as an offensive graduate assistant coach.
 
Smith comes to Pitt State from MIAA rival University of Central Missouri where he has served during the 2023 campaign as defensive recruiting coordinator/cornerbacks coach for the Mules. Smith, who played for UCM from 2014-16, served as a graduate assistant at East Central University in 2018 before returning to his alma mater to serve as a GA and defensive backs coach in 2019-20. The Independence, Mo., native also served as defensive backs coach/special teams coordinator at Wayne State college in 2021; and he worked as a summer player personnel analyst for the Kansas City Chiefs scouting department in 2022.

"Adding Brian to our staff is a huge win!" Anthony said. "He brings experience playing and coaching within the league, which will be a huge asset for our program."

Jeffries recently completed a highly decorated five-year career as an offensive lineman at Pitt State. The Broken Arrow, Okla., native started 41 consecutive games at offensive tackle for the Gorillas between the 2020 and 2023 campaigns, helping Pitt State to a pair of MIAA titles and consecutive trips to the NCAA Division II national playoffs. He finished his career as a three-time first-team All-MIAA performer and a two-time NCAA-II All-America selection.

"Trase is one of the most decorated linemen to ever come through Pitt State," Anthony said. "His knowledge and experience as a player will help to make our offensive unit truly special."

Anthony, who was hired as Pitt State's 16th all-time head football coach on Dec. 3, has filled his staff positions with the hiring of Smith and Jeffries. Last month, Anthony announced Kevin Bleil as the Gorillas' new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach; Mark Smith as Pitt State's wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator; Bill Bleil as offensive line coach and run game coordinator; Gregg Hollins as tight ends coach and Cody Williams as the Gorillas' student-athlete performance coach.