The legacy of high school football coaching legend and education trailblazer J.W. Smith

By Steve Bynum
J.W. Smith
Dr. J.W. Smith, one of the winningest coaches in Chicago football history, and social justice trailblazer in public education, died on January 8th, 2022 at age 84. Photo courtesy of Will Smith Jr.
J.W. Smith
Dr. J.W. Smith, one of the winningest coaches in Chicago football history, and social justice trailblazer in public education, died on January 8th, 2022 at age 84. Photo courtesy of Will Smith Jr.

The legacy of high school football coaching legend and education trailblazer J.W. Smith

By Steve Bynum
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J.W. Smith passed away this month at age 84. He was one of Chicago’s winningest high school football coaches, who went on to be an innovator as head of Athletics for Chicago Public Schools.

Reset discusses Dr. Smith’s legacy with a panel of his friends and colleagues.

GUESTS: Will Smith, former assistant coach for Coach Smith; security consultant

Carl Boyd, Cook County circuit judge, District 6; former football player for Coach Smith

Paul Vallas, former CEO, Chicago Public Schools; co-founder, Vallas Group, Inc.