Brian Smith was named Field Manager of the ThunderBolts on November 12, 2018 replacing Ron Biga. The 2021 season will be Smith's second year as Field Manager and fifth year coaching at a professional level. Smith spent three seasons as the ThunderBolts' Pitching Coach between 2013-2015 before becoming the Field Manager of the summer collegiate Rockford Rivets (Northwoods League). 

Brian first stint in coaching was from 2009-10 with the summer collegiate Madison Mallards (Northwoods League) as an Assistant Coach. He returned to coaching in 2012 as the Pitching Coach for the University of St. Francis (NAIA) helping the Fighting Saints pitching staff reach the Regional Championships while ranking 17th in the country in team ERA.  

Brian Smith's first professional coaching position was as Pitching Coach for the ThunderBolts for three years (2013-15). He oversaw two pitching all-stars, two no-hitters and nine pitchers signed by Major League affiliates. Smith then went back to the Northwoods League, this time as Field Manager of the Rockford Rivets in 2016. He compiled 100 wins in three years with Rockford that included a trip to the postseason in 2017.