The Black and Whites parted ways with Smith in April, just 18 months into a major rebuilding project.
The 57-year-old’s time at previous club Hull KR also came to an abrupt end but his love for coaching has not diminished
“I’m not actively searching at the moment,” said Smith, who held the title of Super League’s most experienced coach.
“In the past, I’ve said that I probably wasn’t going to look that way but each time that opportunity comes along… I just love coaching.
“Coaching was a fun part of my last project, even though it was arguably the hardest one I’ve ever worked on.
“I wouldn’t say never, but the proper circumstance would need to present itself. You’re excited about them all, but it depends on your expectations and the amount of time. It takes time to turn around someone whose program hasn’t been effective for a while.”
The Airlie Birds finished 10th in Smith’s first season to highlight the size of the challenge facing the former Great Britain and England boss.
Hull’s fortunes did not improve at the start of this year amid a selection crisis, with Smith leaving his post after just one win in eight matches.
Originally brought in to oversee a long-term project with a heavy focus on developing homegrown players, Smith felt there was a change of approach following the completion of an investment deal.
The Black and Whites have since appointed Richie Myler as director of rugby and signed Leigh Leopards captain John Asiata on a bumper marquee contract.
“The owner’s remit changed a whole lot in my last place,” added Smith. “I totally get that and there are no hard feelings.
“He just ended up going in a different direction with different investors and there was no problem with that.
“If the new investors didn’t want me to be a part of that, I totally understand that. Nothing has left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
“It’s just part and parcel of rugby league. If you get down about that, you’re in the wrong profession.
“The job before this one was fine with the players etc; I just had an issue with one person within the organisation – and a pretty important one, too.
“In my previous role, I never faced a circumstance like that. Just like that, the goalposts moved quite quickly. That was okay with me, and I fully accept that.
“I’ve got a pretty good track record of turning things around if the right opportunity arose and someone wanted to change their fortunes with a realistic and reasonable view on how long that takes.” We would have eventually started FC as well.”At the end of 2022, Smith succeeded Brett Hodgson, who had led the Australian to eighth and ninth place finishes in his two seasons in charge.
Owner Adam Pearson declared after Smith’s appointment that “we’re not hiding from the fact that culturally things need to be better.”
Hull’s problems have persisted even after Smith left office; their current losing streak now stands at eleven games after their loss to Castleford Tigers last week.
“Having lived in the city, I knew some of the issues and didn’t go in completely blind – but at the same time, you sometimes get taken aback from the level you think it’s at to what it actually is.
“I knew it was going to be a big project and probably a lengthy project to get it right, particularly under the circumstances.
“There are no regrets about doing that. I was quite happy to go in there and love challenges like that.”
Smith moved over to the city during his time at Hull KR but has returned to West Yorkshire following his departure from the MKM Stadium
“I would have loved to have had a positive impact on both clubs,” Smith stated. After leaving rugby league, he intends to coach in business and assist the League Managers Association.
“I would like to think that I eliminated some elements of FC, but the time allotted to me would not allow me to accomplish that.
“I had a great experience with the Hull people. I never encountered hostility from anyone somewhere I went. They always sent me their best wishes and were aware of some of the difficulties we were facing.
It is understandable that there will be those who do not view it that way. Even if you are the competition winner, you will inevitably run upon someone who disagrees with you.
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