On February 10, 1992, Smeltzer was named head coach of the Ottawa Rough Riders. His hiring came after Mike Riley, Tom Higgins, Dennis Meyer, and Joe Paopao all declined the position. He was the Rough Riders seventh coach in seven years. In his first season, Smeltzer led the team to a 9-9 record. It was the first time the Rough Riders didn't have a losing record in ten years. Following general manager Dan Rambo's departure, Smeltzer was given the additional role of director of football operations. The Rough Riders went 4-14 in 1993 and Smeltzer was fired at the end of the season.
