Richard Smith (American football coach)
American football coach (born 1955)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Richard Smith (born October 17, 1955) is an American football coach who is the linebackers coach for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL).[1] He has been defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons,[2] as well as the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins, and a linebacker coach for the Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Indianapolis Colts.[3]
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Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Fresno State (1977)
Smith with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 | |
| Chicago Bears | |
|---|---|
| Title | Linebackers coach |
| Personal information | |
| Born | October 17, 1955 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College | Rio Hondo (1975–1976) Fresno State (1977) |
| Career history | |
| |
| Coaching profile at Pro Football Reference | |
Coaching career
Detroit Lions
Smith was hired by the Detroit Lions in 2003 as an assistant head coach and linebackers coach.[4]
Miami Dolphins
Smith was hired by the Miami Dolphins in 2005 as a defensive coordinator.[5]
Houston Texans
Smith was hired by the Houston Texans in 2006 as a defensive coordinator.[6][7]
Carolina Panthers
Smith was hired by the Carolina Panthers in February of 2009 as a linebackers coach.[8]
Denver Broncos
Smith was hired by the Denver Broncos on January 25, 2011.[9]
Atlanta Falcons
When the Atlanta Falcons hired Smith on January 26, 2015, the Falcons were the worst-ranked defense in passing yards in 2014 prior to his arrival.[10] He was fired by the Falcons after their defensive collapse in Super Bowl LI, with defensive leadership being taken over by head coach Dan Quinn midway through the season.[11][12]
Los Angeles Chargers
Smith was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers on February 13, 2017, as a linebackers coach.[13][14][15]
Las Vegas Raiders
Smith was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders on January 12, 2021, as a linebackers coach.[16]
Indianapolis Colts
Smith was hired by the Indianapolis Colts in February of 2022 as a linebackers coach.[17]
Chicago Bears
On February 6, 2025, the Chicago Bears hired Smith as their linebackers coach.[18]