Richard Smith (American football coach)
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 | |
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]
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]
References
- ^ "Richard Smith". Pro Football History. Retrieved November 19, 2025.
- ^ "Sources: Smith, Morris to coach Falcons' D". January 26, 2015.
- ^ "Dolphins Tab Richard Smith Defensive Coordinator". KTVU. March 1, 2005. Retrieved March 14, 2011.
- ^ "Mariucci hires Richard Smith, two others from 49ers". ESPN. November 19, 2025.
- ^ "Dolphins name Richard Smith D-coordinator". Patriots Latest News. November 19, 2025.
- ^ "Your Texans: Richard Smith". Houston Texans News. November 19, 2025.
- ^ "Your Texans: Richard Smith (video clip)". Houston Texans News. November 19, 2025.
- ^ "Panthers add two defensive coaches". Panthers News. November 19, 2025.
- ^ "Milus, Smith Join Staff". Archived from the original on January 26, 2011. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ^ "Quick hits on new Falcons coaches Richard Smith, Raheem Morris". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ^ Chadiha, Jeffri. "Falcons' historic collapse leads to Patriots' fifth Super Bowl win". NFL. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
- ^ "Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons –February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
- ^ "Chargers hire Richard Smith, wrap up Anthony Lynn's first staff". February 13, 2017. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ^ Ledbetter, D. Orlando. "Former defensive coordinator Smith lands with Chargers". ajc. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ^ "Chargers hire Richard Smith as LBs coach, announce full coaching staff". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 13, 2017.
- ^ Williamson, Bill (January 12, 2021). "Chargers' coaches Ron Milus and Richard Smith set to join Gus Bradley at Raiders". Silver & Black Pride.
- ^ Erickson, Joel A. (November 19, 2025). "Colts hire Richard Smith as linebackers coach". Indy Star.
- ^ "Bears to hire Richard Smith as linebackers coach". nbcsports.com. Retrieved February 9, 2025.