Richard Smith (American football coach)

Last updated

Richard Smith
Richard Smith (American football coach) 2015.jpg
Smith with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015
Chicago Bears
Title Linebackers coach
Personal information
Born (1955-10-17) October 17, 1955 (age 70)
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]

Contents

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

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