Richard Smith
Candid photograph of Smith standing before a podium with a red backdrop bearing logos of the Atlanta Falcons and Verizon behind him
Smith with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015
Indianapolis Colts
Position:Linebackers coach
Personal information
Born: (1955-10-17) October 17, 1955 (age 68)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Career information
College:Fresno State
Career history
As a coach:
Coaching stats at PFR

Richard Smith (born October 17, 1955) is an American football coach who is the linebackers coach for the Indianapolis Colts 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 and Las Vegas Raiders.[3]

Coaching career

Denver Broncos

Smith was hired by the Denver Broncos on January 25, 2011.[4]

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.[5] 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.[6][7][8]

Los Angeles Chargers

Smith was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers on February 13, 2017, as a linebackers coach.[9][10]

Las Vegas Raiders

Smith was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders on January 12, 2021, as a linebackers coach.[11]

References

  1. ^ "Chargers Hire Former Falcons DC Richard Smith As LBs Coach". nfltraderumors.co. 13 February 2017. Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  2. ^ "Sources: Smith, Morris to coach Falcons' D". 26 January 2015.
  3. ^ "Dolphins Tab Richard Smith Defensive Coordinator". KTVU. March 1, 2005. Retrieved March 14, 2011.
  4. ^ "Milus, Smith Join Staff". Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  5. ^ "Quick hits on new Falcons coaches Richard Smith, Raheem Morris". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  6. ^ "Chargers hire Richard Smith, wrap up Anthony Lynn's first staff". 13 February 2017. Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  7. ^ Chadiha, Jeffri. "Falcons' historic collapse leads to Patriots' fifth Super Bowl win". NFL. Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  8. ^ "Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons –February 5th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved 6 August 2017.
  9. ^ Ledbetter, D. Orlando. "Former defensive coordinator Smith lands with Chargers". ajc. Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  10. ^ "Chargers hire Richard Smith as LBs coach, announce full coaching staff". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2017-02-13.
  11. ^ Williamson, Bill (January 12, 2021). "Chargers' coaches Ron Milus and Richard Smith set to join Gus Bradley at Raiders". Silver & Black Pride.
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