Richard Smith (American football coach)


Richard Smith is an American football coach who is the linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League. He has been defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons. He has also been the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins.

Coaching career

Denver Broncos

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

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. He was fired by the Falcons after their defense collapse in Super Bowl LI and having defensive leadership being taken over by head coach Dan Quinn midway through the season.

Los Angeles Chargers

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