The Tampa Bay Buccaneers interview veteran Danny Smith, a 30-year special-teams architect, bolstering their coordinator search with proven NFL success.
A longtime special teams coach has joined the candidate list as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue their search for a new special teams coordinator.
The Buccaneers announced Friday they completed a virtual interview with Danny Smith for their open special teams coordinator position.
Smith, 72, is a longtime special teams coordinator in the NFL, having spent almost 30 years coaching special teams units across four different franchises.
He spent the last 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, arguably his most memorable run as a special teams coach. Before Pittsburgh, he spent nine seasons in Washington and three with the Buffalo Bills.
Smith also ran the special teams for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1995-1998. In between his stints in Philadelphia and Buffalo, he coached tight ends for the Detroit Lions.
His coaching career dates back to 1976, when he started as a graduate assistant at Edinboro. He also coached at Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, at Clemson, William & Mary, The Citadel, and Georgia Tech.
Under his tutelage, the Steelers fielded one of the better special teams units in the league, including ranking in the top 10 in punt-return yards allowed and kickoffs in 2025.
Smith helped kicker Chris Boswell reach two Pro Bowls (2017, 2024) and first-team All-Pro in 2024. Boswell had another successful season, despite the missed extra point in Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens. He finished 27-of-32 on field-goal attempts, including 9-of-11 from at least 50 yards, with his longest from 60 yards out.
Boswell enjoyed a 4-for-4 day on field goals in Week 8 against the Green Bay Packers.
His missed extra point against the Ravens was the only one he missed all season, as he finished 42-of-43 on extra points.
Special teamer Miles Killebrew was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2023 and is also a two-time Pro Bowler.
With head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down on Tuesday, Smith is able to seek work elsewhere. Smith is the fifth known candidate to interview for the position, joining Lions assistant Jett Modkins, Miami Dolphins special teams coordinator Craig Aukerman, Ravens assistant Anthony Levine Sr. and Eagles special teams coordinator Michael Clay.
The Buccaneers are replacing Thomas McGaughey, who was let go on Jan. 8, after the Buccaneers struggled on special teams, including allowing three blocked field goals.
ㅤ
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!