Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith is looking to turn around a Tampa specialist group that has struggled over the past few seasons. In Week 1, it looked like he is on his way to doing so.
While many people anticipated a potential change of guard for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' head coaching position, the front office opted to give Todd Bowles another season.
But, the team did make changes within the staff, hiring highly-touted Special Teams Coordinator Danny Smith.
Smith spent the past 13 seasons in that position for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
However, their head coach, Mike Tomlin, stepped down on January 13, ending the two's long partnership.
Smith credited Tampa's culture for choosing the Bucs as his next landing spot, while bringing safety/ST specialist Miles Killebrew with him.
Killebrew, a 2023 All-Pro, signed a one-year, $1.8 million deal this offseason.
Following the hire, Bucs coach Todd Bowles talked about what it means to bring on a coach with Smith's reputation and abilities.
"Danny is one of the most respected and highly regarded special teams coaches in our league," Bowles said. "He is an extraordinary teacher and has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all areas of special teams. I am confident that he will get the most out of our players and take our special teams unit to the next level."
Thus far, although it it only Week 1, the hire has been fruitful, with Tampa's special teams allowing just 23.7 yards per kickoff return on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, shutting down all six return efforts.
This was among one of the lowest averages in the league, and spells improvement for a unit that has really struggled over the past few seasons.
On Saturday, Gridiron Stats posted a graphic depicting one of these shortcomings, with Tampa leading the NFL in blocked punts and field goals since 2020.
Last season, special teams was one key factor for Tampa's inconsistency, getting two punts blocked and failing to block any.
Tampa also had three field goals blocked.
Smith should help sure up this protection, and give placekicker Chase McLaughlin good protection as he comes off a stellar performance last season.
McLaughlin had perhaps the best kicking season in franchise history, making 32 of 38 field-goal attempts, including 11 of 12 from 50 or more yards.
In Week 8, McLaughlin set the franchise record with a 65-yard bomb against the Philadelphia Eagles, just three yards short of the NFL record set by Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little, who nailed a 68-yarder in November.
McLaughlin continued his long-range accuracy all season, converting on all kicks 50 yards or further until Week 17.
In Week 1 of this year, McLaughlin continued his success, making all five of his kicks, including a 51-yard field goal.
With Smith at the helm, Tampa's special teams operations should be above average for the first time in multiple years.
