Danny Smith is pictured following his selection as special teams coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking the next chapter in his long NFL coaching career.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers hire Danny Smith as Special Teams Coordinator, with wife Elaine and family marking the moment.
The 72-years-old has long been regarded around the NFL as a steady and dependable coach, known for his leadership, discipline, and consistency.
Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of the league’s most trusted special teams minds.
That reputation recently led to his selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who turned to Smith to add experience and stability to their coaching staff.
Having been in the role for almost 30 years, which includes a long period with the Pittsburgh Steelers under Mike Tomlin, Smith is very much admired for his thoroughness and for being able to continuously deliver high-level special teams units over time.
Danny Smith And His Wife Elaine, A Family Built Beyond Football
The NFL veteran has built a steady and fulfilling family life with his wife, Elaine, away from the bright lights of the NFL.
Throughout his journey from one demanding role to another across the league, culminating in his role as special teams coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Elaine remained a constant source of support by his side.
Together, he and his wife have raised three children, Jason, Erin, and Courtney, who have been central to their lives throughout Smith’s long coaching journey.
Although football has defined much of his professional journey, family has always been the foundation behind every decision and milestone.
Today, Smith resides with his family in Wexford, Pennsylvania, carrying forward the same values of commitment, support, and togetherness that have guided him both on and off the field.
Family Support And Brotherhood Behind Danny Smith’s NFL Journey
We all know it’s not easy or simple to be in professional football. It’s like almost constantly moving, working very long hours, and always having to perform while all the people are watching you and judging.
The NFL veteran was born on November 7, 1953, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He acknowledges his triumph to his parents; however, there is no information available about them.
He and his two brothers, George and Ed, spent their childhood in a family full of love and sports.
Later on, each of them took a different road in life, but all three of them were related to athleticism and leadership.
His brother Ed Smith, the youngest of the three, later became well known as the quarterback at Michigan State University.
There, he even set the record for most passing yards in a career in the Big Ten Conference.
Ed also went on to play Canadian Football League, and that further strengthened their family’s deep connection with the sport.
Meanwhile, Smith’s older brother, George, built a lasting legacy at the community level, coaching youth football at St. Bede and Morningside for more than four decades while also running Dunning’s in Regent Square.
Together, these shared experiences shaped Smith’s approach to both life and career.
Danny Smith’s Arrival Signals a Clear Direction for Buccaneers Special Teams
What initially appeared to be a routine staffing update quickly gained attention after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers confirmed on Tuesday that Danny Smith had been hired as their new special teams coordinator.
This was the team’s first formal coaching hire after seven coaches left on January 8, which shows a definite tilt towards experience and stability.
As the news settled in, discussion followed almost immediately. While the hire itself was not controversial, it placed Tampa Bay’s special teams performance under a brighter spotlight.
The departure of special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey from the Buccaneers came after the 2025 season. The move was a sign of escalating worries about the lack of consistency, discipline, and execution in the kick and return game.
In response, Tampa Bay turned to one of the most seasoned voices in the league. Smith brings 29 seasons of NFL experience as a special teams coordinator, including the past 13 years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
During that stretch, his units were regularly among the league’s most reliable, particularly in coverage, field goal efficiency, and opponent field position.
That track record played a central role in the Buccaneers’ decision-making process. Head coach Todd Bowles emphasized leadership and teaching ability as key priorities throughout the search.
“Smith 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.”
Now, officially in place in Tampa Bay, Smith begins a pivotal chapter in his career.
FAQs
Is Danny Smith in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted into the Edinboro University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2007 in recognition of his accomplishments as a college football player.
Why is Danny Smith considered one of the NFL’s most respected special teams coaches?
Danny Smith is highly regarded across the NFL because of his long-term consistency and ability to develop players at an elite level. Over more than 30 years in the league, he has helped multiple players earn major honors, including First-Team AP All-Pro selections.
What are the details of Danny Smith’s contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not released full details of Danny Smith’s contract. Teams commonly keep assistant coaching contracts private, especially for coordinator roles.
Which players did Danny Smith help develop into All-Pro performers?
Danny Smith played a key role in developing elite talent, most notably coaching Chris Boswell and Miles Killebrew to First-Team AP All-Pro honors during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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