Bucs hire former Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith

Field Level Media|published: Tue 20th January, 16:42 2026

Sep 26, 2025; Maynooth, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith during practice at Carton House. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Special teams coordinator Danny Smith has left the Pittsburgh Steelers after 13 seasons for the same role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Smith and the Steelers' entire coaching staff, though under contract through February, have been permitted to seek employment elsewhere, according to reports. Mike Tomlin stepped down on Jan. 13 after 19 seasons as head coach.

"Danny is one of the most respected and highly regarded special teams coaches in our league," Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said in a statement on Tuesday. "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."

A Pittsburgh native, Smith was hired by the Steelers on Jan. 31, 2013. He previously served as special teams coordinator with Buffalo (2001-03) and Washington (2004-12).

Smith, 72, was a special teams coordinator and defensive backs coach with the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-98) and tight ends coach with the Detroit Lions (1999-2000).

--Field Level Media

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