Richard Smith returns to the Broncos as linebackers coach in 2011, marking his fifth overall season with the club after previously working with the team’s linebackers and special teams from 1993-96.
Entering his 24th overall NFL season, Smith, 55, was hired to his current position on Jan. 25, 2011.
Smith comes to Denver after spending two seasons (2009-10) coaching under John Fox in Carolina. Prior to instructing the Panthers’ linebackers, Smith served as the defensive coordinator for three years (2006-08) with the Texans and during the 2005 season with the Dolphins. Before joining Miami, he coached with the Lions (2003-04), 49ers (1997- 2002), Broncos (1993-96) and Oilers (1988-92). He has coached nine different players to a total of 10 Pro Bowls during his career.
Richard Smith returns to the Broncos as linebackers coach in 2011, marking his fifth overall season with the club after previously working with the team’s linebackers and special teams from 1993-96.
Entering his 24th overall NFL season, Smith, 55, was hired to his current position on Jan. 25, 2011.
Smith comes to Denver after spending two seasons (2009-10) coaching under John Fox in Carolina. Prior to instructing the Panthers’ linebackers, Smith served as the defensive coordinator for three years (2006-08) with the Texans and during the 2005 season with the Dolphins. Before joining Miami, he coached with the Lions (2003-04), 49ers (1997- 2002), Broncos (1993-96) and Oilers (1988-92). He has coached nine different players to a total of 10 Pro Bowls during his career.
In his first season with Carolina in 2009, the Panthers’ defense ranked eighth in the NFL in total yards allowed (315.8) and ninth in points surrendered (19.3), despite a heavy injury toll on his unit. Under his coaching, middle linebacker Jon Beason earned Pro Bowl honors in 2009.
Smith was the defensive coordinator for Houston from 2006-08, where he helped produce two Pro Bowl performers. Linebacker DeMeco Ryans made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and defensive end Mario Williams made the squad in 2008.
In 2005, Smith served as the defensive coordinator with Miami, where his defense ranked second in the NFL in sacks with 49.
Before he was hired by the Dolphins, Smith spent two seasons as Detroit’s assistant head coach/linebackers. Under his direction, linebacker Boss Bailey earned all-rookie honors from ESPN.com in 2003.
During his six seasons with San Francisco (1997-2002), Smith oversaw four Pro Bowl linebackers: Ken Norton, Jr. (1997), Lee Woodall (1997), Winfred Tubbs (1998) and Julian Peterson (2002). During his last two seasons in San Francisco, he helped the team improve its run defense from ninth to seventh in the league, despite only having two linebackers on the team’s roster with more than one year of NFL experience.
From 1993-96, Smith coached the Broncos’ special teams, while also helping with the linebackers during his first two seasons.
Smith entered the NFL in 1988 with the Oilers, where he coached special teams and also assisted with the tight ends, linebackers and offensive line. His all-around support helped the team reach the playoffs in each of his five seasons with the team.
He spent nine seasons coaching at the college level before breaking into the NFL. He coached the linebackers/special teams at Arizona in 1987, after three years at California from 1984-86. His collegiate coaching career began with three seasons at Cal State-Fullerton from 1981-83.
Smith began his coaching career at Rio Hondo Junior College in Calif., where he oversaw the offensive line for two seasons (1979-80).
Smith was an offensive lineman at Rio Hondo Junior College from 1975-76, before transferring to Fresno State in 1977. He helped the Bulldogs to the Pacific Coast Athletic Association title in 1977 and graduated with a degree in physical education in 1979. Richard is married to Renee and has four children: Morgan, Aimee, Whitney and Travis. He was born on Oct. 17, 1955.
