PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – He became his own character as TV cameras would focus on him over the last couple of years obsessively chewing gum, but Danny Smith had some of the best special teams units in the NFL. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the 72-year-old is leaving the Steelers to take over the special teams at Tampa Bay.
Mike Tomlin once said of Smith that he lives football having been his special teams coach since 2013. His energy was distinguishable when it came to the kick units periods at practice. His straight-forward approach and enthusiasm inspired players like Ben Skowronek and Miles Killebrew to earn Pro Bowl honors. Rookie Carson Bruener was named to the PFWA All-Rookie team playing almost exclusively on special teams. Christian Kuntz has been the most consistent snapper in the game and Chris Boswell maybe the best kicker over the last five seasons.
Smith is the first Steelers coach to take a position elsewhere. He started as a graduate assistant at Edinboro University in 1976 where he played defensive back and quarterback. Smith also coached at Central Catholic HS.