Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s father, Fred Smith, founder of FexEx has died. He was 80.
FedEx started operating in 1973, delivering small parcels and documents more quickly than the postal service. Over the next half-century, Smith, a Marine Corps veteran, oversaw the growth of a company that became something of an economic bellwether because so many other companies rely on it.
Smith once told The Associated Press that he came up with the name Federal Express because he wanted the company to sound big and important when in fact it was a start-up operation with a future far from assured.
Smith was a former minority owner of the Washington Commanders.
The organization released a statement following his passing.
His son, Arthur, is going into his second season as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator.
Arthur has 17 years of NFL experience and has also been the offensive coordinator before becoming the Head Coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons before becoming the Steelers OC.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.