The move comes just a week after Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, triggering a broader reshuffle across the organization.
According to ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler, Smith has been hired to take over special teams duties in Tampa Bay. The 72-year-old coach brings more than three decades of NFL experience and had been a fixture on Pittsburgh’s staff since the 2013 season.
Smith becomes the first assistant from the Tomlin era to secure a new position elsewhere after the Steelers officially allowed their coaches to explore outside opportunities. With a new head coach expected to have full control over the staff, more departures are widely anticipated.
Smith’s résumé is one of the most extensive among special teams coaches in the league. He first took on the role in 1995 with the Philadelphia Eagles and has since held special teams coordinator positions with the Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders (then known as Washington), and the Steelers. Aside from a brief stint as tight ends coach with the Detroit Lions from 1999 to 2000, Smith has spent nearly his entire career specializing in special teams.
In Tampa Bay, Smith replaces Thomas McGaughey, who was dismissed after the 2024 and 2025 seasons. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will now lean on Smith’s experience as they look to stabilize and improve a unit that struggled for consistency.
Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, uncertainty remains around the rest of the coaching staff. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has already drawn interest from multiple teams, including a recent interview request from the Los Angeles Chargers.
With the Tomlin era officially closing, Smith’s swift move to Tampa Bay may only be the beginning of a broader exodus as assistants seek fresh starts across the league.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
