title: Richard Smith (American football coach)
text: # Richard Smith (American football coach)
  
  Richard Smith (born October 17, 1955) is an American football coach who is the linebackers coach for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He has been defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons, as well as the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins, and a linebacker coach for the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders.
  
  ## Coaching career
  
  ### Denver Broncos
  
  Smith was hired by the Denver Broncos on January 25, 2011.
  
  ### Atlanta Falcons
  
  When the Atlanta Falcons hired Smith on January 26, 2015, the Falcons were the worst-ranked defense in passing yards in 2014 prior to his arrival. He was fired by the Falcons after their defensive collapse in Super Bowl LI, with defensive leadership being taken over by head coach Dan Quinn midway through the season.
  
  ### Los Angeles Chargers
  
  Smith was hired by the Los Angeles Chargers on February 13, 2017, as a linebackers coach.
  
  ### Las Vegas Raiders
  
  Smith was hired by the Las Vegas Raiders on January 12, 2021, as a linebackers coach.
  
  