The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms with former Los Angeles Chargers assistant coach Giff Smith to be Sean McVay’s new defensive line coach/run game coordinator. Smith, a longtime NFL veteran, spent the last eight years with the Chargers, serving the franchise in multiple capacities including defensive line coach, outside linebackers coach and a short stint as interim head coach after the organization fired Brandon Staley last season.
A respected voice, Smith was crucial in the development of Joey Bosa. However, Smith’s best work came with Day 3 and undrafted players. Under Smith, Darius Philon (6th round), Damion Square (UDFA), Issac Rochell (7th round) and Breiden Fehoko (UDFA) have spent a combined 26 years in the league.
Smith served the Chargers through the coaching regimes of Mike McCoy, Anthony Lynn, and Staley. During that time, he oversaw the transition from Gus Bradley’s 4-3 defense to Brandon Staley’s 3-4 defense, converting Joey Bosa from DE to OLB while assisting Uchenna Nwosu as he ascended into the starting OLB role in 2021.
Nwosu would sign a two-year, $19 million contract with the Seahawks in 2022 and a three-year, $45 million extension in 2023. Bosa signed a record-breaking five-year, $135 million extension in 2020.
With a young defensive line and a draft strategy that emphasizes project players in the later rounds, Smith is a perfect fit for the organization. Smith builds up young players, improves team defensive play and he gets players paid.
McVay found himself a gem.
