The Indianapolis Colts have finalized the hiring for former Las Vegas Raiders linebackers coach Richard Smith, per Mike Chappell of Fox59.
After hiring Gus Bradley to be the new defensive coordinator, his first move was to bring along Ron Milus to work with the defensive backs. Then, it was reported that his next move would be to bring in Smith to work with the linebackers.
According to Chappell, that has now been finalized.
Colts finalize hiring Richard Smith as LB coach.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) February 15, 2022
The roles of the assistant coaches on the defensive side of the ball won’t be truly known until the team announces it. That’s likely to come in one big announcement, but some of this news gets trickled out.
We can assume, though, that Smith is likely to be working with the linebackers given that has been his area of expertise throughout his extremely long career.
Smith has been the linebackers coach for the 49ers (1997-2002), Detroit Lions (2003-2004), Carolina Panthers (2009-2010), Denver Broncos (2011-2014), Los Angeles Chargers (2017-2020) and Raiders (2021).
Smith has also served as a defensive coordinator three times in his career with the Miami Dolphins (2005), Houston Texans (2006-2008) and Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016).
The most important hire will surround the defensive line coach. That’s the single most important aspect of the defense that needs the most help going into 2022.
But with the hirings of Milus and Smith, the Colts have an extremely experienced coaching staff under Bradley.
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