Danny Smith Bio (NFL Coach), Age, Height, Wife, Salary, Net Worth

From the Friday-night lights of Western Pennsylvania to the bright lights of NFL Sundays, Danny Smith has spent nearly five decades carving out a reputation as one of the league’s most detail-obsessed special-teams architects. Below is the most up-to-date profile of the coach who just swapped the Steel City for Tampa Bay in 2026.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

• Born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Bloomfield neighborhood; lifelong Steelers fan who sold popcorn at Three Rivers Stadium as a teen.
• Central Catholic HS – standout two-way QB / DB, helping mentor future Hall-of-Famer Dan Marino (three grades younger).
• Edinboro State College (1971-75) – four-year letterman; still holds school record for longest punt return (92 yds, 1974).

Coaching Career Journey

Early Coaching Years

Danny Smith began his football career at the high school and college levels, where he gained hands-on experience coaching young athletes. His ability to teach fundamentals and organize special teams units quickly set him apart.

Entry Into the NFL

Smith entered the National Football League in the early 1990s, marking the beginning of a long and stable professional coaching career. His attention to detail and ability to maximize roster depth made him a valuable asset to coaching staffs.

NFL Teams Coached

Over the years, Danny Smith has served as special teams coordinator for several NFL teams, including:

• Buffalo Bills
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Washington Redskins / Commanders
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Cleveland Browns

His tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns is particularly notable, where his units frequently ranked among the league’s best in efficiency and discipline

2026 Tampa Bay Mission

Smith inherits a unit that allowed 30th-worst kickoff coverage in 2025 and had five kicks blocked; his Steelers units ranked fifth in opponent drive start (29.0-yard line) and second-lowest touchback rate (8.2%) in 2025.

Career Stats / Accomplishments

• 29 seasons as an NFL special-teams coordinator – most in league history.
• 21 blocked kicks by Pittsburgh since 2013 (T-8th NFL).
• Zero blocked punts allowed by Steelers in last nine years (league-best streak).
• Coached three Pro-Bowl specialists: K Chris Boswell, ST Miles Killebrew, PR Antonio Brown.
• Boswell under Smith (2015-25): 88% FG rate, 10 career game-winners, 2nd-best 50-plus-yd accuracy (82.5%).

Personal Life

Marriage & Family

• Wed high-school sweetheart Elaine in 1976; celebrated 50th anniversary in 2026.
• Daughter Erin – elementary teacher; Courtney – physical therapist; Jason – software engineer.

Off-Field Passions

• Plays rhythm guitar in charity band “Fourth & Goal” (classic-rock covers).
• Annual Western-Pa. coaches clinic speaker; helps fund Edinboro scholarships.

Physical Statistics

• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Weight: ≈ 180 lb (82 kg)
• Build: Medium / coach-fit
• Hair: Silver-grey
• Eyes: Hazel
• Shoe Size: 10 US

Awards & Recognition

• Edinboro University Athletics Hall of Fame – inducted 2007 for lifetime contribution.
• NFL Special Teams Coach of the Year (voted by peers) – 2020 season.
• AFC Champion coach – 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018 (with Steelers).

Quotes

“Kick-coverage is 11 one-on-one battles—win eight of them and you’ll flip the field.”
“I still see special-teams as a scholarship – it pays for your offense and defense to eat.”

Controversies

Clean record; widely praised for player-safety emphasis. Minor 2019 sideline flare-up with Ravens assistant (unsportsmanlike flag) – both coaches fined $10 k; Smith later apologized.

Favorites

• NFL city to visit: Nashville – live-music scene
• Golf course: Olde Stonewall (PA) – member since 2004
• Band: bruce springsteen & E Street
• Breakfast: Primanti Bros. capicola & egg
• Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

Salary & Net Worth 2026

• Pittsburgh peak salary (2025) – ≈ $1.2 million / yr
• Tampa Bay 2026 salary – ≈ $1.35 million / yr (top-3 among ST coaches)
• Previous contracts & endorsements – ≈ $400 k cumulative
• Real-estate assets: Pittsburgh-area home ($800 k), Florida condo ($550 k)
• Estimated net worth 2026: $5 million

Interesting Facts

1. Has worn the same lucky black Edinboro cap under headset every game since 2004.
2. Once practiced punt-coverage drills at 3 a.m. inside a hotel ballroom before a London game.
3. Coached in 599 NFL regular-season games through 2025 – expects 600th with Bucs in Week 3.
4. Voice cameo in Heinz History Center Steelers documentary (2022).
5. Keeps a hand-written notebook of every blocked kick since 1995 – 312 entries.

Did You Know?

Danny Smith’s 29 consecutive seasons as an NFL special-teams coordinator is the longest streak in league history—a record he will extend in Tampa Bay in 2026.

Social Media Links

• Twitter (official): @CoachDannySmith
• Instagram: @dannysmithst (family & golf pics)
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danny-smith-nfl
• Buccaneers profile: buccaneers.com/coaches/danny-smith

FAQs

How old is Danny Smith in 2026?
72 years 2 months old years old.

What teams has he coached?
Eagles, Lions, Bills, Washington, Steelers, and now Buccaneers (2026).

Is Danny Smith married?
Yes – wife Elaine, married 1976, three adult children.

What is his net worth?
≈ $5 million as of January 2026.

Why did he leave Pittsburgh?
Mutual parting after 13 seasons; jumped at chance to help rebuild Tampa Bay’s units and live year-round in warmer climate.

Conclusion

From mentoring Dan Marino in high school to molding All-Pro kickers and gunners, Danny Smith’s journey is a master-class in longevity, loyalty, and special-teams excellence. As he takes over the Buccaneers’ kick-coverage room in 2026, the league’s oldest coordinator shows no signs of slowing down—he’s still the same Western-Pa. kid who just loves the snap, the kick, and the chase.

Share this bio with any fan who thinks special teams are “optional”—Coach Smith has 21 blocked kicks that say otherwise.