As the Bucs continue their search to overhaul special teams, they’ve turned to one of the most experienced names available. Tampa Bay has interviewed former Steelers special teams coordinator Danny Smith for its vacant position, adding a seasoned NFL lifer to a growing list of candidates as the organization looks to bring stability and credibility to a unit that struggled far too often last season. The team announced that it was a virtual meeting.

Smith’s name immediately stands out because of his resume and because of what Tampa Bay appear to be prioritizing. He spent 13 seasons in Pittsburgh. At age 72, he has tons of experience and is an older coach in this league.

This is the fifth candidate that the Bucs have interviewed for the role.

Why This Interview Is Important For The Bucs

Danny Smith has been coaching in the NFL for decades, with extensive experience as a special teams coordinator across multiple organizations. Most recently, he spent several seasons overseeing special teams with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where his units were consistently among the league’s most disciplined and fundamentally sound.

Smith’s special teams groups have traditionally emphasized coverage integrity, protection consistency, and situational awareness — areas that directly align with Tampa Bay’s most glaring issues in 2025. Blocked kicks, uneven return lanes, and lapses in execution cost the Bucs field position and points at critical moments, forcing the coaching staff into weekly damage control.

ST Coordinator Danny Smith – Photo by IMAGN Images – Brian Fluharty

That’s exactly the type of environment where a veteran voice like Smith’s can matter. This interview signals that Tampa Bay isn’t just looking for energy or upside — it’s looking for certainty.

Smith is known around the league as a demanding, detail-oriented coach who prioritizes preparation and accountability. Players understand expectations quickly in his units, and mistakes tend to get corrected rather than repeated. For a Bucs roster that features young contributors and fringe players on special teams, that structure could be invaluable.

Head coach Todd Bowles has repeatedly emphasized the importance of “hidden yards” and complementary football. Bringing in a coordinator with Smith’s experience would suggest the Bucs want fewer teaching moments on Sundays — and more clean execution.

ST Coordinator Danny Smith – Photo by IMAGN Images – Kirby Lee

Interviewing Danny Smith reinforces that the Bucs are serious about fixing special teams, not simply reshuffling responsibilities. Tampa Bay has already spoken with candidates from different coaching backgrounds, and Smith represents the veteran end of that spectrum — a coach who has seen every situation the NFL can offer.

Whether the Bucs ultimately hire Smith or another candidate, the process itself shows a clear organizational acknowledgement that special teams can no longer be a weakness. The Bucs are expected to continue interviewing candidates before making a final decision. Smith’s experience, credibility, and proven results put him firmly in the conversation.Tampa Bay is looking for someone who can fix special teams immediately.