Richard Smith leaves the field as Raiders linebackers coach in 2021. Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

Well-traveled linebackers coach Richard Smith now with Bears

Originally posted on Chicago Bears on SI
By Gene Chamberlain | Last updated Feb 4, 2025 3:43 PM ET

With so many of the Bears coaching staff hires there has been extensive past interconnectivity with other members of the new staff.

With new linebackers coach Richard Smith, there is great connectivity to practically every team in the entire league. Brad Biggs of the Tribune reported Smith's hiring Tuesday by the Bears, who become the 12th NFL team to employ him.

Smith is the father of Travis Smith, who was defensive line coach for the Bears under Matt Eberflus.

's NFL experience goes all the way back to starting out with Jerry Glanville's 1988 Houston Oilers and was on the Broncos coaching staff with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen for the 2011 season.

New #Bears LB Coach Richard Smith helped turn Colts LB Zaire Franklin into an All Pro.

Prior to Smith’s arrival to Indy in ‘22, Franklin never played more than 20% of snaps.

Smith convinced him to re-sign, and in 2024 Franklin earned AP honors and led the league in tackles. pic.twitter.com/Xg3QVOSmkN
— Nolan (@nolpup) February 4, 2025

Smith was with the Colts the last three seasons, Raiders for one year prior and the Chargers from 2017-20.

Smith's coaching resume also includes stops with the 49ers, Falcons, Lions, Dolphins, Texans and Panthers.

#Bears are hiring veteran Richard Smith as linebackers coach, according to sources. He worked previously with DC Dennis Allen.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 4, 2025

He has been more than a linebackers coach with some teams. He was a defensive coordinator for the Dolphins in 2005, Texans 2006-08 and for the Falcons in 2015 and 2016.

The 69-year-old started out in coaching in 1979 and had his final year of college coaching in 1987 with Arizona State.

#Raiders

Ron Milus Defensive Backs
Richard Smith Linebackers
Addison Lynch Assistant Defensive Backs
Ryan Milus Defensive Quality Control pic.twitter.com/jAixKfUmJD
— AFL Godfather ‍☠️ (@NFLMAVERICK) January 29, 2021

Bears staff reported

Head coach: Ben Johnson

Defensive coordinator: Dennis Allen

Offensive coordinator: Declan Doyle

Special teams coordinator: Richard Hightower

Offensive passing game coordinator: Press Taylor

Offensive line: Dan Roushar

Quarterbacks: J.T. Barrett

Wide receivers: Antwaan Randle El

Running backs: Eric Bieniemy

Tight ends: Jim Dray*

Secondary/defensive pass game coordinator: Al Harris

Defensive line: Bill Johnson

Linebackers: Richard Smith

Assistant QBs/receivers: Robbie Picazo*

Offensive quality control: Zach Cable*

Defensive quality control: Kevin Koch*

Defensive quality control: Kenny North III *

*Holdover coaches from Matt Eberflus staff.

The defensive coordinator of the Falcons in that Super Bowl was Richard Smith, who is now the linebackers coach for the Indianapolis Colts.
— Jodel Naval (@Jodel_Naval) February 12, 2024