Atlanta Falcons: Getting to know the coaching staff for 2015

Richard Smith, Defensive Coordinator

Jun 17, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Richard Smith coaches during minicamp at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Smith isn’t a common name around the league, but has a long tenure in the NFL as a defensive coach. Smith was a defensive coordinator in the league from 2005-2008 and has spent the last three years as the Denver Broncos’ linebackers coach.

Smith and Quinn go way back. They were first introduced when Smith was the San Francisco 49ers’ linebackers coach and hired Quinn to be the defensive quality control coach. Smith recalls Quinn as being a very smart, hard-working individual with a great football mind.They also coached on the same Miami Dolphins team under Alabama head coach, Nick Saban along with Falcons special teams coach Keith Armstrong.

Smith reported to media that it isn’t his defensive scheme, it’s his and Quinn’s scheme. “We want to play fast, be fundamentally sound, and be able to attack,” Smith said. Smith expressed the importance of playing as good on first down as you do on third down. He wouldn’t give credit for it, but Smith has been the man behind Von Miller who is one of the best 3-4 pass rushers in the NFL for the Broncos.

While Smith won’t be calling plays on defense, you can bet money that his finger prints will be all over this defense in 2015.