Travis Smith Returns as Raiders’ Defensive Line Coach, Focusing on Elite Talent Cultivation

The Las Vegas Raiders have officially named Travis Smith as their new Defensive Line Coach, marking a significant return to the organization where he spent 10 seasons from 2012 to 2021. This appointment, announced on February 16, 2026, reunites Smith with the Raiders under new head coach Klint Kubiak, a move that underscores the team’s commitment to leveraging his proven expertise in developing elite defensive talent.

Coaching Experience and NFL Career

Travis Smith’s NFL coaching career began with the Raiders in 2012, where he held multiple roles including defensive assistant, defensive quality control coach, outside linebackers coach, and assistant defensive line coach under the guidance of defensive line coach Rod Marinelli. His tenure with the Raiders laid the foundation for his reputation as a mentor to future stars. After leaving the Raiders in 2021, Smith spent three seasons (2022-2024) as the Chicago Bears’ defensive line coach, contributing to the development of defensive end Montez Sweat, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2023. In 2024, the Bears ranked 16th in the NFL in sacks (40) while allowing the fewest rushing yards (1,468) and fewest rushing touchdowns (8) in the league.

Smith’s most recent stint was as the Tennessee Titans’ defensive run game coordinator in 2025, where he played a pivotal role in the success of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. Simmons earned his fourth Pro Bowl selection and first First-Team All-Pro nod, leading all NFL interior defensive linemen in solo tackles (39), tackles for loss (17), sacks (11), and forced fumbles (3). This performance highlighted Smith’s ability to elevate the performance of veteran players while maintaining high standards for production.

Impact on Defensive Line Development

Smith’s career has been defined by his ability to cultivate pass rushers and defensive linemen, a skillset that has been central to the Raiders’ success over the years. During his time with the Raiders from 2012 to 2021, he was instrumental in the development of several key players:

• Khalil Mack: Smith coached Mack as a rookie in 2014, helping him earn third-team All-Pro honors and a spot on the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year ballot. Mack went on to become an All-Pro in 2016, recording 15 sacks and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. His eight-game sack streak in 2016 tied an NFL record, and he added a strip sack in three consecutive games.

• Maxx Crosby: In 2021, Smith tutored Crosby, who recorded a career-high 56 tackles, eight sacks, 30 quarterback hits, and seven passes defensed. Crosby’s performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection, while defensive end Yannick Ngakoue added a team-high 10 sacks. The duo’s combined 14.5 sacks ranked as the most by a rookie draft class in NFL history.

• Clelin Ferrell: In 2019, Smith helped develop rookie Ferrell, who recorded 4.5 sacks and became the eighth rookie in Raiders history to achieve that mark. This success was part of a broader trend, as the Raiders’ rookie defensive ends collectively posted 14.5 sacks, the highest among all rookie draft classes that year.

Smith’s influence extended beyond individual players. In 2017, under his mentorship, the Raiders’ outside linebackers unit, led by Khalil Mack, ranked among the league’s elite. Mack’s 10.5 sacks and 78 tackles earned him his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection. Smith’s ability to integrate young talent into the system while maintaining defensive discipline has been a hallmark of his coaching philosophy.

Return to the Raiders

Smith’s return to the Raiders in 2026 is a strategic move that aligns with the team’s long-term goals. Klint Kubiak, the new head coach, has emphasized the importance of continuity and expertise in defensive coaching, and Smith’s experience with the organization provides a unique advantage. His deep understanding of the Raiders’ system, combined with his track record of developing stars, positions him to play a critical role in shaping the defensive line for the 2026 season.

Conclusion

Travis Smith’s appointment as the Raiders’ Defensive Line Coach represents a strategic investment in the team’s defensive identity. His career trajectory—from a key figure in the Raiders’ success during the 2010s to a mentor for rising stars like Mack, Crosby, and Simmons—demonstrates his ability to adapt and excel in different coaching environments. As the Raiders look to rebuild and compete in the AFC West, Smith’s expertise in developing elite pass rushers and his proven track record make him a valuable asset. The next chapter of his coaching career with the Raiders will be closely watched, as it could shape the trajectory of the team’s defensive success in the coming years.