Danny Smith Biography: Age, Wife, Net Worth, Height, Special Teams, NFL Career

Daniel Thomas Smith, known professionally as Danny Smith, is a distinguished American football coach, celebrated for his role as the special teams coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL).

With a coaching career spanning over four decades, Smith has earned widespread recognition for his innovative strategies and ability to develop elite special teams units.

His passionate sideline presence, often highlighted by his gum-chewing habit and animated demeanor, has made him a fan favorite and a subject of internet memes, cementing his status as a beloved figure in Pittsburgh’s football community.

Profile

• Full Name: Daniel Thomas Smith
• Stage Name: Danny Smith
• Born: 7, November 1953
• Age: 71 years old
• Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Football Coach
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. Smith and Mrs. Smith
• Siblings: George Smith, Ed Smith
• Spouse: Elaine Smith
• Children: Erin Smith, Courtney Smith, Jason Smith
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Daniel Thomas Smith was born on November 7, 1953, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Smith in the absence of publicly disclosed names. He grew up with an older brother, George, and a younger brother, Ed, who later became a notable quarterback at Michigan State University.

Raised in a sports-centric environment, Smith excelled in football, basketball, and baseball at Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, graduating in 1974. He pursued higher education at Edinboro State College (now PennWest Edinboro), where he played as a defensive back and quarterback for the Fighting Scots, earning a degree.

His ethnicity is American, and his religious affiliation is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Daniel Thomas Smith began his coaching career at Edinboro State College as a graduate assistant in 1976, shortly after his playing days. His early coaching journey took him back to his high school alma mater, Pittsburgh Central Catholic, from 1977 to 1978, where he mentored a young Dan Marino, who later became a Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback.

Smith’s collegiate coaching stints included roles at Clemson University (1979), The College of William & Mary (1980–1983), and The Citadel (1984–1986) before spending eight years at Georgia Tech (1987–1994), coaching multiple positions. His time at Georgia Tech culminated in the 1990 co-NCAA National Championship, a testament to his early impact in the sport.

Smith transitioned to the NFL in 1995 with the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as a special teams and defensive backs coach until 1998. He later coached tight ends for the Detroit Lions (1999–2000) and served as the special teams coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2001–2003) and the Washington Redskins (2004–2012).

Joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013, Smith transformed their special teams into a powerhouse, notably guiding kicker Chris Boswell to become one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers, with an 87.6% field goal success rate as of 2024. His unit’s standout performances, including a 2016 AFC Divisional win driven by Boswell’s six field goals, showcased his strategic prowess.

Smith’s influence with the Steelers has solidified his reputation as a special teams innovator. His leadership led to significant achievements, such as a 93.6% field goal percentage in 2023 and multiple blocked kicks in 2024, including field goals and punts. Known for fostering a “block culture,” Smith’s aggressive play-calling and trust in players like Cam Sutton and Calvin Austin III have resulted in game-changing moments, such as a 73-yard punt return touchdown in 2024.

His dedication to field position, penalty reduction, and player development continues to shape the Steelers’ success, earning him respect across the NFL.

Social Media

Daniel Thomas Smith is not on social media handle.

Personal Life

Daniel Thomas Smith is married to Elaine Smith, a native of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, and the couple has three children: Erin, Courtney, and Jason. Known for his intense work ethic, Smith has stated he has no hobbies outside of studying game film, a trait that endears him to his players.

In 2023, Smith suffered a torn rotator cuff after a sideline collision during a Steelers game, yet his passion for coaching remains undeterred. He maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his family and football.

Net Worth

Daniel Thomas Smith has an estimated net worth of $3 million, primarily earned through his long-standing NFL coaching career. His income stems from his role as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ special teams coordinator, a position he has held since 2013, along with previous coaching roles with the Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles.