Lubbock standout Mike Smith finding second wind as NFL coach
LUBBOCK, Texas (BVM) – Mike Smith is off to a quick start in his first season with the Minnesota Vikings after joining Kevin O’Connell’s staff this offseason as an outside linebackers/pass rush specialist. Smith – who is looking to find similar success to the time he spent with his now division rival Green Bay Packers – has a tall task in front of him as he tries to outpace the success the defense has had in past seasons.
“I definitely have a vision of what I want the defense to look like and play like,’’ O’Connell said during his introductory press conference. “First and foremost, the core characteristics of playing good defense, which is guys flying around, a great tackling group. We’re going to force turnovers with how we play from a scheme standpoint, but that’s an effort thing.’’
As Ed Donatell leads the defensive group, Smith is tasked with executing both O’Connell and Donatell’s vision of the way the defense plays. As a former linebacker himself, Smith is prepared to lean on both his playing experience and his recent coaching stops.
Before trying his hand in the coaching ranks, Smith was once a standout linebacker in his hometown of Lubbock. Following a senior season in which he recorded 182 tackles and five interceptions, it only made sense for the Coronado High School star to stay right at home and attend Texas Tech.
Smith was quick to make an impact in his opening year with the Red Raiders, earning a All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and All-Big 12 Freshman Team selection. As a four-year starter at linebacker, Smith totaled 45 starts and became one of only five Texas Tech players to play in 50 games throughout their career. With 167 unassisted career tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions, Smith entered the 2005 NFL Draft with a lengthy resume.
After waiting until the end of Day 2 to hear his name called, Smith finally received the opportunity when the Baltimore Ravens selected the Red Raiders senior with pick No. 234 in the seventh round.
Although his NFL career was short, Smith was able to build solid connections after his three years in the league, giving him a quick opportunity to return back to the game. In his first year away from playing in 2009, Smith landed on as the linebackers coach at the University of Hawaii. The following three seasons would contain differing jobs within the New York Jets organization before he returned to his alma mater in 2013. Working as Texas Tech’s co-defensive coordinator for three seasons, Smith would make his way back to the NFL level in 2016.
Spending time as the outside linebackers coach for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers, Smith has entered the Vikings new regime in a similar role. With high expectations and a long season to go, the Lubbock native is ready to leave his stamp on the 2022 season.
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