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Giff Smith (born October 12, 1968) is an American football coach who is the defensive line coach and run game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the interim head coach for the 2023 season with the Los Angeles Chargers. He was also an assistant coach for the Tennessee Titans and Buffalo Bills.
| Los Angeles Rams | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Defensive line coach/run game coordinator |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | October 12, 1968 Mableton, Georgia, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| College: | Georgia Southern |
| Career history | |
| As a coach: | |
| |
| Head coaching record | |
| Regular season: | 0–3 (.000) |
| Record at Pro Football Reference | |
A native of Mableton, Georgia, Smith played defensive end at Georgia Southern University and was a three-time All-American.
Early career
Smith began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas in 1991. He would then serve as a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia from 1994 to 1995.
Georgia Southern
In 1996, Smith was hired as the wide receivers coach at Georgia Southern University.
Tulane
In 1999, Smith was hired as the defensive line coach at Tulane University.
Georgia Tech
In 2004, Smith was hired as the defensive line coach at Georgia Tech.
Buffalo Bills
In 2010, Smith was hired by the Buffalo Bills as their defensive line coach under head coach Chan Gailey.[1] During his time there, Smith is credited with helping with the emergence of Kyle Williams.
He was dismissed, along with the entire Bills coaching staff, on December 31, 2012.[2]
Tennessee Titans
In 2014, Smith was hired by the Tennessee Titans as their defensive line coach under head coach Ken Whisenhunt.
San Diego / Los Angeles Chargers
In 2016, Smith was hired by the San Diego Chargers as their defensive line coach under head coach Mike McCoy.
In 2017, Smith was retained by the Los Angeles Chargers under head coach Anthony Lynn. In 2022, Smith was promoted to outside linebackers coach under head coach Brandon Staley.
On December 15, 2023, Smith was named the interim head coach following the firing of head coach Brandon Staley.[3][4] On December 23, 2023, Smith made his head coaching debut against the Buffalo Bills but the Chargers were defeated 22–24 although they surprised the Bills with a 10-0 and 22-21 lead with under a minute left.[5]
Los Angeles Rams
In 2024, Smith was hired by the Los Angeles Rams as their defensive line coach.[6]
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* Interim head coach
Smith and his wife, Jennifer, have two children.[7]
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