Biography
CHUCK SMITH is in his second season leading Baltimore's pass rush. Prior to joining Baltimore as outside linebackers coach in 2023, Smith served as a defensive assistant at the collegiate level with his alma mater Tennessee (2010) and at the pro level with the New York Jets (2009). He's also consulted several pro teams during training camp, including as the Bengals' Bill Walsh Coaching Fellow (2015) and with the Baltimore Ravens (2008), and has instructed countless NFL pass rushers and draft-eligible prospects as a private pass rush coach. A dominant pass rusher in his own right, Smith enjoyed a decorated nine-year (1992-2000) NFL playing career.
- In 2023, helped guide a Baltimore pass rush that generated a league-leading 60 sacks, a mark that also tied for the most in franchise history.
- Has over 20 years of experience developing and operating a pass rush training program that has been utilized by many professional and collegiate players and coaches.
- Directed field drills and hosted film sessions at OLB Von Miller's annual Pass Rush Summit...The summit's attendees include DT Calais Campbell, DE Maxx Crosby, DE Dee Ford, OLB Justin Houston, DE Chandler Jones, DE Cameron Jordan and DE George Karlaftis.
- Has trained Pro Bowl and All-Pro players, including DT Aaron Donald, DE Carlos Dunlap, DT Albert Haynesworth, DE Robert Mathis and DE Osi Umenyiora.
- Served as a pass rush specialist for a 2009 Jets' defense that ranked No. 1 in several categories, including yards allowed per game (252.3), points allowed per game (14.8), first downs allowed per game (14.8) and opponent third-down conversion percentage (31.5%).
2023: (with Baltimore) Baltimore's defense became the first unit in NFL history to lead the league in points allowed (16.5 ppg), sacks (60, tying 2006 for a franchise record) and takeaways (31, tied with NYG)...Sixteen Ravens defenders registered at least 1 sack and contributed to the unit's league-leading and franchise-record-tying 60 QB takedowns...Only Detroit (18) had more defenders notch at least 1 sack...Additionally, only Baltimore (DE/OLB Jadeveon Clowney, DT Justin Madubuike and OLB Kyle Van Noy) and Miami featured three 9+ sack defenders...Van Noy's 9 sacks marked the most in his 10-year career, while Clowney's 9.5 tied (2017) a career high.
2010: (with University of Tennessee) Coached the defensive line at his alma mater...Tennessee's defense permitted 25.1 points per game and 382.2 yards per game...DT Malik Jackson recorded 48 tackles (29 solo), 5 sacks and a team-high 11 TFL, earning AP second-team All-SEC honors.
2009: (with New York Jets) Served as a pass rush specialist with a Jets team that reached the AFC Championship game...The Jets' defense ranked No. 1 in several categories, including yards allowed per game (252.3), points allowed per game (14.8), first downs allowed per game (14.8) and opponent third-down conversion percentage (31.5%).
NFL Player: (1992-2000) Became a second-round draft pick (51st overall) of the Atlanta Falcons in 1992...Spent eight years (1992-99) with Atlanta and one year (2000) with the Carolina Panthers, helping the Falcons reach Super Bowl XXXIII in 1998...Appearing in 125 games (89 starts), tallied 322 tackles, 58.5 sacks, 20 FFs, 12 FRs, 3 INTs and 2 defensive TDs (1 INT and 1 FR)...The three-time NFC Defensive Player of the Week and 1997 second-team All-Pro once produced a 5-sack game and currently ranks third on the Falcons' all-time sacks chart.
COLLEGE: Played collegiately at Tennessee (1990-91), where his team won the 1990 SEC Championship and defeated Virginia in the Sugar Bowl...Was named a unanimous 1991 All-Conference performer after leading the SEC in sacks as a senior for the Fiesta Bowl-bound Volunteers...Was also named MVP of the Senior Bowl following that season...Played two years (1988-89) of junior college football at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M prior to earning a scholarship at Tennessee.
PERSONAL: Nicknamed "Dr. Rush"...Was taken under the wing of Hall of Famer and Tennessee alum Reggie White, who often worked out at Tennessee's facilities during the offseason...Following his playing days, took internships at Atlanta radio stations and worked on CNN's "Nancy Grace" show before hosting several shows on Atlanta-based radio stations...Has been active in the community, serving on the executive board of the Boy Scouts of America, the advisory board of the Gwinnett County (GA) School system, the Gwinnett Medical Center Concussion advisory board and the athletic board at the University of Tennessee...The Georgia native prepped at Athens' Clarke Central HS...Smith has two sons, Chuck IV and Maddox, and one daughter, Giovani...Chuck IV is a defensive lineman at Villanova, while Maddox is a wide receiver commit for Gardner-Webb University.