Patriots Rumors: Journeyman Coach Added To Defensive Staff

The Patriots made another addition to their coaching staff on Wednesday, but this one doesn’t have any direct ties to Mike Vrabel.

New England is hiring Mike Smith to coach their outside linebackers, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.

Smith, 43, is a journeyman of sorts, spending time coaching at Texas Tech and Hawaii before moving to the NFL to serve with the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings across the last two decades. Smith’s journey includes several stop-start moments, as he briefly left post twice during his tenure in New York, before deciding to return after opportunities with the Washington State Cougars and West Virginia Mountaineers didn’t include responsibilities he previously anticipated.

Smith played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2005-2008.

Minnesota was his most recent coaching stop, and included the role of “pass-rush specialist” after the club decided to hire Mike Pettine in 2022.

The Patriots recently lost former outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins to a role with the Los Angeles Rams, necessitating a replacement. Smith will slide into his role, while also potentially working with other pass rushers.