Block You!
March 28th, 2026
Bucs special teams coach Danny Smith.
When is the last time the Bucs blocked a field goal? It seems like it has been a while. That’s just one of many reasons why the Bucs were downright horrible on special teams in recent years.
It’s also why the Bucs brought in veteran special teams coach Danny Smith from Pittsburgh.
(A cursory Google search shows the immortal Tavierre Thomas blocked a Younghoe Koo field goal attempt against the Dixie Chicks in Week 5 of the 2024 season. Thomas’ block was the only one for the Bucs the past three seasons.)
The fiery, animated Smith believes in blocked kicks, which includes field goals, extra points and punts. So much so that Smith’s special teams units the past nine seasons lead the NFL in blocked kicks with 17. Since the start of the 2021 season, Smith’s Steelers had the most blocked kicks with 11.
Smith explained to Brianna Dix of Buccaneers.com his philosophy on denying opponents. It’s a “block culture” Smith said. In other words, Smith gets off on blocked kicks. It’s a burning desire for him to see his special teams reject field goals and punts.
Smith sort of noted he is a firm believer in something Nick Saban always preached: It’s players, not plays.
A cool thing Dix pointed out is Smith was part of a committee that devised the new kickoff rules the NFL instituted in 2024. What better way to improve your special teams than to hire a guy who helped craft the kickoff rules?
Think about it: If you own an auto repair business that specializes in restoring Fords, who better to hire than a Ford engineer?
