HENDERSON, Nev. – The Las Vegas Raiders have appointed Travis Smith as their new defensive line coach, a move announced by the team on Monday. Smith brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the Silver and Black, having recently served as the defensive run game coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.

During his tenure with the Titans, Smith played a crucial role in the development of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who achieved his fourth Pro Bowl selection in 2025. Under Smith’s guidance, Simmons led all NFL interior defensive linemen in a range of defensive metrics, including solo tackles and sacks. His performance included 39 solo tackles, 11 sacks, and significant contributions to the Titans’ overall defensive strength.

Before joining Tennessee, Smith spent three years with the Chicago Bears, where he excelled as the defensive line coach. In 2024, he helped his unit achieve a middle-of-the-pack ranking in sacks, while the Bears’ run defense was impressive, standing out as one of the best in the league. In particular, defensive end Montez Sweat garnered his first Pro Bowl honors during this time, further showcasing Smith’s ability to develop talent.

Smith’s connection to the Raiders runs deep, as he spent the previous ten seasons with the franchise, moving through various positions, including assistant defensive line coach and defensive quality control. His diverse roles provided him a well-rounded perspective on defensive strategies and player development.

Notably, in 2021, Smith played an instrumental part in the success of defensive end Maxx Crosby. That year, Crosby recorded a career-best 56 tackles and eight sacks, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Smith’s previous experience with rookie defensive ends like Crosby and Clelin Ferrell in 2019 also highlighted his capacity for nurturing emerging talent, with the duo combining for 14.5 sacks.

Throughout his time with the Raiders, Smith has been associated with standout players like Khalil Mack, whose performances under Smith’s mentorship earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and accolades. Smith’s coaching contributed to Mack’s impressive statistics, including a league-leading total in sacks and remarkable tackle numbers during critical seasons.

Prior to his extended coaching career with the Raiders, Smith spent a brief period in the collegiate coaching ranks, including a stint as an offensive technical intern at the University of Colorado. His early experiences laid the groundwork for a successful coaching career, assisting in the development of both offensive and defensive players.

A Walnut Creek, California native, Smith played high school football as a linebacker and fullback before going on to earn a degree in kinesiology from Cal Poly State University. He was part of the Mustangs football program during his college years, where he began honing his coaching skills.

Smith and his wife, Christina, are parents to two children, Jackson and Harper. As he takes on his new role with the Raiders, fans and players alike will be eager to see how his coaching prowess translates on the field, aiming for a standout season ahead.