Steelers Hire New Quality Control Coach
Mike Tomlin is getting a new addition to his Steelers coaching staff. The team hired Luke Smith as a quality control coach. NFL quality control coaches have various behind-the-scenes responsibilities. Their job is detail-oriented. According to Steeler Nation, “Quality control coaches handle film breakdown, opponent scouting, and practice planning support, often serving as the backbone of the weekly grind.” They work closely with position coaches and coordinators. A skilled and reliable quality control coach is essential for a team’s week-to-week preparation.
Smith is a Pittsburgh native. He attended Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh. He played on the Central Catholic Vikings football team. He was the freshman team offensive coordinator at DeMatha Catholic High School in Washington, D.C. in 2013 and 2014. Smith attended the University of Maryland and graduated in 2015. He played defensive back for the Maryland Terrapins. In 2015, Smith served as the defensive backs coach for Central Catholic High School.
More recently, Smith was a defensive assistant for two years for Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. In 2018, he became the wide receivers coach for the university. While on Duquesne’s coaching staff, Smith helped lead the Dukes to three Northeast Conference Championships and two NCAA FCS playoff appearances. During Smith’s first season as wide receivers coach, the Dukes won their first NCAA FCS playoff game in program history. They defeated the Towson Tigers with a score of 31-10. His uncle, Danny Smith, is the special teams coordinator for the Steelers. Danny Smith began his role as special teams coordinator in 2013.
Smith is not replacing any current Steelers coaching staff. Defensive quality control coach Jason Brooks and offensive assistants Mateo Kambui and Matt Baker are still listed on the Steelers website. The Steelers made two additional staffing changes this year. The team hired Gerald Alexander as the defensive backs coach to replace Grady Brown. Scott McCurley joined the staff as inside linebackers coach, replacing Aaron Curry. The Steelers are known for having one of the smallest coaching staffs in the NFL. The Steelers are the only team with just one special teams coach. The team isn’t concerned with the size of their coaching staff. Steelers president Art Rooney II said, “I don't see that holding us back. I don't think that's our problem.”
