Steelers Detail Important Truth About Danny Smith's Departure

The Pittsburgh Steelers underwent significant changes to their coaching staff when Mike McCarthy took over the organization, but one departure left plenty of fans wondering what really happened. Longtime special teams coordinator Danny Smith was among the familiar faces who did not return, despite spending years building a reputation as one of the franchise's most recognizable assistants. His departure raised an obvious question about whether Pittsburgh had made a serious effort to retain him. According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, the organization actually wanted Smith back.

Smith had become a fixture on Pittsburgh's sidelines, known for his energetic personality and passionate approach to coaching. While head coaches and coordinators frequently receive most of the attention, special teams can play an enormous role in determining the outcome of close games. Smith spent years working with different players and roster combinations, establishing relationships throughout the organization. His departure represented another major change during an offseason already filled with uncertainty.

Kaboly recently addressed the situation after being asked why the Steelers did not try harder to keep Smith in the building. His explanation offered a different perspective on how the veteran coach ultimately ended up leaving Pittsburgh. Rather than suggesting the organization had decided to move on, Kaboly indicated that the timing of McCarthy's hiring process played an important role.

"They did," Kaboly said while speaking via 93.7 The Fan on Friday. "They wanted him to come back. They told him he was going to come back, but it wasn't going to be official until McCarthy went through the process. He couldn't wait. He had the offer on the table, and he had to take it."

That explanation changes the way Smith's departure should be viewed. Pittsburgh apparently had every intention of keeping its longtime special teams coordinator, but the organization was not prepared to make the arrangement official immediately. McCarthy still needed to work through his process of evaluating and assembling a coaching staff. Meanwhile, Smith had another opportunity available that required a decision.

From Smith's perspective, waiting carried a degree of professional risk. Even if the Steelers had expressed confidence in bringing him back, nothing was finalized while McCarthy continued evaluating his options. Coaching opportunities do not necessarily remain available indefinitely, especially when other organizations are trying to complete their staffs. Smith was faced with deciding whether to trust an unofficial assurance or accept an offer already on the table.

The situation also illustrates one of the difficult realities of an NFL coaching transition. A new head coach generally wants the opportunity to evaluate potential assistants before making final decisions. That process can take time, particularly when an organization is making significant changes across multiple departments. However, experienced coaches cannot always afford to wait while other teams fill their vacancies.

Steelers Wanted Danny Smith Back But Could Not Finalize His Return

For Steelers fans, Kaboly's comments provide important context about a departure that might otherwise appear straightforward. It would be easy to assume Pittsburgh simply decided it wanted a different direction on special teams. However, Kaboly's explanation suggests the organization was interested in retaining Smith and that circumstances ultimately prevented an agreement from being completed. That distinction matters when evaluating the decisions made during McCarthy's first offseason.

There is also a difference between wanting someone to return and having a finalized agreement that guarantees the opportunity. Smith reportedly received encouragement from Pittsburgh, but the decision still needed to become official. Until that happened, he had to consider his own future and the opportunity another organization was offering. His decision to move forward with a firm offer is understandable given the uncertainty involved.

Now, the Steelers will have an opportunity to face their former special teams coordinator on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium when they take on the Buccaneers. With growing criticism surrounding Kaden Wetjen's production in the return game and Pittsburgh's overall special teams performance, Smith's name has once again entered the conversation. 

Do you think the Pittsburgh Steelers should have moved faster to secure Danny Smith's return, or was Mike McCarthy right to complete his coaching evaluation process first? Follow me on X @anthonyghalkias and share your thoughts with Steeler Nation.

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