The Buffalo Bills fired special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley, just over a week after head coach Sean McDermott expressed confidence in him.
The news was first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero on Sunday afternoon.
Smiley spent three seasons in the role after previously serving five years as the team’s assistant special teams coach.
McDermott praised Smiley at his end-of-season press conference while acknowledging the challenges he faced, particularly due to injuries impacting personnel availability. Despite McDermott’s public vote of confidence, the special teams unit struggled throughout the season. Issues included missed assignments, a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, a kickoff returned for a touchdown, and the fifth-highest average yards per kickoff return in the league (30.8). Kicker Tyler Bass also endured an inconsistent stretch before rebounding late in the season.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].