Frank

Smith

Smith served as the Dolphins offensive coordinator under Mike McDaniel for the last four seasons. He was named the NFL’s top OC in 2023 despite not calling plays in Miami. The 44-year-old coach has worked in the NFL since 2010 with stops in New Orleans, Chicago, Oakland/Las Vegas and Los Angeles (Chargers) as well. Having previously worked as a tight ends coach, offensive line coach and run game coordinator, Smith will assist Kevin O’Connell in run game planning. He previously interviewed for the Eagles offensive coordinator position before they hired Sean Mannion.

Smith served as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator from 2022 to 2025 and was named the NFL’s top offensive coordinator in 2023. The longtime coach did not serve as the Dolphins’ primary play-caller under former head coach Mike McDaniel, but his time with the team has earned him multiple interviews over the years. Smith is one of multiple offensive coordinator candidates to meet with the Eagles, who are hoping to improve after ranking 19th in points scored and 24th in total yards last season.

Reading between the lines, it doesn’t sound like Dolphins OC Frank Smith will return in 2026. He got interviews with the Panthers and Seahawks for their head-coaching vacancies in 2024 and had a four-year run of success with the Dolphins despite not ever calling players under Mike McDaniel. Smith could be an intriguing staff addition with Miami’s success running the football last year for a number of teams, be it as an OC or a run-game coordinator.

Smith, who came to Miami along with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel in 2022, has also talked to the Falcons about their head coaching job. After parting ways with longtime head coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks are doing their due diligence, interviewing Smith, Raheem Morris, Dan Quinn, and Mike Kafka.

Smith was hired as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator in 2022, enjoying fast success with Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, and company. While head coach Mike McDaniel deserves credit for the Dolphins’ explosive tendencies on offense, Smith has been a part of the success that has led to big games. He has been a hot name during this coaching cycle and now completes an interview with the Panthers, who have thrown a wide blanket for their head coach search.

Smith has been one of the most popular names during this coaching cycle. The Seahawks now become the fifth team to request an interview with Smith, who was hired as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator back in 2022. While Mike McDaniel receives plenty of credit for Miami’s offensive success, Smith can’t be overlooked. Considered by some as a “best-kept secret” in the league, it’s possible Smith will have his chance to shine in a lead role next season.

Smith also has experience as a tight ends coach with the Bears and the Raiders. He served as the Chargers’ run game and offensive line coach in 2021. Now he’ll join head coach Mike McDaniel’s coaching staff, one that could be focused on a solid running game not unlike Kyle Shanahan’s system. McDaniel said he’ll call offensive plays in 2022. Under Smith, the Chargers in 2021 were graded as the league’s 11th best run-blocking unit and had the 16th highest expected points added (EPA) per rush.

Smith was the Chargers’ run game coordinator in addition to working with the offensive line last year. The 40-year-old is a riser in the coaching ranks, turning around an offensive line that was one of the league’s worst in 2020. Smith is the first candidate to interview since Mike McDaniel’s hiring. McDaniel is expected to call plays for Miami this season.