The Raiders’ coaching staff continues to take shape under new head coach Klint Kubiak, and the latest addition brings a familiar face back to Las Vegas.
Travis Smith has been named the team’s defensive line coach for the 2026 season, marking a homecoming of sorts. Smith spent nearly a decade with the organization from 2012 to 2021, working his way through the ranks in various defensive roles. He returns with even more experience under his belt-and a clear understanding of the Silver and Black culture.
Smith’s most recent stop was in Tennessee, where he served as the Titans’ defensive run game coordinator. Before that, he led the Bears’ defensive line for three seasons, helping shape a front that consistently battled in the trenches. His earlier tenure with the Raiders included time as assistant defensive line coach and outside linebackers coach, giving him a deep familiarity with both the franchise and the demands of coaching in the AFC West.
This move adds another key piece to Kubiak’s first staff in Las Vegas. Last week, the Raiders promoted Rob Leonard to defensive coordinator, signaling a commitment to continuity on that side of the ball. On offense, Kubiak brought in Andrew Janocko as coordinator, while veteran special teams coach Joe DeCamillis was also added to the fold.
For a team looking to reset under new leadership, Smith’s return is more than just a reunion-it’s a strategic move to reinforce the defensive front with a coach who knows the building, knows the grind, and knows how to get the most out of his players in the trenches.