Packers hire a college football pass-rush specialist

The Green Bay Packers have added former Vanderbilt pass rush specialist Will Smart to their defensive staff, as reported by FootballScoop. Smart's specific role with the team has not yet been disclosed, but there is speculation that he may fill the recently vacated position of defensive quality control coach, following Wendel Davis's departure to the Miami Dolphins.

Smart, who began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Wake Forest in 2024, was promoted to an on-field coaching role last year. His move to the Packers marks his entry into the NFL coaching ranks. This hiring comes after Vanderbilt's successful 2025 season, where the Commodores achieved a 10-3 record, marking their best SEC performance post-World War II and their first-ever double-digit win season.

The Packers' defensive staff, led by defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon, includes assistant defensive line coach Vince Oghobaase and primary defensive line coach/run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington. The addition of Smart follows a