Three weeks from getting his walking papers, Mike Smith could rejoin the NFL soon.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday night that the former Atlanta Falcons coach is expected to interview with the Raiders for Oakland's defensive coordinator vacancy, per a source informed of Smith's situation.
Before heading up the Falcons, Smith was the Jaguars' DC for five seasons under Jack Del Rio. In four of those campaigns, Jacksonville's defense was in the top 10 of Football Outsiders' defensive DVOA metric. Atlanta boasted solid defense until the last two seasons, sliding to 29th in DVOA in '13 and dead last this past year.
The Raiders' D will be a work in progress, as has been the case much of the last decade. Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Khalil Mack would be a fun tool at any coach's disposal.
Given that Del Rio has already given Smith the keys to his defense once before, if an interview happens, the 55-year-old would appear to be in pole position to land the gig.
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