The Green Bay Packers have announced the addition of Will Smart to their defensive coaching staff, marking a rapid ascent from college assistant to the NFL. Smart, who finished his playing career at Wake Forest earlier this decade, spent just two seasons coaching at the college level before this move to the professional ranks.
Background and Recent Coaching Roles
Smart began his coaching journey as a graduate assistant under Dave Clawson at Wake Forest, his alma mater. In 2025, he served on Clark Lea’s Vanderbilt Commodores staff, specializing as a defensive pass rush coach. During that season, Vanderbilt achieved a school-record 10 regular-season victories. His role on the Commodores’ staff was focused on enhancing defensive pass rush techniques.
Connection with New Packers Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker
Smart will now work under Christian Parker, who was named Green Bay’s defensive coordinator last month. Parker replaced Jeff Hafley, who left the Packers to become head coach of the Miami Dolphins. Prior to his recent NFL transition, Smart dealt with a medical retirement during his playing days at Wake Forest but continued coaching as a student-assistant before moving into a paid coaching position.
Implications for the Packers’ Defensive Future
This hiring reflects the Packers’ interest in developing fresh coaching talent and building on the foundation laid by Parker. Smart’s expertise in defensive pass rush and his experiences at college programs like Wake Forest and Vanderbilt could contribute valuable insight to Green Bay’s defensive strategies moving forward. As he makes his NFL coaching debut, his progress will be closely watched among Packers fans and analysts.
