Bucs special teams show improvement under coordinator Danny Smith

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have seen a marked improvement in their special teams under new coordinator Danny Smith during the 2026 season. After struggling last season with five blocked kicks and poor opponent starting positions, the team is currently ranked among the NFL's best special teams units through two games. Against Cincinnati, the Bucs limited kickoff returns to just 23.7 yards, while their own kickoff return unit averaged 29.4 yards. This trend continued against Cleveland with a standout 48-yard return. Chase McLaughlin has yet to miss a kick, and the punt coverage unit has been error-free so far. Smith's impact is evident, and players have responded positively to his coaching style. The team aims to build on this early success as the season progresses.

• 2:05 PMYahoo Sports — Bucs special teams continues to improve under Danny Smith