LAS VEGAS -- Big changes for the Las Vegas Raiders, they're adding Matt Robinson, Travis Smith, and Joe DeCamillis to the team. The club made the formal announcement Monday, signaling a spectacular recalibration of the defensive and special teams units.
Robinson has been named safeties coach after a historic five-season tenure with the Baltimore Ravens. Robinson, who recently worked with outside linebackers, contributed to a unit that allowed the NFL’s fewest rush yards per game (80.1) and fewest yards per rush (3.6) in 2024.
“Baltimore’s defense became the first unit in NFL history to lead the league in points allowed (16.5 ppg), sacks (60) and takeaways (31),” sources indicate of the 2023 campaign Robinson helped oversee.
Similarly, Robinson’s impact on the secondary was felt in 2022 when he tutored Pro Bowler Marlon Humphrey and All-Rookie safety Kyle Hamilton. Prior to his Baltimore arrival, the Maryland native served his alma mater and Connecticut at the collegiate level.
The Raiders are also welcoming back a familiar face to the defensive front. Travis Smith has been named defensive line coach, returning to the franchise where he spent ten seasons (2012-21).
“Smith joins the Silver and Black after spending one season as the defensive run game coordinator for the Tennessee Titans,” the club confirmed.
Jun 12, 2018; Alameda, CA, USA: Oakland Raiders defensive quality control coach Travis Smith during minicamp at the Raiders headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
In 2025, Smith’s leadership helped DT Jeffery Simmons lead all interior linemen in sacks (11) and tackles for loss (17). During his previous stint with the Raiders, Smith was instrumental in the development of Maxx Crosby and All-Pro Khalil Mack. Under Smith’s guidance in 2016, Mack’s eight-game sack streak tied an NFL record, culminating in a Defensive Player of the Year honor.
For the special teams unit, the Raiders have secured a veteran presence in Joe DeCamillis, who has been named Special Teams Coordinator. DeCamillis, a winner of two Super Bowl titles with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams, brings 34 years of NFL experience to Las Vegas.
“DeCamillis... was nominated for the Broyles Award for his work with a special teams unit that was completely overhauled,” reports state regarding his recent tenure at South Carolina.
Aug 29, 2022; Thousand Oaks, CA, USA: Los Angeles Rams special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis reacts during training camp at Cal Lutheran University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Prior to his collegiate success at South Carolina and the University of Texas, DeCamillis served as a special teams coordinator for the Cowboys, Bears, Jaguars, and Rams. As a consequence of this hiring, the Raiders acquire a coach who has led squads to seven Championship Game appearances, further solidifying the team’s quest for a monumental season.
