Previously, he was the defensive coordinator for the Duke Blue Devils, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Arkansas Razorbacks and Minnesota Golden Gophers.
In 2009 Smith became the Special Teams Coordinator and outside linebackers coach at Rutgers under Greg Schiano, a position he would hold for three years.
David became only the 3rd player in NFL History and the first linebacker to record 100 or more tackles, six or more sacks, and five or more interceptions in a single season.
[5] On December 20, 2021, it was reported that Robb Smith would join new Duke Head Coach Mike Elko as Defensive Coordinator.
Smith helped call the defense in the Peach Bowl after Manny Diaz took the head coaching position at Duke.
[8] Smith was initially elevated on the field on the offensive side of the ball when James Franklin relieved Mike Yurcich following the loss to Michigan.
[9] A 1997 graduate of Allegheny (Pa.) College with a bachelor's degree in economics, Smith was a three-year letterwinner at strong safety.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with Iowa from 1999 to 2001, where he earned his master's degree in communications studies in 2002.