Smith adjusting to his secondary career

FOXBOROUGH -- When Otis Smith realized his 14-year playing career was over, he signed a one-day contract with the Patriots so he could retire as a member of the team. That's how much he enjoyed his four years in New England.

So when Smith decided he wanted to give coaching a try this year, his first call was predictable.

The question to Bill Belichick was simple: If there is any room for an extra staff member as part of the NFL's minority coaching program, could Smith be a part of it with the Patriots?

The answer was yes, although the way the situation unfolded was a bit unexpected. The 40-year-old Smith was scheduled to coach only through training camp, then return to Maryland to continue a career in real estate.

But Smith always had a knack for sticking around, didn't he?

By the time training camp ended, he had a permanent job. Smith is now a full-fledged member of Belichick's staff, working with the defensive backs alongside Joel Collier.

``This is something I always wanted to do, I have a passion for it," said Smith, who played for the Eagles (1991-94), Jets (1995, 1997-99), Patriots (1996, 2000-02), and Lions (2003). ``I always felt like I was coaching when I was playing. It wasn't in the classroom, and didn't have all the same elements of preparation, but it was a lot of on-field coaching. This, now, is real coaching. You're helping put stuff together, bringing up different ideas.

``I feel like I bring something different to the table because I played the game for such a long time, so I can sometimes see different things that can help."

Smith is a success story of the NFL's minority coaching program, which was approved unanimously by the NFL in 1981. Prior to the birth of the program, colleges often sent minority coaches to help at NFL training camps.

Three current NFL head coaches got their NFL start in the minority program -- Cincinnati's Marvin Lewis, Kansas City's Herman Edwards, and Chicago's Lovie Smith. More than 1,000 minority coaches have participated in the program, including current Patriots assistant Pepper Johnson.

``I'm thankful for it, it gives minority coaches a chance to come in and see how the job is done," Otis Smith said. ``You get to see if you really want to coach. A lot of guys have passions for it, but at the same time a lot of guys don't have the wherewithal to spend the time at it."

Smith said the hours worked by NFL coaches can be long. It isn't unusual for him to arrive at the stadium at 6 a.m. and not leave until midnight.

Although his playing career ended only two years ago when he was cut by the Patriots in training camp, Smith said it's not difficult being on the other side of the line.

``I have another brotherhood now," said Smith. ``My playing days are behind me and I understand that. I don't have a desire to go out and play anymore. A couple of guys asked me if I've thought about putting the pads back on, but the thought only comes across my mind when someone asks the question."

Some of the Patriots' current defensive backs said Smith's playing experience is a plus.

``It's always good to have a coach who played the game, because they kind of know exactly what you're thinking a lot of the times because they've been in that situation," said 10-year veteran Chad Scott. ``He brings a lot of insight as to what worked for him, and that helps."

Second-year safety James Sanders described Smith's approach as ``fiery and passionate."

Smith said he hopes this is the start of a long-term career in coaching, and that the number of minority coaches will continue to rise. The 32-team league currently has seven minority head coaches -- Arizona's Dennis Green, Cleveland's Romeo Crennel, Oakland's Art Shell, and Indianapolis's Tony Dungy added to the aforementioned -- and Smith sees more opportunities for minority assistants as well.

``At one time, if we had one or two, it was good, on any staff," he said. ``Now, the percentages are going up every year, and I'm thankful to be a part of that."