Alex Smith blasts defensive-minded coaches for inability to develop quarterbacks

Competent coaching turned former No. 1 NFL Draft pick Alex Smith's career around, and based on his recent comments, he probably believes it's no coincidence.

Speaking on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Smith expressed concerns about the development of young quarterbacks under defensive-minded head coaches. 

"There is a different mentality, from my career, when you play for an offensive head coach that wants to light up the scoreboard and outscore the opponent," Smith said, via JoeBucsFan.com. 

"There's a different mentality you have, especially as a young quarterback versus a defensive head coach, when really the [coach's] mentality is, 'Hey, don't screw up, don't turn the ball over, don't put us in a bad situation.'… That's a huge difference in a mentality and a mindset for a young quarterback, especially if it's a bit rocky to start."

One situation that came to Smith's mind was New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. The No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft struggled mightily during his first two seasons in New York and is now being replaced by Aaron Rodgers. Smith specifically criticized Jets HC Robert Saleh, San Francisco's defensive coordinator before he took over his current role, for his handling of Wilson. 

"Robert Saleh, you're a great defensive mind and coordinator, but, like, you have no idea how to develop a quarterback," Smith said. "The coordinator you hired never called plays. So, that's a completely different animal. And as much as you think you're prepared to handle that development of a young kid, you're just not."

While Wilson's shortcomings likely extend beyond coaching, Smith's point is valid and if anyone is suitable to discuss the topic, it would be the him. As a rookie under defensive-minded HC Mike Nolan, Smith struggled, completing just 50.9 percent of his passes for 875 yards with one touchdown and 11 interceptions.

The 39-year-old did not shake off the bust label until his third (and first offensive-minded) coach Jim Harbaugh took over for Mike Singletary in 2011. In his first season with Harbaugh, Smith set a then-career-high 3,144 passing yards while throwing 17 touchdowns and five interceptions, leading the 49ers to an NFC Championship Game appearance. 

Smith had a promising start to his second season with Harbaugh but suffered a concussion and was controversially benched in favor of Colin Kaepernick for the rest of the season. At the time of the injury, Smith led the NFL in completion percentage (70 percentage) and was third in passer rating (104.1). 

Ultimately, Harbaugh stuck with Kaepernick and San Francisco traded Smith to Kansas City in 2013. The move ended up being the best thing for Smith's career, as he received the chance to learn from offensive mastermind Andy Reid.

During his tenure with Reid, Smith never had a season where he threw for fewer than 3,265 yards or more than eight interceptions. Smith also guided the Chiefs to the playoffs in four of his five seasons in Kansas City. 

It seems that in almost every season, Smith's assertion holds true, with an offensive-minded coach unlocking their quarterback's potential. New York's Brian Daboll and Jacksonville's Doug Pederson are noteworthy examples based on their work with Daniel Jones and Trevor Lawrence last season.

But perhaps new Texans HC DeMeco Ryans can be an exception, as he prepares to develop C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 pick in last month's draft.