49ers news: 3 best special teams coordinators to replace Richard Hightower

49ers Special Teams Candidate No. 3: Tracy Smith

Diving a little deeper into the pool of potential San Francisco replacements for Richard Hightower, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to explore the realms within the NFC West.

Seattle Seahawks special teams assistant Tracy Smith should be on the shortlist of coaches who could assume this position, particularly after Smith played a role in Seattle boasting the NFL’s fifth-best special teams unit in 2021, according to Football Outsiders.

Smith had served as an assistant on special teams with the Houston Texans in 2018 and 2019, and he made a notable difference there, as the Seahawks’ personnel website pointed out:

"With Smith’s help, the 2019 Texans turned in one of the best all-around special teams performances in team history. Behind standout coverage units, the Texans led the NFL and set the single-season franchise record in opponent punt return average, allowing just 3.4 yards per return, and also led the league in opponent field position after kickoffs."

Going through Smith’s career path, it’s tough to find a season where his special teams units have performed in the bottom-three rankings of the NFL pecking order.

Plus, the 49ers would have the advantage of gaining a little inside knowledge of one of their chief divisional rivals.