Palm Beach, Fla. -- Mike Smith knew that things would be different as the Falcons' head coach.

But makeup? Multiple layers with multiple reapplications, even?

"That was something new," said Smith, a career behind-the-scenes assistant before taking over the Falcons.

For the most part, everything since he succeeded Bobby Petrino has been something new. Yet everything always came back to coaching.

Or so he thought.

For a few hours Sunday, at the NFL's annual meeting, Smith found out that being an NFL head coach sometimes has nothing to do with preparing to win games. Or what player to draft. Or what free agent to sign. He learned that coaching in the NFL sometimes requires putting on makeup.

Smith, the Falcons and the NFL allowed a rare, behind-the-scenes look at an off-field experience required of all 32 head coaches.

The makeup

Within an hour of arriving at the Breakers Hotel, Smith has to leave his wife, Julie, who he rarely has seen since taking the Falcons job Jan. 23. He is escorted to a tent outside the hotel.

Smith is greeted by a variety of people. One asks him to change out of his black Falcons golf shirt to a white Falcons "sideline polo" shirt. He will be photographed wearing apparel that will be featured in NFL catalogs and merchandise Web sites. Then he is asked to sit down.

Kristin Brown, a local makeup artist, applies the goods to his face in layers. Gone is the shine caused by the Florida humidity.

After 10 minutes, the finished product: Mike Smith, the model.

"He's easy," Brown said. "Guys are easy."

Smith exits the tent and stands under a patio umbrella and goes through a series of poses. "Turn left ... elbow out ... left hand in your pocket ..." He rips through commands and flashing bulbs with the ease of Cindy Crawford. A natural.

When he's done, fellow first-time head coach Jim Zorn (Washington), who's on deck behind Philadelphia coach Andy Reid, introduces himself. They chat for a minute before Smith gets a cloth and wipes off his rouge and foundation.

The perks

It's on to another stall, where Smith gets to use a $5,500 allowance on high-end clothes by designer Joseph Abboud. Smith is taken behind a black curtain where two tailors take his measurements and recommend fabrics.

Outside of the stall is a rack of suits and casual shirts and a table covered with dress shirts and ties. After 15 minutes, Smith emerges with the tailors, looks over the silk, short-sleeved shirts that resemble the style he typically wears.

"I could wear that," he tells the tailor.

Smith then finishes the wardrobe selection.

These aren't clothes Smith has to wear for NFL required functions. These are for his personal use — a perk that could come in handy when team owner Arthur Blank feels like dinner at Bones.

The gantlet

Smith leaves the tent city and goes back into the hotel. On the second floor awaits "the gantlet," four suites rented by NFL Films and NFL Network.

The hallway is crammed with video equipment, dozens of technical employees, lights and wires. Smith easily navigates his way to the end of the hall, past a suite where New Orleans coach Sean Payton is in the midst of his tasks.

Smith enters the room and gets directions from a director. This is where he'll film segments for NFL Films to promote the Super Bowl.

"The thing that got me the most was when I had to speak to this circle," Smith said. "It was like you were speaking to the Wizard of Oz. It was a circle and someone on the other side of a curtain."

In the next room, he was interviewed for NFL Films Presents. He was asked a multitude of questions on a variety of subjects that will be edited and inserted into programming throughout the season. Some of the footage could go toward the Falcons' highlight film as well.

In Suite Three was a more extensive round of interviews for NFL Network and its features programming.

Before the final stop, Smith has to change shirts again. More makeup is applied after he sits in a room packed with more technicians, producers and directors. For a guy not used to this stuff, he's handling it like a seasoned pro. There's no irritation with the process, but no gushing amusement either.

He clicks off promos for NFL Network in one take. Slogans, lead-ins to programming; this guy is one-stop shopping. He even gives glances on cue.

Finally

After he finishes the last television shoot, he enters a room and autographs several items. Like he has at every stop, Smith smiles and thanks everyone. His manners are impeccable. Before heading back down the elevator, he finds a couch and catches his breath.

He definitely is exhausted, but he's bracing for a round of meetings an hour from now.

"It's part of the job that I'm required to do," Smith said. "Is it my favorite thing to do? No. I'd much rather be preparing for a practice or watching tape or watching tape of the draft. That's where I feel more comfortable.

"I felt like I was very comfortable once I got into the process. It was very systematic in what they were doing. A little bit disjointed, but I'm sure when it's all said and done it will be a wonderful looking product."