The Bucs moved quickly, just days after firing Greg Schiano, by bringing in former Bears head coach Lovie Smith. The team officially confirmed what multiple reports around the internet had already hinted at on Wednesday, that Lovie Smith was officially hired as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Earlier reports indicated that Smith was expected to sign a four-year deal and is expected to make in excess of $5 million each year. His career NFL head coaching record is 81-63.
Reports also indicate that the Buccaneers will bring in Jeff Tedford to be their offensive coordinator. Tedford is the former head coach of the California Golden Bears. Tedford has no NFL coaching experience, but his NCAA head coaching record is 82-57.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Rod Marinelli will join the Bucs as defensive coordinator. Marinelli is the former head coach of the Detroit Lions and more recently defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys. His career NFL head coaching record is 10-38.
Given the hires, the reactions from NFL players and analysts in the twitter-verse have been very positive so far.
Congratulations to the Bucs. I think they made a very good choice in hiring Lovie Smith. Now I’m excited about watching the Bucs next year! Former Bucs Head coach Tony Dungy (@TonyDungy) Tweeted
Lovie Smith……….. Grade A!! Gonna be fun!!! Wonder what else they have in store!?! Hmmm…. Bucs Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) Tweeted
Woke up to some pretty good news I think!! Bucs Defensive End Adrian Clayborn (@AJaClay) Tweeted
I’m excited to play for a coach who can bring my potential out and COACH me Bucs Defensive End Da’Quan Bowers (@DaQuanBowers91)
I’m excited about the future for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Heard some great things about Lovie Smith & can’t wait to finally meet him. Bucs Cornerback Darrelle Revis (@Revis24)
Now, while most Bucs fans were thrilled by the coaching hire, others not so much. Understandably, as I stated in the past this is an offensive league. The one knock on Lovie Smith in Chicago was his lack of offense.
What some find more troubling is that Bucs still haven’t bought in a General Manager. One can only assume the ownership is in the process of hiring one. I think that speaks volumes to just how much the Bucs ownership wanted Lovie Smith. Hiring him just days after firing Schiano and before hiring a GM. Clearly ownership felt they had to make the move before Smith had a chance to interview with the Detroit Lions and the other NFL teams with head coaching vacancies.
Like many Bucs fans I am concerned about how the offense will turn out, but I am also excited to see how the defense will look under Smith and Marinelli. I think most Bucs fans are just happy to have a real head coach with real NFL experience. After Raheem Morris and Greg Schiano experience is what this organization desperately needs. #ItsABucsLife
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Main Photo Credit: Duane Burleson
