Bucs general manager Jason Licht will oversee the search for a new coach.
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The Bucs should be in good position to land a quality head coach, though not many of those are actually available. The decision to fire Smith is, surprising.
Akeem Spence, center right, was among the Tampa players reacting to the firing of Lovie Smith. Despite having $75 million guaranteed in Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David, the unit finished 25th and 26th in scoring the past two seasons, totaling six combined return touchdowns. They have a future franchise quarterback in Jameis Winston, a top ten draft pick, talented players at key positions on both sides of the ball and cap space they’ve been willing to spend every season.
Now the Bucs will move ahead without Smith, the team’s third coach since Jon Gruden was sacked after the 2008 season.
The freaky timing gives us a strong hint.
He reports that the Dolphins were interested in Koetter, which sparked this process.
Switching out offensive coordinators after a rookie quarterback’s first season-especially when it was a promising, but far from flawless, season-is a recipe for disaster.
The direction the Bucs go might not surprise many, either.
Lovie Smith on the sideline in the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 17, 2015 in St. Louis, Missouri. Whether that’s the motivation or not, it looks like Koetter will have a well-deserved inside track on continuing what he started in Tampa Bay. Seeking to end speculation that he could be on the move after consecutive 7-9 seasons, Payton said he doesn’t envision himself “ever coaching for any other clubs”. The short list could include former Eagles coach Chip Kelly, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.
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According to an espn report, Smith met with his coaching staff Wednesday morning. Sometimes the best coach on a team isn’t the head coach and when there a chance they may lose him, something must be done.
