The Buccaneers have hired Lovie Smith as head coach to replace Greg Schiano. Jeff Tedford as offensive coordinator and Leslie Frazier as DC will join him in Tampa. After a 4-12 season mired in drama, Tampa Bay fired Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik in December.
Bucs could trade No. 7 pick
Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIREWith an extra pick or two, Tampa Bay could address issues in the receiving corps, along the offensive line or at the pass rushing positions. Currently, Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson is projected to go to the Buccaneers at No. 7 in SB Nation’s latest mock draft.
Licht replaced fired GM Mark Dominik. Despite taking Dominik’s place, however, Licht will be acting in a somewhat more stripped down role than what his predecessor enjoyed. Licht told reporters that he will strictly be a personnel/talent evaluator for the Bucs, and that someone else will handle contract negotiations with players and agents. Smith will have final say over the roster.
Read Article >Bucs hire Jason Licht as GM, per report
Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsBucs set up second GM interviews
J. MericThe Bucs are still looking for someone to replace Mark Dominik, having already found a new head coach in Lovie Smith. None of the candidates listed above have any known ties with Smith, suggesting he’s willing to go in a new direction rather than re-team with previous colleagues.
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Read Article >‘Phins, Bucs target Eagles’ Tom Gamble
Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIREGamble has yet to be an NFL general manager, so it remains to be seen how he would fare leading a front office. Previous GM experience has not been running thread among potential candidates for the Dolphins and Buccaneers, however.
• SB Nation’s 2014 NFL playoff coverage and brackets
Read Article >Bucs interviewing Lionel Vital for GM
Kim Klement-USA TODAY SportsSparano goes to Tampa
Rick StewartBefore coaching the Dolphins for four seasons, Sparano made his bones as an offensive line and tight ends coach. In his four years with Miami, Sparano won an AFC East title but never a playoff game.
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Read Article >Frazier will be Tampa Bay’s next DC
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY SportsFrazier will bring significant experience to Tampa Bay but limited success, at least statistically. In nine years as either a defensive coordinator or head coach, Frazier’s defense has finished top 10 in scoring just once. Minnesota finished 32nd in scoring defense last season and 31st in yards allowed.
• SB Nation’s 2014 NFL playoff coverage and brackets
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