AP Source: Buccaneers To Hire Lovie Smith As Coach
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Former Chicago Bears coach has reached an agreement to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a person familiar with the negotiations said.
Speaking to The Associated Press on Wednesday night on the condition of anonymity because an official announcement hasn't been made, the person also says former Minnesota Vikings coach Leslie Frazier will be the Buccaneers' defensive coordinator. However, ESPN reported that Rod Marinelli, who worked under Smith in Chicago, would lead the defense.
Former University of California coach Jeff Tedford will serve as the offensive coordinator, ESPN reported.
Smith, 55, will replace former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano, fired Monday after going 4-12 this season and 11-21 in two years with the team. Frazier also was fired Monday.
Smith was 81-63 in nine seasons with Chicago, leading the 2006 team to the Super Bowl -- where the Bears lost Indianapolis. He was fired a year ago after the Bears finished 10-6 and missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons.
Smith was Tampa Bay's linebackers coach under Tony Dungy from 1996-2000, then spent three seasons as the St. Louis Rams' defensive coordinator on Mike Martz's staff.
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