MX23RW : Thursday, July 4 02:14:31| >> :600:14043221:14043221:

Lovie Smith frontrunner for Tampa Bay Buccaneers job

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers expect to name Lovie Smith as their new head coach following two days of successful talks.

Former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith is close to completing a deal to become the new man in charge of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Buccaneers appear to have moved quickly to replace Greg Schiano, who was fired on Monday after just two seasons in the position.

Smith was defensive coordinator with Tampa Bay between 1996 and 2000, before taking charge of the Bears for nine seasons until 2012.

NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport said: "It's happened quickly. Just a day after firing Schiano, the organisation were in Chicago meeting with Lovie Smith and talking up contracts.

"There is familiarity between the coach and the team with him having been a coach there before. He loves the city and the franchise, so it's a good fit.

"The Buccaneers acted fast because they knew the Detroit Lions had Smith high up on their list of candidates for their managerial position too."

Former Cal head coach Jeff Tedford is rumoured to be brought in as Smith's offensive coordinator, while Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Rod Marinelli is the first choice to become defensive coordinator. If the Buccaneers don't get permission to speak to Marinelli, ex-Minnesota Vikings man Leslie Frazier could step in to the role.

ID:127824: cacheID:127824:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2747:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano on December 30, 2012
Read Next:
Buccaneers dismiss Schiano, Dominik
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
5pm
Quarter-Finals
Spain
vs.
Germany
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!