TAMPA, FL — After two lackluster seasons, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have parted ways with Lovie Smith. The head coach received his walking papers Wednesday.
“After careful consideration, we informed Lovie that we have decided to make a change,” Joel Glazer, the Bucs’ co-chairman, said in a statement announcing the ouster. “I want to thank Lovie for his hard work and dedication to the Buccaneers during his time here.”
Smith served as head coach for two seasons and had an overall 8-24 record in that time. While the 2015 season brought more wins for the team, it wasn’t enough of a turnaround to convince Bucs’ management Smith was right for the job.
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“I am disappointed that we were not more successful these past few seasons, but we are committed to doing what is necessary to give our fans the winning team they deserve,” Glazer said. “As we move forward, General Manager Jason Licht will oversee the process for finding our next head coach.”
As the search for a replacement begins, speculation is running high. The Bucs’ current offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter’s name has been kicked around as a potential coach candidate. Other possibilities, The Tampa Tribune speculated Thursday morning, include former Falcons coach Mike Smith, and former New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin.
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Who do you think could turn the team around? Share your ideas by commenting below!
Photo courtesy of Buccaneers.com.
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