It’s Lovie!

January 1st, 2014

Team Glazer went back to the future and is hiring former Bucs linebackers coach (1996-2000) and longtime Bears chief Lovie Smith to be the next Buccaneers head coach, NFL Network is reporting.

Wow!

Joe suspects it cost Team Glazer a fortune to hire Smith so quickly, given that he was still in demand for head coaching interviews around the NFL.

Joe’s glad the Bucs moved swiftly. They surely could have done worse than Smith, but questions remain about Smith’s ability to build an offense. He never had one ranked higher than 15th in the NFL during nine seasons in Chicago.

Lovie surely must have come to his interview with a distinct plan for the Bucs’ quarterback position and offensive coordinator, in order to give Team Glazer utmost confidence.

One thing is certain, incessant wacky defensive line stunts and give-up-the-booty defense will now be history. Nasty, Tampa-2 defense will return.

There is no official word yet on the hire from the Buccaneers, and it’s unclear whether Smith will come as a package deal with a general manager, such has his former Chicago boss and Tampa local Jerry Angelo, also a former Bucs employee.

Stick with Joe through the night for much more on this historic event.

130 Responses to “It’s Lovie!”

  1. PRBucFan Says:

    I SAID IT WOOOT WOOT WOOT!

  2. PRBucFan Says:

    AHHHHHHHHH!!

    YEA!!!!!!!!

  3. Burg Says:

    now find a way to draft Bortles…….

  4. Chris Says:

    no GM first?

  5. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    I’m good with this!

    No whining please!!! Give him a chance.

  6. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Perfect hire. Absolutely perfect. Get ready for some winning football in Tampa.

  7. bucs55 Says:

    Love the hire perfect for our team a guy that’s player friendly but demand respect ad well best of both worlds he’s perfect for our defense not let bring maranelli back to be the defensive coordinator and d line and watch the sack numbers go up hopefully hrs offensivecocoordinator can keep up and we will be OK for the future lego

  8. jacko101 Says:

    Let GO LOVIE congrats Im excited to be a Buc fan

  9. McBuc Says:

    Love it

  10. PRBucFan Says:

    HAWAIIAN WE FINALLY AGREE!!!!!

    LoL This is the start of something beautiful 🙂

    But I’m sure people will already start whining

  11. Yar Says:

    Lovie get a dynamic OC and leave him alone.

  12. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    4-year deal.

  13. Andrew 1 Says:

    I kinda like it, natural fit. Of course there will be some that don’t like, and to that I say you can’t please everybody.

  14. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Wouldn’t be surprised if we go after Cutler….

  15. blackmagic00 Says:

    Real coach! Finally!!!!!!!

  16. Andrew 1 Says:

    Oh God please no Cutler lol

  17. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    @PRBucFan,

    Lol, yes we are friends now! It’s being reported that Mike Tolbert will be our OC. That would appear to be a wonderful hire. And Leslie Frazier is a tremendous DC. This is all too good to be true.

  18. Bigbucfan1 Says:

    Not too disappointed with this hire. I’m def excited. Means Dungy will ne giving us more help!

  19. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Lovie didn’t want Cutler to come to Chicago, FYI. He and the GM had a major disagreement about that. So I don’t think that is much of a possibility, but of course you never know. Although I don’t want Cutler at all, I would take him over Glennon. I guarantee you Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams would too.

  20. PRBucFan Says:

    This is way too good to be true lol

  21. bucrightoff Says:

    So we fired a defensive coach with poor offensive track record….to hire a defensive coach with a poor offensive track record….progress???

    Also say goodbye to any Johnny Football dreams. No way Lovie gambles on such a risk.

  22. CountryBuc Says:

    It feels nice, after reading this that at least we know who we are going forward with and I am excited about the hire. Yes he is another defensive HC but at least he is proven and has some star power behind his name. I don’t know anything about this OC he wants to bring with him but hopefully the guy is creative and understands how the leauge works in 2014. If Lovie can creat a defense that can stop a offense like the saints and panthers than the can stop any other offense we face after that. Any body can say what the want about the Glazers but I know everytime I was wanting change sitting on my couch they must have been seeing the same things and for me, I love our ownwers.

  23. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Hawwian

    Can we be friends too? I like the choice!!!

  24. blackmagic00 Says:

    Look out…..nfc south! Yaaaaa!

  25. Rrsrq Says:

    Let’s get this train back on the right track. You gotta believe this Lovie learned so much just observing, just get the right OC and Bucs will compete

  26. TpaBayFlyFisher Says:

    The’re back!

  27. MTM Says:

    An experienced NFL caliber HC finally. Welcome home Lovie.

  28. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    I don’t know why I keep typing Mike Tolbert. That wouldn’t be good to hire a RB from the Panthers to run our offense, lol. It’s Jeff Tedford. I feel pretty stupid, but I’m going to chalk it up to being very excited.

  29. Nate_tweetz Says:

    Safe pick by the Glazers. They picked a coach who has NFL experience, Respect in the community, Familiarity with the organization, and should have the trust of his players. I am really excited to see what our defense will look like under Lovie. My HOPE is the Glazers will hit on a good GM that will put the pieces together on offense for a OC to be successful. GO BUCS!!!

  30. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    @Tampabaybucfan,

    Absolutely!!! LMAO

  31. JSmalls Says:

    Bears haven’t run tampa 2 for many years. With Tillman and company they were running man pressure d with single high. I flew up for the game when we had the Gradkowski – There were a hand full of times the Bears were single high with 10 on the line straight trying to rip the Gradkowski’s face off.

    That’s what Lovie will bring… Not just an aggressive scheme, but an aggressive attitude!

  32. Mikep4bucs Says:

    Not a bad choice but why not let a new GM have some input? Maybe the silent Glazers are calling more of the football shots that we are aware of, when they should get out of the way and let experienced football people do their job. The one constant in all of our losing seasons has been the Glazer boys. Hope they get someone competent in the GM position that has authority to make all personnel decisions.

  33. Trey Says:

    I LIKE IT.

  34. SensibleBuc Says:

    Great underrated move. NFL HC experience, proven winner, Buccaneer bred…and most importantly he’ll heal the fan base. I can’t think of any right minded Bucs fan who has a problem with this move!

    Go Bucs!

  35. PRBucFan Says:

    Ahahaha That was funny Hawaiian, hopefully he brings something exciting to our offense.

    Was Kiffin fired?

    It would be awesome to bring him in as a positions coach

  36. pewterpirate99 Says:

    Bravo Glazers, I applaud you!!!! Now go and get a kick ass GM / coordinators.
    Keep up the good work!!

  37. rdbucfan Says:

    I’m not sure what to think. Not real excited to be a Bucs fan right now. Hopefully he learned the same lesson as Dungy in his 2nd HC job at Indy. I’m so tired of the 3 yards and a cloud of dust offenses these so called defensive coaches like to run.

    Where does Revis fit into all of this? It seemed like our defense was not very good when they were running zone defenses this season.

  38. Gus Says:

    This is like Goldilocks and the three bears. Raheem was too player friendly, Schiano was too demanding. Lovie is somewhere in the middle of that.

  39. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Hawaiian

    I Googled Mike Tolbert….thinking the name was very familiar….and the Stinking Panther showed up!!!

  40. scubog Says:

    Great news! I’m glad they didn’t take a chance on some “hot” assistant candidate. Lovie will command instant respect with his calm by firm demeanor. Jerry “Joe Isuzu look alike” Angelo next? Think any of the players miss Schiano now?

  41. Gus Says:

    I wish it was an offense guy but if you’re going to get a defensive guy you can’t do any better than Lovie. Great hire.

  42. Mumbles Says:

    OK, now that we got that done, I’m watching the Fiesta Bowl and we need to get this Blake Bortles kid in pewter and red. Looks like Ben Rothelisberger!

  43. Alexstotle Says:

    Let’s Go Lovie!!! I’m hoping he creates a winner here!

  44. bucrightoff Says:

    Jeff Tedford as OC is about as uninspiring as it gets. Not exactly a great track record there.

  45. JSmalls Says:

    Rdbucfan, do u watch football? When’s the last time Peanut Tillman played zone?

  46. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    I’ve read he wants Marinelli, but Dallas isn’t going to let him out of his contract. My head would literally explode if that were to somehow happen.

  47. Jordan Says:

    Good Hire!

  48. Vincente Says:

    Yes a coach with experience, knows what history we have in Tampa, knows how talented our defense is, he’s exactly what out team needs. Now about cutler. I’m not gonna lie I don’t know how well he would do in the bucs offense. I mean we have good and a lil great talent on it do he might come in a do great but watching his film he sure does have some bad games. Needless to say the good ol days just came back to Tampa! Man who else is as pumped up as I am!!!!! Let’s go bucs!! It’s time to raise the flag and waive it high!!!

  49. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    I am still saying they have a GM in place and they will announce both tomorrow or Friday. The only question is….who the GM is. I bet it is Butch Davis.

  50. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    @bucrightoff,

    Tedford was twice named Pac 10 coach of the year, and holds Cal record for most wins and bowl games won. Yeah, terrible track record.

  51. Ep bucsfan Says:

    First Lovie, next Johnny Football!!! Can’t wait!!!

  52. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Tedford has coached 8 QB’s that went on to be NFL QB’s. That’s 8 NFL Qb’s in 20 years. Let that sink in a little.

  53. Andres Says:

    Great start to the new year for buc fans! Tadford seems like a steal if that report is accurate…

  54. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    Tedford coached each of the following first round NFL draft picks at the quarterback position:
    Fresno State Trent Dilfer 6th overall 1994, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    David Carr 1st overall 2002, Houston Texans
    Oregon Akili Smith 3rd overall 1999, Cincinnati Bengals
    Joey Harrington 3rd overall 2002, Detroit Lions

    California Kyle Boller 19th overall 2003, Baltimore Ravens
    Aaron Rodgers 24th overall 2005, Green Bay Packers
    Tedford also coached Billy Volek, a backup quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, and A.J. Feeley, a backup quarterback for the St. Louis Rams.

    This guy knows QBs and will get the best out of who we have, choose or pick…..

  55. Bucs Fan #237 Says:

    I think this is a good hire.

    It should get the media and radio shows off the Buc’s back for a couple of years.

    Now fans can just focus on their NFL team once and for all.

  56. PRBucFan Says:

    I was just watching the NFL Total Access clip and they said Revis Island will resurrect with Lovie. That he has not run a traditional cover 2 in a long time.

  57. feelthepewterpower Says:

    Trust, Belief, Loviebility!

  58. PRBucFan Says:

    Told ya 237 😉

    I guess the “little girls” as you stated won’t get too upset afterall lol

  59. Tsweet87 Says:

    Just a thought….do we grab Vick?? Not saying he is our savior or long term solution. Just interested to hear joe’s and others’ thoughts.

  60. Bucs Fan #237 Says:

    I bet that JBF will be the only media outlet in town that comes close to questioning Lovie.

    Be very careful Joe. You are gonna get some serious hate mail and responses if you cross that line.

    It is gonna be a fun run to watch how it all goes down.

  61. Couch Fan Says:

    Not bad. Could of done worse. I would of liked to see an offensive minded coach but I’ll take it!

  62. bucrightoff Says:

    And of the QBs Tedford has coached, the only one you even want to mention is Aaron Rodgers, who’s mechanics were improved under Mike McCarthy. I was hoping Chud might be his choice, but Tedford left Cal in a total mess and only Rodgers became a succesful QB.

    I was actually hoping the Bucs would go insane and try and get Gus Malzahn as coach. Long shot probably, but he’s shown little loyalty to anything but money so far, so worth a shot.

  63. rdbucfan Says:

    Good to hear PR. I was worried since our defense was beat often in zone coverage.

    TBBF, Aaron Rodgers is the only one any good on that list. Most were busts. I hope he is here long enough to develop us a franchise QB.

    I don’t see Lovie drafting Johnny Boyziel.

  64. BucFanFromSaintsLand Says:

    I Lovie it! Damn that was corny. Waiting on news about the OC now!!! Go Bucs!

  65. Macabee Says:

    Tweet from Tony Dungy! I’m all in too! Let’s go Bucs!

    Tony Dungy ✔ @TonyDungy
    Follow
    Congratulations to the Bucs. I think they made a very good choice in hiring Lovie Smith. Now I’m excited about watching the Bucs next year!

    9:06 PM – 1 Jan 2014

  66. Scotty in Fat Antonio Says:

    Just no more Gaines Adams (RIP) deals ok Lovie…;)

  67. Eastsidebuc Says:

    Hell to the YEAH!!!

  68. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    I know and understand why I would be in the minority here, but I wouldn’t complain about Michael Vick as a short term solution. I’m way over the dog fighting thing. He served his time and has been nothing but a model citizen since. Forgive and forget. With our RB’s and hopefully improved OL, our running game would be a beast to deal with with Vick. Jackson and Williams would see a ton of single coverage because teams would have to load the box. And while Vick isn’t very accurate, he can throw the hell out of the deep ball. He wouldn’t by any means be my first or favorite choice, but we could do a lot worse.

  69. cmurda Says:

    I Lovie this decision

  70. JonBuc Says:

    Lovie > Greggy

    Cautiously optimistic….back to the future I suppose.

  71. deminion Says:

    OC Jeff tedford

  72. bucsfan1979 Says:

    HELL YA old tampa 2 back

  73. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    So you are criticizing the fact that the QB’s he coached didn’t develop into great NFL QB’s? Really? Do you have any idea how stupid that sounds? First of all, name me another college coach who has had a ton of elite NFL QB’s. It doesn’t happen. What it means is that he can create a system to put his QB’s in the best situation to match their skill set. He coached at freaking California!!!! Realize what you are saying and how stupid it sounds. I’m done dealing with idiots on such a happy day.

  74. Thomas Says:

    Ok, the Bears and the Bucs are my two favorite teams so I have a little more interest in this one than most.

    Lovey is a great defensive coach. He also provides stability. He is his own man and does not need or ask for Dungy to be involved whatsoever. Get over it.

    HOWEVER- if he brings Jerry Angelo with him I may have to stop watching them. He is the worst judge of football talent ever to be hired as a GM IMO and the only reason he lasted as long as he did in Chicago was because the Mckaskey’s always hold on too long.

    Example 1: Jerry Angelo traded a 2nd round pick to the Bucs for Gaines Adams. Gaines was so bad he was going to be run out of town the following week and they could have gotten him without giving the Bucs ANY compensation. Instead a 2nd rounder? Of course noone could have foreseen what happened next to the poor guy (Gaines) but damn.

    Example 2: As GM he was more than happy to support Lovey’s penchant for worthless offensive coordinators. The offense was terrible, year after year. For much of his regime they had a QB carousel that ran through quite a few qb’s until they got Cutler there, who has steadied the ship since.

    This being said it was Angelo who made the deal for Cutler. As a Gm maybe it could occur to him that they needed a stud Qb possibly BEFORE the Head Coach had been there close to ten years? Or maybe that he should insinuate himself more strongly in the discussions for who they’d bring in for Off Coord?

    The guys in the Chicago radio market are happy for us getting Lovey but laughing at us for the prospect of potentially getting Angelo. If you look at it his track record is terrible. The main reason Angelo lasted as long as he did was because Lovey was continually pulling blood from stones to make the defense work.

    Example :3 Offensive line. In the entire time Angelo was there he did not acquire any good O-linemen. At all. I tell you what he did do though- he drafted Chris Williams with a first round pick knowing he had back surgery shortly before they drafted him. And guess what? He NEVER was any good at all because of his back. For years their o-line was one of the biggest jokes in the nfl.

    Conversely Marc Trestman and Phil Emery fixed the o-line problem in one off-season AND installed the most prolific offense the bears have ever had in the same time period.

    I could go on and on about Angelo’s buffoonery but why bother.

    Just PLEASE get someone better than the offensive coordinator they are talking about bringing in from cal. What makes him the best choice? Specifically?

  75. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ rdbucfan

    Tedford coached all of those QB in college and prepared them for the NFL & high draft picks…..if their NFL Coaches failed to take advantage of that….that’s on them not Tedford
    The bottom line is that he has had multiple QB successes.

  76. dontlikedirtybirds Says:

    Anyone think the GM is already hired IE Butch Davis or someone internal? That way they had the input for Lovie’s hire?

  77. BucPuck Says:

    Wuhooo!!!! With Tedford as OC who is the DC?

  78. Harry Says:

    Very Cool!

  79. Harry Says:

    Have to hand it to the Glazers on this great hire

  80. Bobby C. Says:

    Love the hire, finally a real coach, after raheem and shaino. Its great to see the owners moving forward with football people who have a proven record. So glad i renewed my tickets!!!!!!!!!!

  81. broy34 Says:

    please please please tell me he will not be running zone coverage all day…the cover 2 is getting demolished and im not talking about 2 man under im talking forn four blitz everyone else drops back..itll ruin lavonte completely and of course revis…wont be good for the dline unless we draft clowney

  82. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Everyone should just google Tedford and stop posting negativity if you have no idea who the guy is. Do a little research, it’s not that hard.

  83. D-Rome Says:

    The Glazers should’ve hired a GM first and let him make the decisions. Raheem and Schiano were their picks…

  84. Bobby C. Says:

    Chris Ballard for GM, should be the fit wit Lovie

  85. zam Says:

    Say what you will about offense, but a shutdown defense like the Bucs of long ago or the Bears under Lovie is a thing of beauty to watch in action.

  86. Mach Says:

    Apparently it’s a 4 yr deal with an option for a 5 th year at $25 million. Schiano was 5 yrs at $15 which made it easier to move on. Although I think lovie was earning 6m at the bears and the rams pay fisher 7m so I hope they get that contract signed before the lions jump in with a higher offer…

  87. Tampabaybucfan Says:

    @ Hawaiian

    Right…there is a good reason why Lovie has made this choice…he has plenty of time to develop “his team”.

    I hope this quick hire gives us a shot at keeping some of our assistants liky Byner….

    i also suspect that the GM has been hired (perhaps from within) and has signed off on Lovie.

  88. Brandon Says:

    Asked for it last season when he was fired, begged for it this season, loving it!!!

    Glad Lovie is here and now he can prove the doubting Joes wrong.

    It isn’t about the coach, it’s about the QB. Get the right one and those offensive issues disappear. Bridgewater, Hundley, Carr, Manziel, Bortles, they all look like potential franchise guys.

  89. Mach Says:

    Espn reporting that Tedford is the OC and staff is already forming..

  90. Bobby C. Says:

    Ballard had a strong presence in the Bears’ draft war room, where he helped selectkey role in the organization selecting Pro Bowlers Matt Forte, Charles Tillman, Johnny Knox, Nathan Vasher and Tommie Harris. Sounds like a winning combo.

  91. Joe Says:

    Espn reporting that Tedford is the OC and staff is already forming..

    CBS reported that last week. 🙂

    Don’t be a slave to the four-letter.

  92. bucrightoff Says:

    HawaiianBuc calls me an idiot, yet wants Mike Vick here as a short term solution. Ironic to say the least. Vick isn’t a solution to anything other than the question “How do we increase the number of games our QB will miss?”. As a short term solution Josh McCown would be infinitely better, but neither solves anything other than how do we go 8-8 next year.

    I think everyone is just happy to have a guy whos actually an NFL coach, even if his record isn’t as good as you would want. Making the playoffs 3/9 seasons isn’t that great, especially in a division that include very bad Detroit and mediocre Minnesota teams. The NFC South is a brutal division. We need offense. I’m really not sure the offense will be that much better now. Lovie never did better than 15th. Not very inspiring.

  93. Bobby C. Says:

    Hey BUCRIGHTOFF 15th sounds better than 32!!!!!

  94. Macabee Says:

    Teford is a fomer Cal coach who Aaron Rodgers credits for his development. He is best known for developing 6 QBs all taken in the 1st round of the NFL draft. Can he call plays? I don’t know!

  95. CJO Says:

    Tedford could tailor an offense around mobile QBs.. He was successful with Aaron Rodgers at Cal.

    I think Smith already tabbing Tedford as OC is a sign that Lovie realizes he needs to leave the offense to the OC and he will be the defensive guy he is.

    Also, I think Revis will be integrated well. Tillman in Chicago was more of man-to-man guy and made plenty of plays in Lovie’s system.

  96. Buc Neckid Says:

    Leslie Frazier as DC
    per CBS

  97. christopher schiefen Says:

    NO BLAKE BORTLES. He’s one of the worst “top QB” prospects I’ve ever seen.

  98. Buc Neckid Says:

    Leslie Frazier as DC
    per CBS
    Maybe

  99. Buc Neckid Says:

    Blake Bortles looks bad in the Fiesta Bowl Tonight

  100. BucYou Says:

    This is the best belated Christmas present any Bucs fan could hope for. Instant credibility!

  101. christopher schiefen Says:

    Yeah, Stroud re-tweeted an Angelo article recently, about OCs or some such. It was poorly written & reasoned, it was kinda comical. That said, I’ll take me Rich McKay all day.

  102. Broy3434 Says:

    What defense will he run??? Will he run man at all

  103. Danbucfan Says:

    I like the pick! We have the talent on defense (with the addition of 1 or 2 DE) to be a top 5 defense. We should be around 20th overall in offense which should put us in the post season next year.

  104. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    @bucrightoff,

    Perhaps you should learn how to read and comprehend, because apparently you struggle with both. You’re not going to ruin my day with your stupidity. Good try though.

  105. BigMacAttack Says:

    I hope he can work a deal for Rod Marinelli. He is the key to a dominant defense.

    Great hire. I’m stoked about Lovie!

  106. distraughtfan Says:

    Guess we will never have a good offense. Not crazy about the hiring. You can’t live in the past you have to adapt to the modern NFL. THE TAMPA 2 IS DEAD!! Don’t believe me ask Dallas who by the way has the master of the Tampa 2 in Monte Kiffin. Teams have figured out how to beat it and for it to even work you must have a dominant edge rusher or plain and simple it fails. Also you must have corners that excel in zone coverage(not Revis) and a hard hitting safety. While we do a least have the safety part covered in Goldson, the NFL has banned hard hitting period. Not to mention he has a target on his back. In the new NFL offense is what what wins. The proof is in the pudding. Look at the teams in the playoffs.. Denver,Philly,New England,New Orleans,Cincinnati, San Diego, Green Bay Indy, the other teams are more defensive minded yet the have great players on offense. Now can anyone tell me a team in the playoffs the uses a Tampa 2…I’ll wait. And lets not forget the only reason we even have a Superbowl win is because we had an offensive minded coach with a good Defensive players. I hope for the best but I expect mediocrity.

  107. deminion Says:

    I like tedford’s resume

  108. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Look at Chicago’s defense in Lovie’s last year, and stop saying that a defense is dead. You can also compare them to Chicago’s defense this year. You just don’t know what you are talking about. All these experts are coming out of the woodworks tonight. Hilarious.

  109. PRBucFan Says:

    Too Bad he doesn’t run a tampa 2

  110. PRBucFan Says:

    People don’t realize how often tillman was in man coverage

  111. PhantomVash808 Says:

    Yes love this hire.
    Now bring in Chris Ballard as GM, Leslie Fraizer as DC, & Jeff Tedford at OC willing to give this man a shot. Imagine what young players like David, Barron, McCoy, Banks could learn from Lovie and Fraizer.
    I would also like to see the Bucs try and get Rod Maranelli back and keep Byner and Eric Stokes on staff.

    Potential free agent players that might come to Tampa Bay now due to connections with this staff could be Allen, Tillman, Jennings, Hester, and if cut due to his salary Peppers.

  112. Bucfan#37 Says:

    I’m not excited about the Lovie hire, but I’ll be optimistic that he will at least coach .500 ball.

  113. lurker Says:

    gee, from what I hear, the defensive coordinator of those bears teams including the one to the superbowl under lovie was ron rivera. hmmmmm
    and can lovie coach up draft picks? he didn’t in chi-town.

    way to think outside the box, glazers.

    let’s hope this is a great move because so far it is meh

  114. Buc1987 Says:

    This should soothe the masses…that was quick.

  115. BUC fan from VA Says:

    Great hire by the Bucs. We finally have a REAL head coach. Not a college coach.

  116. Eric Says:

    Great job Glazers.

    This man is a winner and will attract a great staff.

    Looking forward to next year with confidence we will be right in the mix. Haven’t had that feeling for five years.

  117. Hank Says:

    Seems the Glaziers went with what is comfortable or easy here. I hope it works out, but will wait to see what the Offensive coaches look like.

  118. lurker Says:

    from post on cbssports:

    shibbykaiyai

    “Tedford also groomed David Carr and Joey Harrington. And, having watched Lovie when he was at the helm of the bears, he may be one of the worst head coaches I have seen. Great defensive mind, you cannot deny that. But a horrible head coach with no clock or challenge management skills. And other articles have him bringing Marinelli with him as DC…oosh.

    Lovies coaching record is deceptive…he relied on one of the better defenses of the past two years, the top kick returned of all time, and just enough offense to barely eek out games. He also was the architect of various late season collapses…i.e. why he got fired in a 10 win, no playoff season.

    Anything would be a step up over Schiano and the circus he ran there. But they could have done better than Lovie and his retread assistants. ”

    and

    “shibbykaiyai

    just now.

    Poor clock and time out management.

    Couldn’t win a challenge to save his life.

    Always chose friends who the game passed by as assistants (Martz, Tice, Marinelli).

    His influence could be seen on the bears drafting, opting for speedy defensive players over offensive line or talent players.

    All but destroyed the best years of Hesters career trying to make him into a WR.

    Most seasons included a late season collapse.

    Other than that, yes, he was a damn annoying interview as well. Condescending know it all, even after losses. A lot like Schwartz who was just fired from Detroit.”

  119. lurker Says:

    so true…look at the retreads as coordinators

    marinelli …lol dallas d sucks

  120. Me First Says:

    Lurker, your opinion sucks!

  121. Warthog Says:

    I’m not blown away by the Lovie hire but it is solid.

    What we will get with Lovie is a solid, professional football team that wins more games than it loses.

    After the amateur-hour circus we’ve had in Tampa since Gruden left, it will be a welcome relief to know our team is in capable hands and can be expected to show up prepared to play each sunday.

    Under Morris and Schiano you never knew what ridiculous antics you were going to see each week.

  122. lurker Says:

    and yours is wrong… 😉

  123. trubucfan22 Says:

    Early on lovie wasnt first choice. Like JBF i would have liked to see an offensive guy, But when you looked at the experienced head coaches out there all there would have been was kubiak and shanahan. Or wait for jack del rio to win the superbowl. Of those choices lovie really is great choice. I cant wait to see his team in action. Tampa 2 is back, but hopefully they still have the smarts to use revis appropriately.

  124. lurker Says:

    this should be a better coaching staff than we have had since gruden was fired. is lovie the gm too, as I had read? I am interested in who will draft and develop talent.

  125. BuccaneerBonzai Says:

    I was hoping for an offensive coach. My concern is Lovie will be too conservative on offense. Not much chance he’ll get a QB in the draft. More likely he’ll try to get Clowney.

    I can’t say I’d be upset if it happened. Clowney could be our new Simeon Rice.

    QB is my main concern with this hire. Lovie never built an offense as HC.

    But…I’m a homer, so I welcome the man back home!

  126. mark2001 Says:

    Chicago Offense part 2 here we come. If we don’t get Marinelli, it is another kick in groin to the Tampa Bay fans.

  127. BirdDoggers Says:

    Regardless of Lovie’s lackluster offense in Chicago, this was the right hire. Defense still wins championships. Lovie probably learned a thing or two and will put more of an emphasis on offense.

  128. GeorgiaBucFan Says:

    Now they need Dungy as GM

  129. Ed Says:

    Safe hire, understands the strengths of his players, will put them in better positions to win the close games.

    Will also be more attractive for free agents to come to Tampa vs. a college coach, his reputation amongst players is strong.

    As many have already posted, they just need to get an offense that is with the times.

    The defense will be top 5 with him so if we can find a way to get 24-28 points a game in 2014 we should be able to add 4 wins to our 2013 total.

  130. WestCoastBucsFan Says:

    I have been calling for this guy since week 3.