Buccaneers Hire LSU Defensive Backs Coach Ron Cooper

The Buccaneers are still filling out their coaching staff under Greg Schiano, and they just made a new hire which may tip their hand in the upcoming NFL Draft. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs have hired former LSU Defensive backs coach Ron Cooper to their staff, which may indicate that they are targeting Morris Claiborne with the No. 5 overall pick.

The Bucs hope to be in a position to consider selecting Louisiana State cornerback Morris Claiborne, one of the top talents in the NFL draft, with the No. 5 overall pick. On Wednesday, they hired the coach that knows Claiborne best. LSU defensive backs coach Ron Cooper has left the Tigers to take the same position with the Buccaneers, the school confirmed.

Claiborne has already become a very popular choice for the Buccaneers in Mock Drafts around the Internet, and this is pretty strong confirmation that they are interested in picking him up. The question is wether or not he will still be available when they draft at No. 5 overall because he is one of the most talented players in the Draft.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Staff Search: Jeff Stoutland Latest To Turn Down Bucs

Though Alabama Crimson Tide offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland probably has perfectly good reasons to want to stay at his current job, this is starting to get a bit ridiculous. AL.com is reporting that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offered Stoutland an opportunity to interview with the same position under Greg Schiano at Tampa Bay, but that he declined the offer to interview.

Stoutland is an experienced coach who has spent one year at Alabama under Nick Saban. He's being credited with much of that team's success along the offensive line, and according to the AL.com report, he's currently making $395,000 per year. Stoutland probably likes that paycheck and his current job, and his decision to decline to interview could have had nothing to do with the Buccaneers. Regardless, the pattern of uninterested assistant coaches or assistants that have been blocked from interviewing is equally concerning and comical at this point.

For more on the Bucs, check out Tampa Bay Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation.

Bucs Hire Butch Davis As 'Special Assistant' To Head Coach Greg Schiano

The long rumored hire of Butch Davis onto the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff has finally taken place, and according to Pat Yasinskas ESPN, he will serve as a special assistant to new head coach Greg Schiano.

As expected, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired Butch Davis as a special assistant to new head coach Greg Schiano.The team made the official announcement Monday afternoon, although there had been multiple reports in past weeks that Davis would be joining the team. The Bucs made it clear Davis will assist and advise Schiano, but will not take on any on-field coaching duties.

This is a good hire for Greg Schiano because Davis has experience as a head coach in the NFL while Schiano has never served in this capacity. Even if Davis has very little to do with the actual on-field performance of the team, and I don't know if that is the case, he will be a good resource for Schiano as he learns how to coach in this new capacity.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Can Mike Sullivan Develop Josh Freeman Into One of the Game's Elite?

New Bucs Offensive Coordinator Mike Sullivan comes in with an impressive resume but can he revitalize Josh Freeman's career like he did with Eli Manning?

Buccaneers Coaching Staff Search: Greg Schiano Eyes John Shoop For Offensive Coordinator

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano is trying to quickly fill his coaching staff, and rumor has it he's targeting North Carolina offensive coordinator and former Tampa Bay quarterbacks coach John Shoop for the same job in Tampa.

"Shoop was Tampa Bay’s quarterbacks coach in 2004 before joining the Oakland Raiders in the same role the following season," writes FoxSports.com's Alex Marvez. "Shoop, who was the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator from 2001-03, ran the University of North Carolina’s offense the past five seasons."

On Monday, Schiano interviewed Rob Turner and Bill Lazor for the position, however, Lazor decided to stay the offensive coordinator at the University of Virginia.

Last week, Schiano asked permission to speak with Green Bay tight ends coach Ben McAdoo and Arizona wide receivers coach John McNulty but was denied.

Whoever is hired for the job will join Jimmy Raye II, who was signed to be the senior offensive assistant, as one of Tampa's offensive coaches.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Staff Search: Ron Turner, Bill Lazor Finalists For Offensive Coordinator Job

Indianapolis quarterbacks coach Ron Turner and University of Virginia offensive coordinator Bill Lazor are the two finalist to fill the offensive coordinator position on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff, says Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com Tuesday.

"Turner, who was Chicago’s offensive coordinator from 2005 to 2009, was with Indianapolis the past two seasons. He was the Colts' quarterbacks coach in 2011 after serving as wide receivers coach the previous year.

"Lazor is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Virginia. He had spent 2001-09 as an NFL assistant, most recently coaching quarterbacks for Seattle (2008-09) and Washington (2006-07)."

Meanwhile, Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith says that:

"Schiano is expected to bring in four members of his old Rutgers coaching staff to Tampa Bay: P.J. Fleck (receivers), Bob Fraser (linebackers), Brian Angelichio (tight ends) and Jeff Haley (defensive backs)."

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Packers Block TE Coach From Interviewing For OC Position

The Buccaneers are just having the hardest time filling out their staff under new head coach Greg Schiano. They wanted to approach Green Bay Packers TE coach Ben McAdoo to be the offensive coordinator, but according to Jason La Canfora, the Packers blocked their coach from interviewing.

Bucs continue to struggle to get staff together - this time GB blocks TE coach Ben McAdoo from interviewing for OC job. Before AZ blocked...

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 7, 2012

And this isn't the first time that this has happened to them.

Its WR coach, John McNulty, from interviewing for Bucs OC. Earlier Pack blocked McAdoo from interviewing for Miami's OC job #insideslant

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 7, 2012

Buccaneers Coaching Staff Search: Florida's Dan Quinn Turns Down Job, According To Sources

Newly hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano is trying to put together a coaching staff, and it seems to be tougher than some would expect. According to a source of GatorSports.com's Pat Dooley, Schiano offered a job to current Florida Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn but he turned it down Monday.

Earlier on Monday, it was rumored that Quinn, who has been an NFL assistant for the San Fransisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks, was interview for the Bucs' defensive coordinator job. However, it seems that Quinn likes where he's at or the Bucs' didn't offer him enough money to leave Gainesville.

Last Monday, there was rumors that Schiano was trying to get his former boss, Butch Davis, to join his staff in some capacity, however, no more news or rumors has serviced about that being the case.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Greg Schiano Wants To Hire Former Boss Butch Davis, According To report

The Buccaneers just introduced Greg Schiano as their head coach, and now he is charged with putting together a coaching staff well after other teams had managed to fill similar positions. One option that they could choose to bring on board, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Schiano would like to hire former North Carolina and Miami Hurricanes coach Butch Davis onto his staff.

It's not clear what role Davis would have on the Bucs' staff, but most likely he would be defensive coordinator. Schiano was Davis' defensive coordinator at Miami from 1999-2000.

Here is what our Bucs Nation blog has to say about Davis' potential fit in the new coaching staff.

He does have experience as a defensive coordinator at the NFL level, however, coaching the Dallas Cowboys' defense in 1993 and 1994 after being the defensive line coach in Dallas from 1989 to 1992. Those defenses were some of the best in the NFL, so he does know how to put together a good NFL defense. In addition his experience as a head coach at the NFL level should help Schiano at his new job.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

New Coach Greg Schiano Says Tampa Bay Buccaneers 'Will Take Shots Down The Field' Offensively

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduced Greg Schiano as their newest head coach during a press conference Friday afternoon, and the former Rutgers Scarlet Knights coach explained his football philosophy and his plans to manage the organization.

The Bucs' common message in 2012 will be TBA, which stands for trust, belief, and accountability. "You gotta believe in that," Schiano said, "or this isn't the place [for you]." Schiano, who got his coaching start as a defensive assistant, also said he would hire a defensive coordinator rather than try to fulfill that role himself.

On the field, Schiano has this vision for his Buccaneers: "great defense with a physical offensive football team that will take shots down the field." Indeed, it does not seem Schiano is a conservative play-caller.

Schiano takes over a Bucs team that lost its final 10 games of the 2011 season, which resulted in the firing of Raheem Morris, who went 17-31 in his three seasons at Tampa Bay's helm.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Greg Schiano: He's the Right Fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Why is Greg Schiano the right fit in Tampa Bay? SB Nation Tampa Bay's JC De La Torre tells you.

Coach Greg Schiano, Buccaneers Agree On Five-Year Contract, According To Report

More: What do you think of the hire?

Greg Schiano has signed a five-year contract to coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN. Schiano replaces Raheem Morris, whose tenure in Tampa Bay lasted three seasons. The Bucs fired Morris after his squad closed the 2011 season on a 10-game losing streak and in last place in the NFC South.

Schiano becomes the ninth coach in Buccaneers history, and does so coming off an enormously successful season with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. He led Rutgers to a 9-4 record and a Pinstripe Bowl victory. All told, Schiano's college coaching record stands at 68-67 (.504), but in the last seven seasons, it's 56-33 (.629).

More: Everything you need to know about Greg Schiano

Tampa Bay won't be Schiano's first NFL stop, as he spent time with the Chicago Bears from 1996-98. In his first two seasons with the Bears, he was a defensive assistant, but he earned a promotion to defensive backs coach in his final season in the Windy City.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Per Adam Schefter, Bucs Finalize Contract with Greg Schiano

ESPN Insider Adam Schefter is reporting that the deal is done. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano as their new Head Coach.

@AdamSchefter
Adam Schefter
Now official: After finalizing a five-year deal, the Buccaneers officially have hired Greg Schiano as their next head coach.
7 minutes ago via WhoSay

We’ll have more on this story as it develops throughout the day.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation’s Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: With Greg Schiano Poised To Leave, Rutgers Calls Team Meeting, According To Report

In another indication that it's only a matter of time before Greg Schiano leaves the Rutgers Scarlet Knights to take over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his Rutgers squad has called a team meeting for Thursday afternoon, reports Mike Vorkunov of the Newark Star-Ledger. Schiano has led the Scarlet Knights since 2001 but appears to be headed to the NFL.

Schiano owns a 68-67 record as a collegiate head coach, but that modest showing does not adequately represent his success of late. He's had a winning season in six of the last seven years, going 5-1 in bowl games during that span. Most recently, the Scarlet Knights went 9-4 and won the Pinstripe Bowl.

Though known for his Rutgers career, Schiano did serve briefly as an NFL coach. From 1996-98, he worked for the Chicago Bears as a defensive assistant and ultimately a defensive backs coach.

With National Signing Day looming, Schiano's departure is expected to wreak havoc on the Rutgers program, Vorunkov reports.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Greg Schiano Accepts Tampa Bay Job, According To Report

Greg Schiano is close to becoming the next coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, replacing the fired Raheem Morris, reports Brett McMurphy of CBSSports.com. Citing sources, McMurphy says the Rutgers Scarlet Knights coach "has accepted" Tampa Bay's coaching offer.

In 11 seasons with Rutgers, Schiano has posted a 68-67 record, with a 5-1 mark in bowl games. The program won just three games combined in his first two seasons there, but has grown to respectability under his watch.

Schiano, 45, has previously worked in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, spending two years as a defensive assistant and another as a defensive backfield coach.

If hired, Schiano would take over a Tampa Bay team in disarray after a disappointing 2011 season in which it lost its final 10 games.

We'll update this StoryStream once more news on Schiano's potential hiring becomes available.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Bucs Working To finalize Contract With Greg Schiano, According To Report

Greg Schiano is a relative new comer to the Bucs coaching search, he hasn't been getting the air-time that some of his other candidates have. But according to this report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, he is their coach for the position and the two sides are working towards finalizing a deal.

Filed to ESPN: Tampa Bay plans to hire Rutgers coach Greg Schiano as the next Buccaneers head coach. Two sides trying to finalize contract.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 26, 2012

We've been own this road before with an Collegiate coach that the Bucs were working to finalize a contract with, but we all remember how that one turned out. So I would caution Bucs fans not to get their hopes up. But Rutgers isn't the same kind of situation as Oregon, so it wouldn't be a surprise if Schiano elects to leave. The level of success he can have as a head coach at the NFL level remains to be seen.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Greg Schiano A Candidate, Rob Chudzinski To Get Second Interview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are weeks into their head coaching search, and we are still not completely sure who the finalists are for the position. it seems like a new candidate still emerges every once in a while, which is unique for a head coaching search taking place in the information age like this one. Here is the latest new candidate, and it is an interesting one.

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano is under consideration for Bucs job. Mike Sherman had 2nd interview. Rob Chudzinski might as well #insideslant

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 26, 2012

Schiano would bring some sizzle, but it isn't the same level of hire as it would have been a few years ago when Rutgers was the surprise team of the NCAA. Chudzinski we have been hearing about for a while, but the news of a second interview makes it more real.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Jerry Gray Is No Longer A Candidate

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't been totally forthcoming about their coaching search, but the finalists are starting to be whittled down, and we do have one elimination to report.

Per Jim Wyatt, Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray has been told by the Bucs he is no longer being considered for their HC job

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 26, 2012

Our Tampa Bay blog Bucs Nation has a little more information on when the Buccaneers might hire their next coach.

According to Rick Stroud we should know the finalists for the job within the hour, but deciding on finalists and deciding on the actual head coach are two different things. The Bucs have been thorough and deliberate in their search so far, and it could conceivably take a few weeks before the Bucs decide on a head coach.

The longer it takes for the Bucs to find their coach, the fewer candidates there will be available. There are no other teams that need head coaches, but there might be some top flight coordinators that they may be interested in.

For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching search, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation’s Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Mike Sherman Invited Back For Second Interview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still getting over the hurt of being spurned by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly, but they have already moved on to their secondary coaches, and according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Mike Sherman will be brought in for a second interview. But that doesn't mean he is the only person left in the field.

Former Green Bay Packers and Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman is the first to be called for a second interview for the Bucs head coaching job and obviously a finalist. But the Bucs have not contacted a single coach they interviewed to inform them that they are no longer under consideration, the Times has learned.

Sherman wouldn't be the big splash that many Buccaneers fans might have been waiting for, especially considering he was just fired from his last job, but he would be a solid coach with plenty of head coaching experience.

For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching search, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation’s Bucs blog.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Search: Chip Flop is a Blessing, Not an Embarrassment

While fans and local media pile on the Glazers, SB Nation Tampa Bay's JC De La Torre says Bucs fans should be happy about the Chip Flop.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Chip Kelly Remaining With Oregon, School Officially Confirms

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers relented in their pursuit of Oregon Ducks coach Chip Kelly on Monday morning, and the University has issued a written statement confirming Kelly will remain its head coach.

“I am flattered by the interest of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ organization," says Kelly in the statement. I enjoyed meeting with the Glazer family and General Manager Mark Dominik, but after numerous discussions, I concluded that I have some unfinished business to complete at the University of Oregon.”

Reports, from both Tampa and Eugene, indicating Kelly had accepted the Bucs' coaching position circulated Sunday night. But by Monday morning, new reports holding that Kelly changed his mind began to emerge.

Having lost out on Kelly, whose Ducks have won the Pac-12 conference in each of their last three seasons, Tampa Bay's coaching search continues. It dismissed former coach Raheem Morris after his squad ended the season on a 10-game losing streak and in last place in the NFC South.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Search: Chip Kelly's Heart was With College Football and Oregon

More: Fan reaction to Kelly's change of heart

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought they found their man but in the end, Oregon coach Chip Kelly elected to remain with the University instead of jumping to the NFL and becoming the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“His heart is with college football and Oregon and he’s no longer being considered,’’ Bucs general manager Mark Dominik told the Tampa Bay Times on Monday.

According to several reports, Kelly secretly met with the Glazers, owners of the Bucs and Tampa Bay GM Mark Dominik last week. Sunday night, the news broke that Kelly and the team were finalizing the agreement.

According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, financial considerations were not the reason for Kelly’s change of heart.

For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching search, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation’s Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Chip Kelly's Change Of Heart 'Embarrassing' For Buccaneers

Late on Sunday afternoon it seemed liked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had found their new head coach in Oregon head coach Chip Kelly. But before the end of the night it emerged that Kelly had gotten cold feet about the position and would not be leaving the Ducks after all. According to Bucs Nation, this whole process is starting to get a little embarrassing.

This isn't the first time the Bucs have failed to land their prospective head coach. The Glazers went hard after the man they wanted - and they came up short. Did Chip Kelly just use the talks as leverage to get a better contract at Oregon? Who knows, but apparently the Bucs' job is not exactly an attractive one these days.

The Buccaneers now have to get back to the drawing board as all of the candidates they have pursued this offseason have rebuffed them. Where they turn from here remains to be seen.

For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching search, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Multiple Reports: Chip Kelly Has Change of Heart, Will Not Coach Buccaneers

Oregon Head Coach Chip Kelly has pulled a “Bill Parcells” on the Glazer Boys. After agreeing to become the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last night, Kelly apparently has had a change of heart and has decided to stay with the University of Oregon according to published reports.

According to Pewter Report.com, Kelly is no longer a candidate for the job.

The Oregon-Register Guard reported that a highly placed source with the University of Oregon stated that Kelly had agreed to become the Buccaneers head coach but has “reversed course” and turned down the job.

The Bucs coaching search is on-going but Bucs fans should probably take heart that the Glazers made a strong push at a high profile coach that would have commanded a hefty salary to leave Oregon.

Report: Chip Kelly to Become Bucs Next Head Coach

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in talks with Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly to be their next head coach, according to a report by Rick Stroud of the St. Petersburg Times.

Oregon coach Chip Kelly is finalizing a deal to become the Bucs head coach, sources confirmed to the Tampa Bay Times Sunday

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 23, 2012

The deal is not yet official, but the two parties are in discussions to work out a deal. According to Stroud, the two hope to agree on a contract within the next 24-48 hours. According to Stroud Kelly met the Bucs ownership and the general manager earlier this week.

Both Kelly and the Bucs are proceeding down a path that they mutually hope will result in an agreement in the next 24-48 hours.

— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) January 23, 2012

Kelly has been the head coach for the Oregon Ducks for the past three seasons, winning the Pac-12 in each season. Kelly also won the award for Coach Of The Year in 2009 and 2010. Prior to being the head coach at Oregon, Kelly was the school's offensive coordinator from 2007 to 2008.

For more on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching search, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: First Round Of Interviews Could End This Week

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are busy interviewing candidates to be their next head coach, and the first round of interviews figures to be over this weekend according to both Jason La Canfora and Chris Mortensen. The fellas over at Bucs Nation have a little run down of the coaches that have already been interviewed.

The Bucs have brought in Jerry Gray, Mike Zimmer, Rob Chudzinski, Mike Sherman, Marty Schottenheimer and Brad Childress for interviews. With Joe Philbin and Tom Clements expected to come for interviews this week, the total comes to eight interviews so far. The Bucs could add even more interviews to this list before the weekend. The coaching search is certainly extensive now.

The Bucs will likely have a couple favorites once they finish up the first round of interviews, so I expect the process to really speed up after this weekend once the field has been whittled down.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Tampa Bay To Interview Tom Clements, According To Report

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will interview Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Tom Clements for their head-coaching vacancy, reports Adam Schefter of ESPN. Clements is the second member of Green Bay's coaching staff the Bucs will interview for the job, joining offensive coordinator Joe Philbin.

As Bucs Nation notes, Clements has guided quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Elvis Grbac, and Kordell Stewart to Pro Bowl appearances. In addition, Clements has helped develop Matt Flynn into a solid backup behind Rodgers: in 34 career games, Flynn has completed 62.1 percent of his passes and thrown for nine touchdowns to just six interceptions.

Clements began his coaching career as the New Orleans Saints' quarterbacks coach in 1997. He went on to hold the same position with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers before taking over as the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator in 2004. Following his dismissal, he landed with Green Bay. He has no head-coaching experience at any level.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Tampa Bay Has Reached Out To Joe Philbin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have continued their search for an experienced NFL coach, but their latest candidate is different in that he does not have any prior NFL head coaching experience. They have reached out to Joe Philbin, the Packers offensive coordinator. Bucs Nation has more on the hire.

Philbin has spent his entire NFL coaching career with the Green Bay Packers, going from assistant offensive line coach to offensive coordinator in five years. He's been the Packers' offensive coordinator since 2007, presiding over Brett Favre's last year as a Packer and the rapid and spectacular development of Aaron Rodgers as the best quarterback in the NFL since then. However, head coach Mike McCarthy is still the one who calls the plays and has a big hand in that explosive offense.

This has been a very difficult week for Philbin, who lost his son early in the week and then lost to the Giants on Sunday. I wouldn't be surprised if it takes him a while to get into a position where he can make such an important career decision.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Bucs To Take Time With Coaching Decision

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris was let go on Jan. 2, and two weeks later, the team still remains without ahead coach. As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reports, however, the slow approach may be a deliberate and smart one.

But the Bucs are in no hurry to fill their vacancy, as Peter King recently explained on NBC SportsTalk. And that’s a good thing.

Although it would be ideal to have a coaching staff in place for next week’s Senior Bowl practices, it’s more important to have the right coach to lead a team that already skews way too young. For the Bucs, the right coach will be a coach who can take control of the locker room, instilling discipline and focus for a squad that lost 10 games in a row to end the season.

Resolving a coaching search quickly isn't quite as important at the professional level as it is at the college level. Coaches don't have to recruit, and in most cases, don't make a lot of the scouting and personnel decisions related to April's NFL Draft.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Bucs To Interview Mike Zimmer Monday

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are still searching for a coach, but as more and more teams get knocked out of the Playoffs and their assistant coaches become eligible to be interviewed and poached, the search might be winding down. The Buccaneers will have a busy week of interviewing coaches again, headlined by Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, according to Jason La Canfora of NFL.com.

The Bucs are set to interview Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer for the team's vacant head coaching position and also have been granted permission to interview Carolina Panthers first-year offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinksi.

Both of these are young up and coming coaches which seems like a slight departure from some of the other coaches that have been interviewing for the position.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Bengals Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimemr Will Interview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have brought in a number of candidates to interview for the head coaching position, and they all fit a certain archetype. Most of them were veteran coaches with prior experience, but it looks like they are also going to interview someone from the other side of the coin.

Adam Schefter reporting the Bucs will interview Bengals DC Mike Zimmer for their head job. and the wait continues...

— Sara Walsh (@Sara_Walsh) January 13, 2012

Zimmer is one of the most well respected defensive coordinators in the NFl and organized a pretty effective unit in Cincinnati this past year. Here is what our Bucs blog Bucs Nation has to say about Zimmer.

Mike Zimmer has been consistently successful as a defensive coordinator, producing some very impressive defenses in Cincinnati and Dallas. He's been in the league for a long time, and has produced wherever he's gone. The fact that he managed to mold a young Bengals defense into a stout unit will appeal to the Bucs, and the fact that he runs a 4-3 defense which would fit the Bucs personnel certainly doesn't hurt either.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Wade Phillips Cancels Interview With Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed set to bring in Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips in for an interview to be their next head coach, but a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. Our Bucs Nation is now reporting that Phillips has canceled his interview with the Bucs and will not be pursuing the position. They also recap where the search goes from here.

With Wade Phillips out of the picture in Tampa Bay, the coaching search continues. Marty Schottenheimer, Mike Sherman, Jerry Gray and Brad Childress have all interviewed for the position, while the Bucs are rumored to be interested in Cincinnati Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer. It should not be a surprise if more candidates are added to this list, however, as the Bucs managed to keep Phillips' candidacy secret for at least a week.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Raheem Morris Hired By Redskins To Coach Defensive Secondary

It didn't take long for Raheem Morris to land on his feet after being fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a few weeks ago. He has been hired by the Washington Redskins to help coach their defensive secondary, a position he has plenty of experience with. Here is what Morris had to say about joining the Redskins organization, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.

"They were the first ones to approach me,'' Morris said of the Redskins. "They talked about giving me time to give them an answer but I didn't want to screw up a good thing with a great organization. They were patient, they waited and gave me time to go through the process. But I've been a head coach and I know how tough it is when you feel like you're getting the run around and I wanted to be fair to everybody in Washington.''

It is interesting though that Morris will be able to void his contract if he is offered a defensive coordinator spot in the NFL next season, so this is a good deal for both sides. Morris gets a chance to build his reputation back up and get back on his feet, without the limitation of being stuck at a job he might feel he is overqualified for; and the Redskins get an experienced NFL head coach to add to their staff.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Profiling Wade Phillips As A Coaching Candidate

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trying to bring in a big name head coach to fill their coaching vacancy. One of the names being bandied about is Wade Phillips the former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys and current defensive coordinator of the Houston Texans. While Phillips has a sparkling reputation as a defensive coordinator, our Buccaneers blog Bucs Nation is a little bit worried about his record as a head coach.

Of course, there's some reason to criticize Wade Phillips too. He's had five head coaching opportunities in total, two of them as interim coach, and he has had success - but it hasn't been overwhelming. There are questions about the way he runs teams and whether he can control a roster and run a tight ship - something the Buccaneers are supposedly looking for after Raheem Morris.

Phillips would certainly be an accomplished name, and he might be good during the regular season, but it doesn't seem like he has what it takes to get the Buccaneers over the summit. But after losing ten straight game last year, maybe they should just focus on a coach who can get them to base camp.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Marty Schottenheimer To Interview With Bucs

The Buccaneers appear dead set to bring in a coach who has a pretty big name and some experience around the league. The latest name that we are hearing is the venerable Marty Schottenheimer, who has about as much experience around the league as anybody. Here is how our Bucs Nation blog reacted to the prospect of bringing Schottenheimer on board. All things considered, they seem pretty positive about the idea of it.

Schottenheimer's extensive experience does mean that he has built one heck of a coaching tree through the years and would certainly be able to assemble a first-class coaching staff. In addition, he has never failed to deliver success during the regular season - and even a single playoff berth would be an improvement right now.

Schottenheimer would certainly be a big name, and if the Bucs are trying to separate themselves from Raheem Morris, it doesn't get much further than Marty Schottenheimer.

For more on this hire and all things related to the Buccaneers, head over to the aforementioned Bucs Nation.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coaching Search: Glazers Are Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel

Have Joel and Bryan Glazer lost their minds? Marty Schottenheimer, Mike Sherman, Brad Childress and Wade Phillips are in the running for the Bucs' job? Really?

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Tampa Bay Will Interview Texans Defensive Coordinator Wade Phillips

According to reports, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with interview Houston Texans' defensive coordinator Wade Phillips this coming Friday. The Houston Chronicle's John McClain reported that the Texans had granted permission to the Bucs to conduct the interview.

Phillips has plenty of head coaching experience and has reiterated that he wanted another chance to be a head coach. He has an 82-59 record as a head coach, with previous stops as an interim coach in Denver and New Orleans, and as the full-time head coach in Denver, Buffalo, and most recently in Dallas. Bum Phillips's son has had mixed results as the head man, but always had great success as a defensive coordinator. That's again the case in Houston, as he has turned one of the league's worst defenses into one of the top-ranked units this season. Phillips said that he was excited about the opportunity.

Via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle:

"I'm gratified somebody noticed. I don't want to leave Houston but I want to be a head coach."

Stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay SB Nation's Buccaneers blog Bucs blog Bucs Nationfor the latest developments on the Bucs coaching search.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Tampa Bay Interested In Marty Schottenheimer, According To Report

The search for a coach to replace the fired Raheem Morris continues for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Chris Mortensen of ESPN now reporting the Bucs may have some interest in former NFL head man Marty Schottenheimer:

Schottenheimer is currently the head coach of the Virginia Destroyers in the UFL. He last coached in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers, who fired him in February of 2007 after a 14-2 season that saw yet another early playoff flameout. Schottenheimer has a career regular season record of 200-126-1, and a playoff mark of 5-13.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay SB Nation's Buccaneers blog Bucs blog Bucs Nation for the latest developments on the Bucs coaching search.

GRAPHIC: NFL Coaching Search Breakdown

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Is The Team Interested In A Mystery Candidate?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the middle of a search for a new head coach, and while we have heard some reports about who they might be interested in, there is a real possibility that we don't really know who they are targeting and who the next coach might be. According to Adam Schefter via our own Bucs Nation, the team might even have some mystery candidates in mind that we haven't even considered yet.

I believe their sights are set on different coaches at this point in time. They've been very tight-lipped about it, that's the way that Tampa Bay has always operated. And at some point there will be a candidate, a legitimate candidate that leaks out and you say "Oh that makes sense" and that'll be the guy.

And maybe they fall in love with Mike Sherman or Jerry Gray. I just think that they have a longer list of candidates than we know, a deeper list of candidates than we know and there's other candidates they really like that we don't know.

The Bucs seem to be interested in bringing in an offensive coach, but that only limits things to half of all available coaches. If we thought we had a pretty good handle on the Bucs coaching search before, Schefter might have just thrown a big wrench into that.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Team To Interview Mike Sherman, Mike Mularkey, and Jerry Gray

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to search for their new head coach--they canned Raheem Morris after a 4-12 season which ended with 10 straight losses--word on which candidates they intend to interview has broken. Mike Sherman, a former Green Bay Packers and Texas A&M Aggies coach, confirmed to the Tampa Bay Times that "an interview is in the process of being scheduled."

In addition, the Bucs "plan" to do their due diligence on Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey; the Times reports they "plan" to interview Mularkey, whose career began with the Bucs in 1992 "as an offensive quality control assistant under Sam Wyche."

Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, a former Buccaneers player, is another candidate for the Tampa Bay head-coaching gig, "but the team had not formally asked for permission from the Titans Tuesday."

Tampa Bay will interview those candidates along with former Titans coach Jeff Fisher, who might be the team's top choice.

For more on the Bucs, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Bucs Coaching Update: Is Jeff Fisher The Bucs Top Choice?

There are a handful of teams looking to bring in a new head coach this year, and most of them are form the state of Florida. The Buccaneers seem like they want to bring in a big named coach after the "young up in coming" hire in Raheem Morris didn't really work out. They seemed to have set their sights on former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, according to our very own Bucs Nation.

It looks like the Jeff Fisher to Tampa Bay train is gaining steam. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reported on the Primetime Show on ESPN 1040 that Jeff Fisher is at the top of the Bucs' wish list of potential head coaches, although he qualified that by saying that was mostly GM Mark Dominik's list.

The Bucs don't have an interview lined up yet, but they are working on it according to that article. Fisher wants to go to a team with an established quarterback under the helm, and the Buccaneers would certainly fit under that criteria. But Fisher will probably have his pick of teams with a vacancy, and we will have to wait to see if the Buccaneers interest is reciprocated.

Buccaneers Coaching Search: Tampa Bay Interested In Jim Tressel, According To Report

The Buccaneers have only been without a coach for a day now, but the rumors are starting to fly in, and some of the names that are being mentioned are a bit surprising. The most recent, and keep in mind these are just preliminary reports, is former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel. Here is some initial reaction to that bit of news from Bucs Nation.

Despite his massive success as a head coach in college, I am not a fan of Jim Tressel. I am mostly not a fan of him because of what he did at the end of his tenure. Essentially blackmailing your players to keep them on the team - that does not sit well with me.

Tressel would certainly be a big name, and he would bring a lot of buzz with him, but he might not be the best hire that the Bucs can make, He is extremely proven as a college coach, but the NFL is a whole different ballgame, and it would be a big risk to bring him in.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay and our sister site, Bucsnation.com for the latest developments on the Bucs coaching search.

Glazer Speaks on Raheem Morris, Future of the Bucs

It was a very interesting press conference for the Glazers (specifically Joel) who faced the music of the Tampa Bay press following the dismissal of Head Coach Raheem Morris.

Some of the interesting caveats from the presser:

“Everyone in the organization bears the responsibility for losing. The Owners, the Coach, the players. We’re all shoulder responsibility.”

Translation: Mark Dominik, you’re on notice.

“We have told the NFL we don’t want to participate in the London game for the forseeable future.”

It appears the Glazers are dedicated to rebuilding the fanbase here in Tampa.

“It will be an exhaustive search.”

Hopefully, it won’t be a repeat of Joel and Bryan’s Magical Mystery tour in 2002. It appears Mark Dominik will spearhead the search.

“We will not pigeon hole with specific parameters for the new coach.”

Leaves the door open for coordinators, position coaches and college coaches.

“We will spend money in free agency. We’ve never lost a player we wanted to re-sign because of money. We will spend to win. It’s all about winning.”

I think I speak for most when I say, proof is in the pudding, Joel. Put the money where your mouth is.

“We don’t like losing. No one hates losing more than us.”

That’s good to know. Now show us.

Dominik says, “I definitely take responsibility for the season.”

As you should, Mark. You overvalued the young talent and spurned one of the most lucrative free agent classes in NFL history. It’s led to this fiasco.

We’ll have more as it develops.

Stay tuned to SB Nation Tampa Bay and our sister site, Bucsnation.com for the latest developments on the Bucs coaching search.

Raheem Morris Fired: Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach Issues Statement

Former coach Raheem Morris has released a statement in the wake of his dismissal from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday morning:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Glazer family for the opportunity they gave me to be the Head Coach of the Buccaneers. I was honored and blessed to have spent the majority of my coaching career with the same (class) organization. I grew up with the Bucs and I was fortunate enough to be part of a Super Bowl victory there. I wish the Glazers, the management, players, staff and most importantly, the fans nothing but the greatest success in the future.

Morris tallied a 17-31 record in three seasons as the Bucs' head coach. His team ended the 2011 season on a nine-game losing streak to finish 4-12 and in last place in the NFC South. Though Morris has been a defensive-oriented assistant throughout his coaching career--he served as the Bucs' defensive backs coach for two seasons prior to taking over as head coach--his Buccaneers ranked dead last in the NFL in points per game, yielding 30.9 per contest in 2011.

For more on the Buccaneers, please visit Bucs Nation, SB Nation's Bucs blog.

Raheem Morris Fired By The Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Raheem Morris Era is over in Tampa Bay - Where do the Bucs go from here?