Defrocked defensive coordinator Jim Bates, last seen when good guy Rock Riley chased him in a parking lot, is now free to find a new job.

Woody Cummings, Tampa Tribune beat writer, reports Bates told him he reached a settlement with Team Glazer and is resting comfortably in Lutz.

Bates said Friday morning he has not spoken to Gailey, but is free to move on from the Bucs should he desire.

“We’ve settled things and we’re free to go our separate ways,’’ said Bates, who has maintained his home in Lutz.

Rumors swirling in Buffalo have Dan Reeves and Jim Bates joining new head coach Chan Gailey as his offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator, respectively.

What’s interesting for Joe is Bates saying the Bucs reached a settlement with him; He likely had a two-year contract when he joined the Bucs last year.

What’s to say the Bucs didn’t also reach a settlement deal with Chucky when they fired him? That might have made sense for all parties. And if buying Chucky out would have guaranteed Team Glazer a savings on his fat contract …