Mike Smith Will Be Bucs’ Defensive Coordinator
January 15th, 2016
Updated: 2:55 p.m. – New Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter made it official today. Former Falcons head coach Mike Smith, who worked with Koetter in Jacksonville and in Atlanta, will be the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator.
Smith held that role in Jacksonville under Jack Del Rio before getting the head coaching gig in Atlanta, and later hiring Koetter, who also worked alongside Koetter in Jacksonville, where Koetter was offensive coordinator.
Gerald McCoy was at One Buc Palace today and said he doesn’t know much about Smith but knows he’s got a history of winning a lot of football games. “I like his hair,” McCoy joked.
Jason Licht said Smith is genuinely happy and excited to “get back to his roots” of coaching defense, versus delegating to a coordinator.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:27 pm
mike smith will be left alone to run the defense he wants, unlike frazier.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Well not an exciting hire but you never know could be the right guy for the job. Im hopeful that at the least the imcompetence is gone. GO BUCS!!!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Well…..we’re off….
The question you have to ask….Is this a likely improvement on Lovie?
I think the answer for most is….yes….so let’s give this guy a chance.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
This is a good choice I think. They know each other and apparently work well together. With Mike focused only on defense, he will do great!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Another “no brainer”. I guess sometimes the easiest path is the best path to take. Atlanta had a lot of success under these 2. Hopefully they have learned and will improve on that success.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
That picture looks naughty
January 15th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
Smh- Gotta hope for the best.
Go Bucs!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:29 pm
This keeps getting better and better!!!
Bright future indeed!!
Go Bugs!!!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Joe, you may have wanted Swartz, but either way its still a great choice. I think he will do great and then leave in less than three years to get another head coaching job
January 15th, 2016 at 2:30 pm
Both know the division extremely well….weaknesses and strengths.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:31 pm
Great move Mike Smith is a good X’s and O’s coach on the Def side of the ball also players respect him
January 15th, 2016 at 2:31 pm
My question though, why did noone hire Smith after he was fired by ATL?
January 15th, 2016 at 2:31 pm
Bucs !!!
And Coach Mike Smith still looks like Grandapa Munster!!!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:32 pm
Koetter gets what he wants some fans don’t
January 15th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
get ready for more defensive line failures
January 15th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
Yuck.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
I’m left wondering why Atlanta let either of them go, honestly. I like it. A lot of questions regarding dynamics and politics are kinda already answered and both can get to the task of improving and building their respective sides of the ball.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:34 pm
The good thing with hiring Mike Smith over perhaps an assistant or DC is that Mike will be the head coach of the defense. He has the experience to help guide Koetter through things as he adjusts to head coaching (if he needs it). And Koetter can really still focus a lot on energy on the offense knowing his defense is in good hands. Hands that he respects and knows well. Hopefully the practices get lively with good competition and banter from our HC and DC. I remember the interactions between chucky and the defense and it made the whole team better. Hopefully we can bring back that type of atmosphere for this young team. McCoy wasn’t wrong when he told guys to have fun. It is an important part in building chemistry and becoming a good team.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:35 pm
JollyBucsFan…yeah true and why didn’t anyone hire Lovie Smith after he was fired?
January 15th, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Being fired by Atlanta, now staring a DC in the same division, I sense Mike Smith will look for revenge on ousters.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:35 pm
Meaning by the Bears AND the Bucs.
Happy days Realist….Happy days.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
I like Mike Smith. He was a good Head Coach so he can offer more than just a DC perspective but without the added pressure. I think lavonte and GMC will like playing for him. Good job Jason Licht.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
My only beef is he cost Chucky his job when they beat us near the end of the year in 2008. OT if I recall. After we had destroyed Matt Ryan earlier in the year.
But if the bucs had won that game, they would have been in the playoffs, no Raheem and the utter ineptitude that has followed.
Smith is a really good coach IMO.
Three time NFL coach of the year. And, when he has been charged as only a defensive coordinator he has done excellent work, with the Jags.
Plus he can help Dirk overall, having been through the head coaching gig himself.
All good!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:38 pm
HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HIRE. Atlanta’s defenses were garbage under the Mike Smith tenure. One and done in the playoffs EVERYTIME with these coaches. Big Mistake. We shoudlve just gave Lovie another year for this. It didn’t like Koetter was gonna get a job as an OC anywhere after the 49ers hired Chip Kelly. The grass isn’t necessarily greener n the other side just remember that.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Was Lovie interviewed?
January 15th, 2016 at 2:39 pm
Hopefully Grandpa Munster can pull one of his famous magic acts with this defense…….. fingers crossed no more things going up in smoke
January 15th, 2016 at 2:41 pm
i love it
January 15th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
1BucFanNsaintCountry Says:
January 15th, 2016 at 2:38 pm
HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HIRE. Atlanta’s defenses were garbage under the Mike Smith tenure. One and done in the playoffs EVERYTIME with these coaches. Big Mistake. We shoudlve just gave Lovie another year for this. It didn’t like Koetter was gonna get a job as an OC anywhere after the 49ers hired Chip Kelly. The grass isn’t necessarily greener n the other side just remember that.
Go look at his Def stats when he was a DC in Jax and it should change your mind.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
oooooooh ouch this is a bad bad hire.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:42 pm
Nice!!! Love it
January 15th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
It seems to me that when Smith coached defenses directly they were very good….but when he delegated the duties they fell off.
We have to ask ourselves…..what does Koetter/Licht want?…..not what do we want? I am willing to give them a chance to prove themselves…
After all….I do think this is the pair that kicked our a$$….56-14 on primetime television just last year!!!!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:44 pm
3 time coach of the year running the defense!! Hell yea!! Love this hire. Screw Schwartz, he sucked in Detroit
January 15th, 2016 at 2:46 pm
I have no problem with Smith as DC. I don’t know that he would have been my first choice, but he certainly does have the experience….and rapport with Koetter. I think if we add a few more pieces to the defense, Mike Smith would be capable of turning this group around. Go get Mario Williams now! Go after Bosa in the draft!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:46 pm
Maybe Coach Mike Smith should bring in some of his old Jags D-line to bring some fire to this D-line!!!
This is what was going on During Coach Mike Smith’s tenure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4cXZGkRMCY
January 15th, 2016 at 2:47 pm
HELL YES! Looks like were going to SWEEP the Falcons AGAIN!!! Where’s that B!TCH FalconDave at!?!?
January 15th, 2016 at 2:47 pm
How were his defenses in Jax?
January 15th, 2016 at 2:48 pm
Kill the Falcons!! Let’s rock the NFC south! Mike smith will have this defense balling. Trust me
January 15th, 2016 at 2:48 pm
Lets see what he does with Cullen & Nickerson…
Something tells me that Koetter laid all this out some time ago……
January 15th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Solid hire… I wanted Jim Schwatz but.. I have more faith in Mike Smith then I ever had in Lovie Smith… You have to trust Koetter at this point… Obviously these guys have a mutual respect for one another and they will work very well together to make us great again…
Go Bucs!!!
In Winston we trust…
January 15th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
I bet all the Buc LB will be ask to come into camp 10-12 pounds heavier this upcoming season.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Atlanta, FL
January 15th, 2016 at 2:50 pm
Joe – You got to love this.
Come on Joe! I hear you cutting some wood to keep the fire going. lol
From Smith to Smith. Media will feast on this until September.
Hopefully all the speculation and thrown rocks will be wrong.
With McCoy, David, Alexander, free agency(Mario Williams anyone) and more magic from Licht on the draft hopefully we turn around the bad taste in our mouth from the past 3 coaches into your favorite beverage.
Go Bucs!
January 15th, 2016 at 2:50 pm
No surprises here. These two can work well together and they’ve already proven it. Working with people you already known well makes things easier, so this is a good hire.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:53 pm
Mike Smith didn’t interview for other jobs after he was fired by Atlanta. He was being paid not to work still and Dirk was hired by the Bucs. Last year was Dan Quinn’s first year with Atlanta.
People stop trying to find bad things to say. It is getting ridiculous.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:54 pm
This is what was going on During Coach Mike Smith’s tenure
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4cXZGkRMCY
—————————————————————–
would be great to see gmc do that…lol
January 15th, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Hopefully this was not an emotional hire by Koetter.
Man, I’m just ready for a different flavor of football from our defense. I love our offense though.
Martin’s new contract should be the next good news…
January 15th, 2016 at 2:54 pm
Mike Smith was a great choice his defense at Jags was top ten. Now we just need to hire a good special team coach and we are set. Are we now talking playoffs again or better yet Super Bowl!!! Last time we hired an offensive coach we won the super bowl that next year. Where is the super bowl next year I need to make hotel reservations.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:55 pm
Jeebus I’m glad people are crying out against bringing politics onto this blog.
No matter what however we seem infected with a by product of today’s politics.
You just type crap without even looking it up to see if it’s true or not. STOP just stating opinion as fact!!!
One and done in the playoffs EVERYTIME with these coaches.
Caps for emphasis were the posters not mine.
FACT…Smith finished in 2nd place his first year and got whipped in the first round
His teams lost the next two years in the first round and that’s a fact. If you care for a little context or nuance you might want to add that the two teams that beat Smith’s WON THE FREAKING SUPER BOWL!!!
EVERYTIME?
In 2012 Smith had a great team that DID win it’s first round game. DUH
In the NFC Championship Harbaugh and Kaepernik upset the Falcons by four points.
A tip guys. Life is just not black and white. Players and coaches are rarely awesome and they rarely suck, the truth generally lies somewhere in the middle. How about some facts, context and nuance?
January 15th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Mike Smith’s 5 years as Jaguars DC, JAX ranked 4th in both fewest points & fewest yards allowed.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:58 pm
2 head coaches for the price of one didn’t work for lovie/frazier, but frazier was hogtied.
this time the 2 head coaches are on either side of the ball. smith will have his own little fiefdom like kiffin did. should work out better than the last 2 years. perhaps as well as gruffin.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:58 pm
I know he had good stats in Jax, but what about the porous defense they had in ATL under his tenure there? Was he the DC simultaneously? Was it a case of biting off more than he could chew?
Someone prop up this hire for me..
January 15th, 2016 at 2:58 pm
I am with you truebucfan22 I think the Mike Smith hire is a good one…he can help Koetter make the transition to a nfl H.C and also it’s like having 2 H.Cs this will allow Koetter more time to concentrate on the offense. ..I think Smith will put more fire under his defenses a.. than Lovie and Frazier did….Lovie an Frazier were to laid back I think and you could see it in their defenses I like the hire
January 15th, 2016 at 2:58 pm
Wow, a Mike Smith defense inspires ZERO confidence. His defenses in Atlanta were consistently the one thing that held the Falcons back. Bad pass rush, few turnovers, just not a good choice. If it weren’t for John Abraham, the Falcons would’ve probably had the worst D in the league every year.
January 15th, 2016 at 2:59 pm
hopefully DC is more Mike Smith’s level. funny that the tandem that kicked lovie’s butt worse than anybody else now has both his jobs
January 15th, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Watching hard knocks, Mike Smith brought intensity and had his guys ready to go. Hopefully with him focusing exclusively on defense, the unit can improve. This defense needs some back bone. In STL, we failed to match the intensity of the opposition. Mike Smith can hopefully look at the tape and haul off everyone giving a half ass effort.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:05 pm
Was hoping for someone else, but, looking at his Jax defenses, I’m excited. 100% supportive.
Let’s gets some D Ends, Safetys, and CBs, and go QB hunting!!!!! Where’s the huntin’ dawgs?????????????????
January 15th, 2016 at 3:05 pm
People must be forgetting Mike smith has some pretty impressive defensive units while he was DC in Jacksonville.
He made Pro-Bowlers out Marcus Stroud, John Henderson, and Rashean Mathis for a few years.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Buc defense under M. Smith can’t be any worst than it was the pass 2 years…also I think a lot of times defenses fail not because of the D.C but because of the poor work of the defensive assistants same as with some H.Cs the offensive or defensive coordinator gets the coach fired unless the H.C get rid of the coordinator first
January 15th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
I wonder if this is going to cause the Bucs to be on Hard Knocks? Or are we exempt because Dirk is a new HC?
January 15th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
One thing I have been thinking about re the defenses under Smith in Atlanta. I think what held them back primarily was personnel.At least more than scheme.
Never been a fan of the Falcons GM. He trades away to many picks to move up, etc.
Let’s hope Licht gives Smith more to work with than what he had in Atlanta.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:09 pm
I was almost convinced by Joe’s impassioned plea for Jim Schwartz, but in the end, the HC has to be able to work with his coordinators and I’m not sure how that would have gone down with Schwartz.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Good hire because he’ll be motivated to put a strong unit out there to get himself back in the hiring circle. I mean for Christ sakes even that rat Shannahan got interviews again this time. I think Smith can get himself another HC gig in two years if he turns this into a solid unit. So let’s hope he does exactly that.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:10 pm
I know the last couple of years they were kinda switching to some 3-4 concepts because mike nolan was the DC then ( hired by dimitroff) and that was the worse of atlanta defense!! and not surprisingly the only thing that some of you remember!!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!
January 15th, 2016 at 3:11 pm
So what Free Agents are on the market from Atlanta?
January 15th, 2016 at 3:11 pm
We have a newly hired head coach, so we are Hard Knocks exempt!!!!
January 15th, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Yes, Bucs have been burned with coaching decisions before. But for all you nay-sayers, think about this: Name one NFL owner who swung for the fences each off-season to please himself and the fans. He constantly “upgraded” for the newest, shiniest objects or top-rated free agents:
This is why I am fine with this offseason. We don’t need glitz and glamour. We are the smash-mouth defense Bucs with a serious potential franchise QB. Let these people do what they can do.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Yes!!!!! I love this move. Mike Smith has a good DC resume and he will be coaching with a chip on his shoulder after no HC offers. Turn Licht loose in the draft and FA and the future looks extra bright.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:18 pm
Falcons had a bad pass rush?
Does the name John Abraham mean anything?
January 15th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
I’m not a fan of this move, but I’m sure he’s at least better than Lovie.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Mike smiths Falcons had terrible defenses.
Good luck with this loser.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Mike Smith did just fine with the Jags D when he was DC.
Who else did you want us to hire for DC? Lovie Smith?
Bwahahahahahah
Where’s “The Kevin”? I miss his royal spazness.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
I like this hire. His defenses in Jacksonville were very good. His Atlanta defenses weren’t but he was also a first time head coach and not the defensive coordinator. If he is a dc I think he has shown enough for me to be confident he will do well in his role.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:25 pm
I recall Arthur Blank not being pleased that Matt Ryan would get cheap shot after cheap shot and the offensive linemen doing nothing to protect their guy. As it is commonly stated, that kind of attitude is a reflection on the head coach.
Hopefully the Bucs defensive players won’t quit on Mike Smith like they did in Atlanta.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Oh there he is just in time for more lunacy. Speak of the idiot.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:26 pm
Buc1987 Says:
January 15th, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Where’s “The Kevin”? I miss his royal spazness.
____________________________________________________________
Lol literally posts just before you did…
January 15th, 2016 at 3:31 pm
LOL I was in the middle of typing and he pops in. I started cracking up when I saw his name above mine.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:33 pm
That picture says it all!!! LOL
January 15th, 2016 at 3:34 pm
I want to use the bad track record in the playoffs under Mike Smith, but realistically we should ecstatic to make it to the playoffs at all! Not too often do team win the super bowl even the great teams have a hard time doing it eveey year. At least if you make the playoffs you have a chance.
I have a feeling we will get the same that happened with dungy and Chucky. We make the playoffs every year (or every other) but never make it to the big game. Then we fire them because the expectation is to win the superbowl. But in reality just making the playoffs is a hard thing to do consistently. Did the patriots fire belicheat when he didnt win a super bowl in a 5 year stretch?
So im not going to be mad if we make the playoffs and lose in the first round. I’ll be disappointed no doubt. But you wont hear me clamoring foe people to be fired. I’ve learned my lesson. Appreciate the good things you have, because it could get worse, much worse. So if koetter and Smith can being back what they had in Atlanta, I’d be one happy bucs fan.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:39 pm
Man, even on this article I have to hear Bosa’s name come up. Look, the dude is a stud. He also will be going in the top 3. There is no way Bosa will be a Buccaneer unless we mortgage our entire draft for him which is not happening. Cross Bosa off your wish list.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:40 pm
Trubucfan22 Says:
January 15th, 2016 at 3:34 pm
I want to use the bad track record in the playoffs under Mike Smith, but realistically we should ecstatic to make it to the playoffs at all!
________________________________________________________________
Yup, I’d kill to be angry at early playoff exits rather than no playoff appearances.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:40 pm
I laugh my ass off at some of the idiots commenting here. I know some may be young, but damn Google is your friend.
This guy’s resume as a defensive coach is beyond outstanding.
1999-2001 Defensive Line Coach Baltimore Ravens (Lombardi trophy)
2002 Linebackers coach Baltimore Ravens
2003 – 2007 Defensive Coordinator Jacksonville Jaguars
NUFF SAID! STFU!
January 15th, 2016 at 3:45 pm
GMAC should like Smith’s hair, its all one color instead of that two-toned mess GMAC has going on.
January 15th, 2016 at 3:46 pm
Raysaneer, I need whatever you’re drinking. But I’m going to need more than that to be excited. He was with the Jags almost 10 years ago.. We just fired a coach who’s defense couldn’t adjust to modern NFL. Not saying he’s a bad hire, but what has he done lately?
January 15th, 2016 at 3:47 pm
He coached Jacksonville from 2003 to 2007, and the team finished sixth, 11th, sixth, second and 12th in defensive yardage in those five seasons.
Yeah Mike Smith sucks…
January 15th, 2016 at 3:53 pm
mac Says:
January 15th, 2016 at 2:49 pm
Solid hire… I wanted Jim Schwatz but.. I have more faith in Mike Smith then I ever had in Lovie Smith…
ok lets see what excuses you guys make next year
January 15th, 2016 at 4:03 pm
@oldbill
I love how you conviently left out the stats from his Atlanta team.
Lol good one
January 15th, 2016 at 4:06 pm
@buc1987
Why don’t you do us a favor and go choke on a di ck
January 15th, 2016 at 4:16 pm
^^^ Generally people who attack others peoples opinions with insults either have a low IQ, or are hung like a thimble, or both.
January 15th, 2016 at 4:16 pm
@Love and Warrick Dunn, I think your assessment is spot on, you can look at atl’s defense in Smiths years there not a lot of talent. Some really good players but overall lacking in talent. Dimitroff has traded a lot of picks away, that is why Atlanta is where they are today.
January 15th, 2016 at 4:17 pm
Which “The Kevin” is this again? There’s like 6 of them who post here.
January 15th, 2016 at 4:25 pm
@ the kevin,
He wasn’t the defensive coordinator in Atlanta ya turd, hence why those stats aren’t in here. Why don’t you follow your own advice…
January 15th, 2016 at 4:31 pm
For all the idiots parading “DER ATLANTA D SUCKED DER”
Did you even look the sh1t up? Atlanta’s WORST defense in his 7 years there was as good as last years Bucs defense (26th in points given up). Let that sink in. Atlanta also has had pretty horrible defensive personnel compared to the Bucs recently. They haven’t a Gerald McCoy / Lavonte David caliber player on their team. They didn’t get rid of Revis / Barron / etc as they never had them.
Atlanta’s D did very bad the last 2 years there and many think it has to do with Mike Nolan getting to creative & taking too much control while Smith was trying to just focus on general HC duties.
The AVERAGE of Atlanta’s defense during his time was ~14th-15th in the league in points given up and 21st in yards.
His career average in terms of his DC role in Jville & HC in Atlanta comes out to:
16th in the league in yards given up and
12th in the league in points given up
Meanwhile Lovie Smith’s career average including a few amazing Chicago seasons is (4 top 4 defenses):
14th in league in yards given up and
13th in league in points given up
Mike Smith defenses have been in the top 15 in points allowed in 8 out of 12 seasons.
Lovie Smiths defenses have been in the top 15 6 out of 12 seasons.
So not seeing where this fear of any drop off would be. We were terrible last year and can’t really get much worse.
The only scary thing with MS is that his last 2 years had really bad defense – just like Lovie. But from what I’ve read a lot of people are not putting that on MS. It’s not like he was play calling the D those years as Lovie did this last year.
January 15th, 2016 at 4:34 pm
The 6 Kevins on this site are all the same ” The Kevin”. He is a 28 year old cashier at WaWa. He lives in his mothers mobile home and drives an 89 chevy corsica with a variety of star wars bumper stickers. Kevin is all of 5’6 and weighs 134 pounds. His girlfriend is 5’8 and approximately285 pounds. His email is bigsissy@aol.com.
January 15th, 2016 at 4:40 pm
GhostofSchiano…so that’s it then. Short Man Syndrome.
Is that it “The Kevin”?
January 15th, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Dosnt he run a 3-4? That could be a painful transition
January 15th, 2016 at 5:03 pm
the kevin
Again, youre wrong! Atlanta’s defenses were damn good under Mike Smith and his defensive coordinator Brian VanGorder, except for the last two years when Nolan took over as defensive coordinator. You don’t make the playoffs or win divisions with crappy defenses.
January 15th, 2016 at 5:09 pm
Make the little things count…..teach a midget math.
January 15th, 2016 at 5:21 pm
@oar
Go look at this defensive rankings in Atlanta you dumbas s
January 15th, 2016 at 5:24 pm
@oar
Why did mike smith get fired in Atlanta?
Answer that.
January 15th, 2016 at 5:30 pm
Mike Smith was 66-46 as a a head coach. That’s better than any coach in the history of the Buccaneers. He’s 55 years old. He was NFL coach of the year three times by various designations. The Falcons were salary cap strapped and Ryan has been declining for the past three years. They were one game from the Super Bowl. I like it. You should too. These two together have something to prove and Mike Smith will be able to appoint good assistant coaches for the defense.
January 15th, 2016 at 5:40 pm
I have looked at his stats and stick to my guns. I know you have reading comprehension problems, so you might be able to find a visual graphic or video to help you understand them.
As for Smith being fire, well it seems like you would really rather know, why did the chicken cross the road.
January 15th, 2016 at 5:50 pm
I must hope that this will be the end of the Tampa 2 experience. Tampa 2 hasn’t worked all that well here since Jon Gruden and Monty were here.
I wonder if Mike Smith will go with a 3-4 defense based on the smaller faster (allegedly) LB’s than typical 4-3 defensive players? That is if he goes with (some of) the current players or goes for a complete re-build. Either way I am excited and hope for improvement like most fans here.
January 15th, 2016 at 5:55 pm
interesting that mike smith has never called plays for any of his defenses, when he was coordinator for jags del rio called the plays from what I understand
January 15th, 2016 at 5:59 pm
@oar
Perfect answer for a fa g that won’t answer the question.
Just turn it around instead of answering.
Why did he get fired in Atlanta?
January 15th, 2016 at 6:13 pm
Oh no! It has happened. Supersam has been a complete A%s for over a year now, posting the most obnoxious stuff. But the sky has fallen, I actually agree with both of his posts on this thread. Go Figure!
I LOVE this coaching combination. Never understodd why Mike Smith was fired in the first place. Smith/Koetter brutally kicked our buts almost everytime we played them!
January 15th, 2016 at 6:14 pm
Pretty sure Kevin missed my post on Atlanta D.
Average of 15th in points given up. Better than any recent Bucs mark. Please explain how that is so terrible.
And pretty much most great coaches were fired or part of some regime change at one point in their career. You ask why was he fired? Well why was he named HC of the year at one point? Just a stupid question when looking at his entire career.
Also so far Atlanta fans have been saying the bad D was due to terrible personnel not Smith; who was not actively calling the D anyway.
January 15th, 2016 at 6:39 pm
Few here remember Mike Smith the dc … Nasty defenses in Jville. Go look it up!!!!
January 15th, 2016 at 6:43 pm
how much of those jags defenses had to do with del rio?
January 15th, 2016 at 6:59 pm
Best news here is that Koetter now has a trusted partner in team leadership who has head coaching experience.
January 15th, 2016 at 7:04 pm
I don’t think Mike Smith called the Defense in Alt.
January 15th, 2016 at 7:15 pm
Gawd, I sure hope this pair + Licht are here for at least 3 years. This team is in sore need of some management stability. I like this hire. Jax had some decent defenses when Smith was there. The Dixie Chicks were for-real Peregrine Falcons when Mike Smith coached them ‘cept in his last year. Looking forward to Famous Jameis and the improving Buccaneer offense and Mike Smith’s take on our defense. Draft day will be fun. GO BUCS!!
January 15th, 2016 at 7:23 pm
Looks like 87 has his nemesis for this offseason! Enter “TheKevin”! I bet you guys will disagree on the draft too! This should be fun!
January 15th, 2016 at 8:03 pm
@lordcorny
Really? Your excuse is because of bad PERSONELL?
You can say the same da m thing about LOVIE.
You could say lovies d didn’t work because of bad PERSONELL!
How stupid.
January 16th, 2016 at 1:55 am
Worse hire ever these guys all lost there job in atlanta because of there defense..
January 16th, 2016 at 2:19 am
The hiring of Mike Smith is the best move the Buccaneers have made next to hiring Dirk Koetter as head coach. Thank you so much for this! Signed, The NFC South – Co-Signed The entire NFL.
Wow , just wow. These are the best guys we could possibly get to fill the positions? Really? Welcome to another couple years of mediocrity at best!
Why do I feel this way? Why don’t I give these guys a chance you ask? Look at the track records of these two guys. What makes you think that these two ham and eggers would do any better in Tampa than what they have already accomplished? Mark my words nothing great will come from these guys as coaches and in another couple years we will be in the same spot once again. Rinse and repeat, the coaching turn-style never stops moving for very long in Tampa. Below average and mediocre should not be the norm for Tampa football. We as fans deserve better then this.
January 16th, 2016 at 10:47 am
Kevin please address the fact that the Falcons D was on average 15th in points allowed over 7 years. By definition that is top 1/2 of the league.
Guy had better defenses and better W/L record than we have over the last 3 coaches and it isn’t f*cking close
January 16th, 2016 at 10:55 am
And I mentioned specific players while you just make baseless idiotic claims
Who during mike smiths tenure was the talent equivalent of
Darrel Revis (top 2-3 CB)
Alteran Verner (young pro bowler before Lovie)
Lavonte David (all pro)
Gerald Mccog (all pro)
Kwon Alexander (DROTY if not for suspension)
Abraham at DE is like only guy I can think of. Not to mention mark Barron being a very useful player for the Rams and Goldson doing well for the Redskins. Lovie had some talent here to work with . Not elite talent but better than 26th in the league which is how well they did