“I Will Take Mike Smith Over Lovie Smith”
August 9th, 2016
Better coordinator.
Rick Stroud didn’t mince words this morning.
Broadcasting on WDAE-AM 620, the long-time Bucs beat writer for the Tampa Bay Times made it clear: While he isn’t sure what the Bucs’ record will be this season and isn’t quite ready to anoint the team a division champion, he is sure the Bucs will be better coached.
In discussing 2016 training camp practices, Stroud said he believes the new coaching staff of the Bucs has been upgraded significantly from the past two seasons.
“Let’s just say it: It’s a better coaching staff than what Lovie Smith had, times about two, on the defensive side, especially,” Stroud said. “I’m talking about the staff. I will take Mike Smith over Lovie Smith, right now.”
Stroud also lauded the hiring of wide receivers coach/offensive coordinator Todd Monken by new head man Dirk Koetter.
To hear the full conversation on the subject matter, click below. Audio courtesy of WDAE-AM 620.
August 9th, 2016 at 10:42 am
That is HHUUGGGEEEEE Tampa!!! That is straight from one of the Tampa2 Mafia’s mouth piece!!!!!! Even the Tampa2 Mafia is starting to realize that the truth has been exposed and their is no use fighting it for now!!!!!!
Coaching People!!! This is what we have been pointing out and trying to bring the light too!!!! It was more than just a poor win/loss record!!! It was ineptitude!!! It was sloppy and out of date, and Frankly rather embarrassing!!!!
Little over 48 hours and we can put to rest all this!!! It soon starts a new!!!!
Go Bucs!!!!!!!!!!
August 9th, 2016 at 10:46 am
Man I thought we’d have to wait all day for Realist to comment on this one…
Like I said below LVD and gang are going to really love playing for Mike Smith vs Lovie Smith and in short order too.
August 9th, 2016 at 10:53 am
Yep, better coaches AND better personnel. I can’t wait to see the actual product on the field!
August 9th, 2016 at 11:16 am
Release the kraken Bucs, some opponents heads need crackin’.
August 9th, 2016 at 11:22 am
I’m thinking Top-5 Offense and Top-10 Defense…
Sounds like a contender to me, Buc fans.
August 9th, 2016 at 11:23 am
What impresses me most is that we haven’t even played a preseason game yet and the defense has bought in. So far, as bad as the defense was last year, you can’t ask fir things to have gone any better up to this point. Before, I wasn’t sure how long it would take for this group to click but im really convinced that this defense is ready now and Atlanta is in for a nasty surprise week 1.
August 9th, 2016 at 11:27 am
We are gonna be nasty!!!
(If we can stay healthy)
No real depth at LB though.
We need a 4th LB who is a solid starter.
August 9th, 2016 at 11:28 am
But with Potential for #1 Offense and #1 Defense if we execute at a very high proficiency. We could SERIOUSLY surprise alot of people on both sides of the ball if we play to our full potential!!!
August 9th, 2016 at 11:35 am
I know u guys have heard about how the Defense has kinda been dominating throughout camp… And that’s NOT bcuz the Offense isn’t performing at a high level (we have one of the most prolific offenses in the league), it’s bcuz our Defense is BEASTIN. We might end up having one of the best overall Defenses this year, trust that.
August 9th, 2016 at 12:47 pm
@realist says”That is HHUUGGGEEEEE Tampa!!!”….how did you come to this conclusion and we have yet to play a meaningful game…games have to be won before praise is showered upon the new staff….GO BUCS!!!!
August 9th, 2016 at 12:51 pm
It’s hard to think of anyone I wouldn’t take over Lovie. I said the day they hired Lovie if that is their choice I would have rather kept Schiano.
August 9th, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Stroud is Spot Fricking ON!!!!!!!!
Lovie and his band of coaching buddies can go ruin Illinois’ program. Wait a second….it’s already shiza, it’s the perfect place for Lovie’s losses to go unnoticed.
August 9th, 2016 at 1:11 pm
813 – Realist is referencing a local car salesman commercial. But I believe he’s right in that the players are already stating the freedom they feel to attack and use their skills. Lovie had them playing in their space, or gap, or zone until the play came to them. Look at the slants.
August 9th, 2016 at 3:01 pm
@bucsince….LOL….I know the ad and cant stand it….same with some of the bs that @realist post on here daily….all im saying is lets wait and see some real games played before we start saying how much better things are….its funny how people on here, especially @realist, assume things are much better with this staff and takes what a player has to say and run with it….question?….what else is a player suppose to say?….of course a player is going to fall in line and say all the right things about his coaches….its the offseason…that’s what they do….the same thing was being said from players once lovie was hired…GO BUCS!!!!
August 9th, 2016 at 7:41 pm
If Rick prefers Mike Smith then he’s entitled to that thought, he is in the same mind set as the Realist, the coaching staff is supposed to be 2times better but will only say this , This is why we play the game!
August 9th, 2016 at 10:28 pm
I see Joe has still got his Lovie Specials on sale. Get it all out Joe. There will be other meat to cook here..real soon!