NFL Coaching Vacancies and Potential Replacements
Dec 29, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano yells in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated Tampa Bay 42-17. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Greg Schiano
Candidates to replace him: Former Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith
ESPN’s Adam Schefter had the following about Smith returning to the Buccaneers where he coached the linebackers from 1996 to 2000:
From @mortreport: Bucs will give consideration to reaching back to past, bringing back a Rich McKay-Lovie Smith tag team.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2013
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network also believes Smith is the favorite in Tampa.
The thought of Tampa getting both Smith and current Falcons President Rich McKay is as good of a package-deal as you could ask for. McKay, who has not been significantly involved in football operations since 2008, could be ready to return to Tampa Bay.
McKay was Tampa Bay’s general manager from 1993 to 2003, their glory years. The Bucs went to the playoffs six times and won Super Bowl XXXVII. For now, Smith appears to be the favorite to land the job in Tampa.