Bucs fire former Bears coach Smith
Former Bears coach Lovie Smith was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after going 6-10 this season and 8-24 in his two seasons in charge.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired former Bears coach Lovie Smith.
Smith went 6-10 this season and 8-24 over two years with the Bucs. The announcement came as a surprise to many because Smith’s job was not considered to be in danger.
“This decision was difficult on a variety of levels,” Buccaneers co-chairman Joel Glazer said in a statement. “I am disappointed that we were not more successful these past few seasons, but we are committed to doing what is necessary to give our fans the winning team they deserve.”
General manager Jason Licht will oversee the search for a new coach.
Smith led the Bears to the NFC title in 2006, when they lost to the Indianapolis Colts in the Super Bowl. He was 84-66 in nine seasons with the Bears.
The Bucs showed some improvement this season with No. 1 overall draft pick Jameis Winston at quarterback and revitalized running back Doug Martin. But they lost their final four games after pulling into position to compete for a wild-card playoff berth.
For the first time, the Bucs ranked in the top 10 in total offense and defense. But finishing No. 5 offensively and No. 10 defensively was deceptive. The Bucs struggled to get the ball into the end zone, ranking 20th in points. They were 26th in scoring defense, allowing 24 points or more 10 times.
Earlier this week, Smith reiterated his belief that the team is headed in the right direction.
“Our football team isn’t a finished product yet, but I think it’s safe to say that we’re in pretty good shape going forward with [Winston] leading us, on and off the field,” Smith said.
But the Bucs will move ahead without Smith, the team’s third coach since Jon Gruden was fired after the 2008 season. Gruden led Tampa Bay to its only Super Bowl win.
Payton to remain with Saints
Sean Payton reiterated his commitment to the New Orleans Saints, ending speculation that he could be on the move after consecutive 7-9 seasons.
Payton, who has been with the Saints for a decade and is coming off his first consecutive losing seasons, says he can’t envision coaching for any other club.
Payton’s contract, which runs for two more seasons and pays him about $8 million annually, remains unchanged for now.
Lions’ Johnson mulling options
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is contemplating retirement, and a source told ESPN that Johnson wasn’t sure if he’ll continue to play.
The 30-year-old, who just completed his ninth NFL season, released a statement saying he is “evaluating options formy future.”
Johnson declined to say if he will restructure his contract, which calls for him to count $24 million against the salary cap next season.
Other news
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston confirmed that he plans to play in the wild-card game Saturday against the Houston Texans, his first game since hyperextending his knee in November.
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is interested in the Tennessee Titans’ head-coaching position, sources told ESPN.