Tampa Bay Buccaneers dismiss coach Lovie Smith after second season
- 8 years ago
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired coach Lovie Smith on Wednesday night, dismissing him after two seasons while giving him only one with No. 1 overall draft pick Jameis Winston behind center.
Smith went 6-10 this season and 8-24 over two years in charge of the team.
"After careful consideration, we informed Lovie that we have decided to make a change," Buccaneers co-chairman Joel Glazer said in a statement Wednesday night.
"I want to thank Lovie for his hard work and dedication to the Buccaneers during his time here."
Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said he was taken aback.
"I've always loved Lovie.
He's always been great to me and my family.
I've never had a bad thing to say about him.
I'm just at a loss for words.
I honestly feel bad for my coach."
Smith had replaced Greg Schiano in January 2014, agreeing to a four-year contract.
Smith went 6-10 this season and 8-24 over two years in charge of the team.
"After careful consideration, we informed Lovie that we have decided to make a change," Buccaneers co-chairman Joel Glazer said in a statement Wednesday night.
"I want to thank Lovie for his hard work and dedication to the Buccaneers during his time here."
Defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said he was taken aback.
"I've always loved Lovie.
He's always been great to me and my family.
I've never had a bad thing to say about him.
I'm just at a loss for words.
I honestly feel bad for my coach."
Smith had replaced Greg Schiano in January 2014, agreeing to a four-year contract.