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Rams coordinator Smith reportedly on Bucs' list

Lovie Smith spent five seasons as a Tampa Bay assistant. AP

NEW ORLEANS (CNNSI.com) -- St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith has emerged as a possible candidate for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coaching job, according to a report Friday.

The St. Petersburg Times reported that Smith, who has turned the Rams' defense around in his first year after coming over from Tampa Bay, could be interviewed for the Bucs' opening sometime after Sunday's Super Bowl.

Smith spent 1996-2000 as linebackers coach in Tampa Bay under Tony Dungy, who was fired by the Bucs after a 9-8 season and wild card berth. He told the Times he would be interested in listening to what Bucs general manager Rich McKay has to say.

Smith has never been a head coach; he came to the NFL after serving as an assistant coach at several Division I-A colleges over a 13-year period.

"Am I ready to be a head football coach? Yeah, I think I am," said Smith. "I've been around two of the better head coaches in the league. A great offensive mind in Mike [Martz], a great defensive mind in Tony."

If interviewed, Smith would join a pool of candidates that is believed to include Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis, Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and former Chargers offensive coordinator and Redskins head coach Norv Turner.

 

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