With a new coaching staff and new players at key positions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive and defensive identities are going to be very different from seasons past.

New head coach Raheem Morris brought in Jim Bates to take over for Monte Kiffin (who left to join his son Lane at Tennessee). Bates will have a lot to live up to, as Kiffin ran one of the NFL’s top defenses over the last decade.

Jeff Jagodzinski was brought in from Boston College after he was fired for interviewing for the New York Jets head coaching position. Jagodzinski will charge an offense that had never reached its full potential under former coach Jon Gruden.

Arguably, Bates’ job is the tougher of the two new coordinatorships.  He must replace one of the best defensive coordinators in NFL history. Kiffin is famous for creating the “Tampa Two” version of the famed “Cover Two” defense. 

Bates’ system is different from that of Kiffin. Bates will still run a 4-3 defense, but his style puts a huge emphasis on the linebackers. At the beginning of the offseason, Morris and the front office decided to release legendary Bucs linebacker Derrick Brooks and fellow linebacker Kato June. 

It was assumed that these players don’t fit the linebacker mold that Bates is looking for.  But what is he looking for?

The emphasis of the linebackers in Bates’ system is that of size and speed. He wants smaller and faster linebackers. He wants them quick to hit the holes and make the majority of the tackles.

His system expects the defensive ends to bring pressure on the quarterback, while the defensive tackles tie up the offensive lineman, freeing up the linebackers to make the plays.

The only holdover linebacker with any real experience for the Bucs is Barrett Rudd.  Some aren’t sure whether he is the perfect fit for Bates’ style.  It will be a work in progress all season on defense, especially with the transition to linebacker by former safety Jermaine Phillips. 

The other linebackers expected to see action included Quincy Black, Angelo Crowell, Geno Hayes and Adam Hayward.

The cornerbacks, led by aging star Rhonde Barber, were exposed at numerous times last season and will have to be better in Bates’ system. If the linebackers fail to make the tackles, it’ll be the defensive backs taking on an added role.

Chris Hovan and Gaines Adams anchor the defensive line. Adams must produce more and more consistently in order to start justifying his being a top-five year pick a couple years ago.

On offense, Jagodzinski has a lot of certainly at the quarterback position. Luke McCown is currently listed as the starter, but the team signed Byron Leftwich and is expecting him to challenge McCown during training camp for the top job. 

The team finally drafted its quarterback-of-the-future in this April’s draft, selecting Kansas State QB Josh Freeman with the 17th overall pick. He won’t be ready for a few years, so it’s either McCown or Leftwich in 2009 for the Bucs.

Whoever the quarterback, the offense is surely going to be a little different.  Receiver Antonio Bryant returns, and the team traded for tight end Kellen Winslow.  The addition of a big, playmaking tight end should open the field up a little more for Bryant, who saw double-teams quite often last season.

In the backfield, free agent running back Derrick Ward came over from the Giants.  He and incumbent starter Earnest Graham will share carries, creating something of a “Thunder and Lightning” scheme. 

Cadillac Williams, who returned from a serious knee injury during last season only to hurt his knee in the season finale, should be healthy by training camp and provides depth.

The success of the offense will ultimately depend of the play of the quarterback.  If either McCown, who only threw one pass in 2008, or Leftwich struggle, the opposing defenses will be able to load the box and focus their efforts on stopping the run.

With all the changes in staff and personnel coupled with the strength of the NFC South, the Buccaneers could be in for a long season.