Lovie Smith Hired as Head Coach of Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith as their new head coach, the team formally announced:

"

OFFICIAL: Buccaneers have hired Lovie Smith as their new Head Coach: http://t.co/IrIzkAFXSJ #itsabucslife pic.twitter.com/cXltykk6Dn

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) January 2, 2014"

 The Buccaneers released a statement from Bryan Glazer, the team's Co-chairman:

"

"Today is an exciting day for the Buccaneer organization, and the entire Tampa Bay community, as we welcome back Lovie Smith. Lovie is an accomplished and very well respected head coach who has enjoyed success at every level of his 30-year career. We knew from the start of our search that he was the ideal man to lead this team into this new era of Buccaneer football.”

"

Later in the day Tampa decided on their offensive coordinator according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen:

"

As expected, Bucs reach deal w Jeff Tedford as OC. Source: Chiefs director of personnel Chris Ballard is leading candidate as next Bucs GM

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) January 3, 2014"

On Jan. 5, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported insight into Smith's contract with the Buccaneers:

"

Lovie Smith’s contract contains the clause that gives him final say over all personnel matters on the Buccaneers' final 53-man roster.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 5, 2014"

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported on who Smith was looking at for the GM job of the Bucs:

"

Arizona exec Jason Licht had a very impressive interview with Bucs HC Lovie Smith for their GM opening I'm told. Very much in that mix

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 15, 2014"

"

Licht joins Lionel Vital (ATL) and Morocco Brown (WSH) among those who have met with Smith. Decision expected by end of the week

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) January 15, 2014"