TAMPA, Fla (WFLA) The move will surprise some fans. Others welcome the change. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers let go of defensive coordinator Mike Smith Monday afternoon, the day after the team’s 34-29 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The loss was the Bucs third consecutive defeat, all three sharing a common denominator, big early deficits.
News Channel 8’s Dan Lucas joined Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter for their weekly ‘Koetter’s Korner’ interview and Smith’s departure dominated the discussion.
The Bucs come out of week six with a 2-3 record. The defense is ranked 31st in the NFL in passing yards allowed and is also near the bottom of the league in quarterback sacks with nine. Linebackers coach Mark Duffner takes over the defensive coordinator duties and will remain in close contact with the linebackers. However, the entire defensive coaching staff will assume more duties to fill the void left behind by Smith.
This week, the Bucs will host the Cleveland Browns this Sunday at Raymond James Stadium. The Browns are also coming off of a loss, 38-17 to the Los Angeles Chargers. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, one of the rookies in the NFL spotlight this season, played much of the game with an injured ankle, finishing with 238 yards and a touchdown pass.
