Lovie Smith out. Mike Smith in. And Tampa Bay's defensive numbers despite some serious off-season investing? Down.
There were five players named "Smith" on the Bucs' roster to open the season. But while Mike had developed a well-earned respect as an assistant prior to a 66-46 head coaching record in Atlanta (where his new boss, Dirk Koetter, was his offensive coordinator), this year's scoring average has gone up by a field goal per game, total defense has dropped from 10th to 28th, while the rush and passing defense has dropped 13 and 11 spots in the rankings. This despite the fact they signed three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Brent Grimes and End Robert Ayers, Jr.