Former Bears coach Lovie Smith on Wednesday night was fired as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after compiling an 8-24 record in two seasons.
After a 2-14 finish in 2014, the Buccaneers improved to 6-10 in 2015, though they lost their last four games, including a 26-21 defeat to the Bears Dec. 27 in Tampa.
“After careful consideration, we informed Lovie that we have decided to make a change,” Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer said in a statement issued by the team.
“I want to thank Lovie for his hard work and dedication to the Buccaneers during his time here.