The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired defensive coordinator Mike Smith. The Bucs will promote linebackers coach Mark Duffner to serve as the new coordinator.
Smith joined the Bucs in 2016 with head coach Dirk Koetter. Throughout his time in Tampa Bay, the defense has steadily declined. In his first season, the Buccaneers ranked 15th in points allowed, but have plummeted to 32nd so far in 2018.
“I have the utmost respect for Mike Smith as a man and as a football coach,” said Buccaneers Head Coach Dirk Koetter in a press release. “These decisions are always difficult, but our top priority here is to ensure that we do everything possible to help this team succeed.