Former TU Player Smith Named New Coach Of Buccaneers

Former University of Tulsa All-America defensive back Lovie Smith was introduced as the head coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. Smith was named the new Bucs mentor last Thursday, but met the media in Tampa Bay for the first time today.

Smith coached the Chicago Bears for nine seasons (2004-12) with his last season coming in the 2012 campaign as the Bears finished with 10-6 record. He took the 2013 season off before returning to the coaching ranks. The Bears made the playoffs three times under Smith's watch, including a run to the Super Bowl in 2006, where they lost to the Indianapolis Colts. Smith's last playoff appearance was 2010.

Smith previously spent five years in Tampa Bay working for Tony Dungy, the same coach who led the Colts to their win over Chicago in that Super Bowl.

Smith, from Big Sandy, Texas, was a defensive standout who started every game for three seasons (1976-79) at Tulsa, compiling 367 career tackles. He was a three-time All-Missouri Valley Conference performer and earned second-team All-America accolades in 1978 after posting 92 tackles as a junior. Smith was also named MVC Newcomer of the Year after registering 90 tackles his freshman season.

Smith was also an assistant football coach at Tulsa for four seasons (1983-86), coaching under Hurricane Head Coaches John Cooper and Don Morton.