The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired defensive coordinator Mike Smith, sources have confirmed.
Mark Duffner Replaces Mike Smith as Buccaneers' Defensive Coordinator.https://t.co/dahd2IotPx
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 15, 2018
The move comes a day a day after the team lost its third consecutive game, 34-29 to the Atlanta Falcons.
Smith, the former head coach of the Falcons, was in his third season leading the Buccaneers’s defense.
The #Bucs made Mike Smith the highest-paid defensive coordinator in football. The team was ranked 31st. He was fired today in a major shakeup. Dirk Koetter has handed over play-calling, now fired his defensive coordinator.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 15, 2018
Tampa Bay has allowed 34.6 points per game this season, the highest average in the league, including 40 in a Week 1 win over the Saints and 48 in a Week 4 defeat to the Bears.
The Bucs’ 439.8 yards allowed per game is second-worst, better than only the 5-1 Chiefs. They are giving up a league-worst 355.6 yards per game through the air.
Tampa Bay is always looking for someone to place the blame on. My guess is Dirk Koetter will be next.
