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Add Lovie Smith to Bucs' guest list

The Rams defensive coordinator and ex-Bucs assistant would like to be the Tampa Bay coach.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 1, 2002

NEW ORLEANS -- The French Quarter is overflowing with partyers, Mardi Gras floats, blaring music and Super Bowl fans.

But Bucs general manager Rich McKay is not adding to the noise.

Keeping silent on his deliberations over three coaches interviewed this week, McKay arrived Thursday in New Orleans where a fourth possible candidate is preparing for Super Bowl XXXVI.

Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith could become the latest to be interviewed by McKay after Sunday's title game.

Despite having expressed reservations about returning to Tampa Bay, Smith said Thursday he would welcome an opportunity to interview for the Bucs' coaching job and tried to distance his offensive coaching philosophy from Tony Dungy's.

"We're a lot alike defensively. It's Tony's system we're running," said Smith, who coached linebackers for the Bucs for five seasons under Dungy. "Offensively, we are different in some ways. I've been weaned on the Tampa Bay defensive system and our (Rams) offensive system. Right now as I see it, our offense the last three years has scored more points than anyone. It's the best offense in the history of the NFL. To me, I would try to do something along those lines."

Smith, who improved one the league's worst defenses to third overall in his first season with the Rams, said he's ready to become coach.

"Am I ready to be a head football coach? Yeah, I think I am. I've been around two of the better head coaches in the league. A great offensive mind in Mike (Martz), a great defensive mind in Tony."

McKay was thought to be selecting from a list that includes Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey, former Chargers offensive coordinator Norv Turner and Ravens defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis.

But the Bucs have told all three coaches that a selection will be made sometime after Sunday's game, allowing time to interview Smith.

Perhaps as proof of how guarded McKay is keeping his decision, a different candidate surfaces as the favorite about every hour.

One report suggests Mularkey, who met with McKay on Wednesday in Tampa, is the hot candidate. Mularkey possibly is a sentimental favorite of McKay's because he began his coaching career with the Bucs in 1994 under Sam Wyche.

Another says his inexperience -- with one season as an offensive coordinator for the Steelers -- will prevent him from getting the job. Mularkey will accompany the Steelers coaching staff to Hawaii this week to direct the AFC team in the Pro Bowl.

Lewis is believed to have made a big impression on the Bucs during the interview process.

But his background as a defensive coordinator with no coaching experience is too similar to Dungy's and might not address their offensive concerns.

Turner, who dined with McKay in Tampa Wednesday night, returned Thursday to San Diego feeling confident.

"I felt good about the interview," Turner said from his home in San Diego. "I think they want to get something done after the Super Bowl."

Turner has an offer to become Dolphins offensive coordinator. But Dolphins coach Dave Wannstedt said he is willing to keep the job open.

Turner would be an immediate hit with quarterback Brad Johnson, whom he coached with the Redskins, and receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who has known Turner since his ballboy days at the Unversity of Southern California.

But Turner's 49-59-1 record in seven seasons and one playoff appearance with the Redskins may cause McKay to be skeptical about his ability to lead the Bucs to a Super Bowl.

The Bucs' favorite option still would be to pry coach Jon Gruden from the Raiders.

But McKay might be reluctant to compensate Raiders owner Al Davis with draft picks and players, and there does not appear to be any dialogue between teams.

Increasingly, it appears unlikely Louisiana State coach Nick Saban would be given serious consideration.

Saban is recruiting and has not been contacted by the Bucs, who want to make a decision by next week.

-- Staff writer Darrell Fry contributed to this report.

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