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Bucs finish filling coaching staff

Several college coaches will come aboard to take care of the offense.

By ROGER MILLS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 26, 2002

TAMPA -- Bucs coach Jon Gruden has completed his coaching staff, dipping into the college ranks to fill the roster.

The Bucs hired former Southern California receivers coach Kirby Wilson to handle running backs; former Louisville assistant Art Valero will coach tight ends; and former Michigan offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Stan Parrish will coach quarterbacks.

They join former Redskins assistant Richard Mann, who will coach receivers, and former Jets offensive line coach Bill Muir, who was hired Feb. 8 to handle the line and act as offensive coordinator.

The Bucs also hired former Titans administrative assistant Jeremy Bates as quality-control coach, former Montana State assistant Michael Christianson as an assistant offensive line coach and Raheem Morris as defensive quality-control coach.

"We have assembled what we think is a great group of coaches who are also terrific teachers," Gruden said in a release. "We still have a few slots to fill, but I'm very pleased with the process, and I think, at the end of the day, our fans and players will be very proud of the staff that we have assembled."

The Bucs retained their defensive coaches from last season, including coordinator Monte Kiffin, linebackers coach Joe Barry and secondary coach Mike Tomlin. They also retained line coach Rod Marinelli and promoted him to assistant head coach.

With Monday's additions, the staff turns its attention to this weekend's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. The staff will leave Thursday or Friday.

Gruden also offered a coaching position to younger brother Jay, quarterback for the Orlando Predators of the Arena League.

Jay Gruden said Monday that he plans to coach with his brother someday but wants to honor his promise to the Predators. Jay Gruden, who has coached Orlando the past four seasons, winning two titles, put away his clipboard to return to the field for the upcoming season. He has been working out with teammates at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

"It's something I really wanted to do," Jay Gruden said. "Some of the best parts of my life have been playing football, and I want to play for another year. Jon offered me a job because he wants me to coach with him and he knows I want to coach with him. But I think all along he knew that I would continue to play. He understands that as long as you want to play, you should keep playing."

Jay Gruden, however, plans to join the Bucs as a volunteer offensive assistant after the Arena season. The Predators' season runs through July 20. The Arena Bowl is scheduled for late August.

"When the season's over, I plan to dedicate my time, full time, to the Bucs," Gruden said. "I have kids in school here in Orlando so it'll be a difficult time for the family. I'll probably get an apartment in Tampa and drive back and forth as much as possible."

Jay Gruden said he has been away from the outdoor game since his college days at Louisville and will need some time to become acclimated to the 11-man game.

"I think it's going to be an important experience for me," he said. "I have to get familiar with the NFL climate. It's one of those things where I want to learn from my brother because he's the best in the business."

Asked if he could become a full-time coach next season, Jay Gruden replied: "One thing at a time. It's something I will sit down and talk to him about."

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