Buccaneers hire Dirk Koetter as offensive coordinator

The Tampa Bay Buccaneersannounced on Thursday that they have hired Dirk Koetter as their offensive coordinator. Koetter served in the same position for the

The Tampa Bay Buccaneersannounced on Thursday that they have hired Dirk Koetter as their offensive coordinator.

Koetter served in the same position for the Atlanta Falcons the last three years, but the Buccaneers were reportedly granted permission to speak with Koetter after Atlanta firedMike Smith as head coach.

Koetter's deal with the Buccaneers is for two years with a third-year option, according to a report from NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. Koetter was Tampa Bay's top choice, the report says.

Koetter will replace Jeff Tedford, who was released in December after a health issue kept him away from the team during the season. Tedford has since become head coach of the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. In Tedford's absence, quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo called plays for Tampa Bay.

The Falcons ranked eighth, 14th and eighth in total offense in Koetter's three seasons in charge of the offense. Prior to coaching the Falcons, Koetter served as an offensive assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars and also coached in college.

The Buccaneers went 2-14 and finished last in the NFC South in their first season under head coach Lovie Smith.

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