FLOWERY BRANCH -- Dirk Koetter, who was under contract for next season with the Falcons, has agreed to a deal to become Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator, the team announced.
Koetter was one of the assistants who cleared out his office after hearing of the news of Smith's firing. The team said it would make the assistants under contract available to the new coach, but Tampa Bay was granted permission to talk to Koetter. He apparently was released from his contract.
Koetter, 55, has been with the Falcons for the past three seasons after five seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The offense, which was marred by offensive line injuries in both seasons, finished ranked eighth, 14th and eighth overall in total offense.
"Very excited to be joining the coaching staff in Tampa led by head coach Lovie Smith," Koetter wrote on his Facebook page. "Thank you to all those who have been so supportive and who have contributed along the way. Go Bucs!"
Koetter will take the place of Jeff Tedford, who left the Bucs to undergo a heart procedure.
“I’m very excited to welcome Dirk to our staff,” Smith said in a statement released by the Bucs. “With over three decades of experience at both the college and the NFL level, Dirk has a proven track record as a top offensive coordinator.
“During his time in Atlanta, he led one of the most productive offenses in the league and I believe he will enjoy similar success here with the exciting young players we have on offense.
“It became very apparent early in our conversations that we share some of the same philosophies regarding the offensive side of the ball and I look forward to working with Dirk as we begin preparing for the 2015 season.”
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