Report: Bucs Wanted Gruden, Cowher Over Smith
(CBS) Publicly, the Bucs had their sights set only on Lovie Smith to be their new head coach.
Just days after Greg Schiano's firing, Tampa Bay agreed to a deal that would make Smith head coach for at least the next five seasons.
But according to a report from CBSSports.com's Jason La Canfora, the Bucs hired Smith only after being turned down by Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher.