Tampa, Fla.-(Newsradio 970 WFLA)-The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced the departure of Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith.
His firing comes a day after the team's third loss of the season. The Bucs fell to the Falcons Sunday 34-29.
In a written statement, head coach Dirk Koetter said "These decisions are always difficult, but our top priority here is to ensure that we do everything possible to help this team succeed. "
Koetter also said the team's problems are not because of one person and adds that the Bucs' performance has "not met our standards."
Smith will be replaced by the Bucs' linebackers coach, Mark Duffner.
Graphic courtesy Tampa Bay Buccaneers