Coach Analysis: Who Is Mike Smith

Every Bucs fan remembers Mike Smith from his days in Atlanta where he annoyed many Bucs fans with his constant yelling at refs from across the sideline, but who is he really?

Mike Smith is a former college linebacker that has brought himself up the ranks by being successful at every level. He came into the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens as a linebackers coach and had many noticeable names like Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper. He went on to be promoted to defensive coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

No one thinks of Jacksonville as a defensive powerhouse right? Yet from 2003-2007 Smiths defense ranked 4th in overall defense. Proof is in the pudding. Those were the days you actually saw Jacksonville competing for the playoffs not the top pick.

Smith went on to become the head coach of the Falcons, taking them to the playoffs 4 out of the 7 years and missing the super bowl by one game in 2012. Smith was the coach of the year in 2008 and also has the title as the winningest coach in Falcons franchise history.

Mike Smith our defensive coordinator is one highly respected coach among his NFL peers and the Bucs should feel lucky and grateful to have him. He will bring a fire to this defense that has been lacking for years. Smith is one of those hard nosed football coaches with a highly intelligent defensive mind. He has gone on record as saying he will bring a 4-3 defense to Tampa as well as sprinkling in 3-4. Expect him to utilize his players wisely as many weren't under Lovies command.