Lovie Smith will be introduced as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. There won't need for much in the way of getting to know one another.
Smith's hiring Thursday brings back a protege of Tony Dungy as the team hopes to recapture its mojo and playoff atmosphere. That disappeared in a 4-12 season under Greg Schiano, who was fired this week.
Smith carries NFL bona fide credentials that include is time with the Bucs and nine seasons as Chicago Bears coach. He was 81-63 with the Bears, including a trip to the 2006 Super Bowl.
Monday could also bring the introduction of key members of Smith's coaching staff. Among them could be former California coach Jeff Tedford, USA Today reported. Tedford pupils include Aaron Rodgers. Leslie Frazier, fired this week from his post of Minnesota Vikings coach, is among candidates for defensive coordinator.
Smith, 55, gets a five-year contract. The Bucs continue to seek a general manager after firing Mark Dominik at season's end.
Schiano was sacked after going 11-21 in two seasons. The Bucs lost the first eight games of this season and played poorly in the four losses during the 4-4 stretch they put together to close out the Schiano era.
Smith was Dungy's linebackers coach with the Bucs from 1996-2000, and then spent three seasons as the St. Louis Rams' defensive coordinator on Mike Martz's staff.
He was fired by the Bears after the 2012 season, in which the team was 10-6 but failed to reach the playoffs.
The Bucs, going through their third coaching change in five years, haven't made the playoffs since 2007. They haven't won a playoff game since their 2002 Super Bowl run under Jon Gruden.
Smith inherits a better situation than either of his two predecessors, Raheem Morris and Schiano, who took over a team that lost its final 10 games under Morris in 2011.
Tampa Bay was 17th in the NFL in total defense this season, making significant strides following the acquisition of cornerback Darrelle Revis and safety Dashon Goldson last spring.
Smith's assignment: Get the offense back on track and restore confidence. His familiarity with the organization is cited as an influence in deciding to engage the Bucs rather than take one of the other available NFL coaching jobs.
The Bucs are comfortable with Smith, and he with them.
Contributing: Associated Press