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Published: January 11, 2009
Another defensive coordinator has blossomed on the Monte Kiffin coaching tree.
Gus Bradley, who spent the past two years coaching Bucs linebackers, is leaving the team to coordinate the Seahawks defense. He becomes the seventh assistant to leave Kiffin's ranks for either an NFL coordinator or head coach's job, joining the likes of Mike Tomlin, Herm Edwards and Lovie Smith.
"I don't know about being mentioned in their company just yet," Bradley said. "Those guys have all been successful. I'm just getting started. But I'm really excited. Any time you get a chance to run your own defense, you've got to take advantage of it."
The move opens the door for the possible return to Tampa of another Kiffin disciple, Joe Barry.
Barry left the Bucs two years ago to take a job as the Lions defensive coordinator but he was fired along with his head coach/father-in-law, former Bucs defensive line coach Rod Marinelli, after the Lions' 0-16 season.
Barry said last week he would "cherish" the opportunity to return to the Bucs sideline, but the Bucs aren't the only team Barry has expressed a strong desire to work with.
The loss of Bradley, meanwhile, leaves the Bucs on the lookout for at least three new assistants, including a secondary coach to replace new defensive coordinator Raheem Morris and a tight ends coach.
The Bucs soon may find themselves looking for a new defensive coordinator. Morris remains a candidate to become head coach of the Broncos, who are believed to be gearing up for a Monday announcement.
Marinelli Joins Bears' Staff
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Rod Marinelli joined the Chicago Bears as a defensive line coach Saturday, returning to his roots after becoming the NFL's first head coach to post an 0-16 season.
Marinelli went 10-38 in three years with the Lions and was fired after failing to win a game this season. But before that, he was Tampa Bay's defensive line coach for a decade. The Bucs' line racked up 328.5 sacks under Marinelli, the most in the league during that span.
Marinelli also will serve as the Bears' assistant head coach. He held that title his last four seasons in Tampa.
'Pacman' Says He Will Return
Adam "Pacman" Jones suggested Saturday his days with the Dallas Cowboys may not be over.
In an interview on CBS' NFL pregame show, the cornerback said that not only does he expect to play football next season, "I think I might be back in Dallas."
COLTS: The NFL has fined defensive end Dwight Freeney $20,000 for comments he made after last week's 23-17 loss at San Diego.
JETS: Will interview Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan today about their coaching vacancy.
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