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Bates won't travel with Bucs to Atlanta

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By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 28, 2009

ATLANTA – Bucs coach Raheem Morris won't have former defensive coordinator Jim Bates to lean on during Sunday's game against the Falcons after all.

After further contemplation of the matter, Bates decided Saturday to stay in Tampa while the Bucs flew to Atlanta for Sunday's game at the Georgia Dome.

Morris relieved Bates of his duties earlier in the week but spoke optimistically on Friday of the possibility of Bates accompanying the team to Atlanta and aiding the defense from the press box.

After further deliberation, however, it was decided that Bates would remain in Tampa, a move that may signal a much grander decision by Bates to leave the organization.

Neither Bucs officials nor Bates could be reached for comment on the matter, which has resulted in Morris taking over as defensive coordinator and defensive play caller.

Morris is in his first year as an NFL head coach and despite holding the post briefly during the offseason, Sunday's game will mark his debut as a coordinator and play caller.

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