Dirk Koetter appointed as Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have named former offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter as their new head coach.

Koetter, who was interviewed for the coaching vacancy with the San Francisco 49ers, replaces Lovie Smith, who was fired after the Bucs finished the regular season bottom of the NFC South with a 6-10 record.

He started his coaching career in the college game with Boise State and Arizona State before a move into the NFL as offensive coordinator with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2007.

Last season was his first with the Buccaneers and he oversaw a fine rookie season from quarterback Jameis Winston, only the third rookie to surpass 4,000 yards passing in his first season.

Tampa also ranked fifth in rushing yardage, mainly thanks to Doug Martin, which led to interest from plenty of other teams, and general manager Jason Licht is pleased he is staying in Florida.

"When I started this search for a new head coach, the focus was on finding someone that could be a strong leader as well as a consummate teacher, and Dirk is both," Licht said.

"He brings the passion and drive that will re-energize our organisation and help us establish the winning culture that will help us become the championship-calibre team that our fans deserve."