Garcia to test the market

Heard the the latest from Jay Leno? No, not his latest one-liner, but his latest football news.

Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia, appearing on Leno's NBC late-night show on Tuesday, was asked if he planned on returning to the Eagles next season. The quarterback, who becomes a free agent this spring and has been linked to the Bucs, responded with the following: "I'll definitely be testing the waters. I've got to see what's out there."

Well, there you have it. Bucs coach Jon Gruden has previously stated he intends to acquire another quarterback to compete with returning starter Chris Simms, who recently signed a two-year contract extension. Whether that new quarterback is Garcia remains to be seen, but the free-agent quarterback class doesn't figure to be stellar, and Gruden may not have the patience or the luxury to draft and develop a top-rated quarterback like Brady Quinn of Notre Dame or JaMarcus Russell of LSU.

In closing, remember this: Garcia expressed an interest in playing in Tampa the last time he was a free agent. Maybe this time is actually happens.

Coyer brings experience to Bucs

The Bucs, who have seen four assistant coaches depart for various reasons this month, replaced another Thursday by hiring former Denver defensive coordinator Larry Coyer, the team announced.

Coyer's title will be assistant head coach/defensive line. He effectively will be responsible for coaching the line and likely will play an active role in assisting his longtime friend, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Coyer spent the past seven seasons with the Broncos, the last four as defensive coordinator, before being fired after the season by coach Mike Shanahan. Immediately after his firing, Coyer found a great demand for his services and finalized the deal with Tampa Bay earlier today.

Coyer replaces Jethro Franklin, who last week was fired by the Bucs after a significant dropoff in the production of the defensive line.

Coyer has a combined 42 years of coaching experience in the college and pro ranks and is well respected in NFL coaching circles.

Bucs cut Franklin loose

The Bucs parted ways with an assistant coach for the second time in as many days when defensive line coach Jethro Franklin was informed he would not be retained for the 2007 season.

Franklin, reached Tuesday in Los Angeles where his wife and children still reside, said he received a call from general manager Bruce Allen earlier today. Allen told him the organization had decided to go in another direction, though Allen did not offer specifics on why the decision was reached. However, it's likely the dramatic dropoff in a consistent pass rush prompted the move. The Bucs posted 25 sacks in 2006, their fewest since 1995.

On Monday, the Bucs dismissed defensive backs coach Greg Burns, replacing him with former assistant Raheem Morris, who had been serving as defensive coordinator at Kansas State.

There was no immediate word on Franklin's replacement.

Franklin came to the Bucs just last year after holding the same position at Southern Cal. He originally signed a two-year contract that was set to expire after the 2007 season.

(Franklin photo by James Borchuck of the St. Petersburg Times. Click to enlarge.)

Barry named Lions D-coordinator

   Bucs linebackers coach Joe Barry will be named the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator today, a team official confirmed.

   Barry will be reunited with his father-in-law, Lions coach Rod Marinelli to direct their Tampa Two defense.

   Barry replaces Donnie Henderson, who was fired as defensive coordinator on Tuesday. A news conference is scheduled at the team's headquarters later today.

   The Lions attempted to hire Barry last season but the Bucs denied permission for him to interview.   

   

Barry to join Marinelli in Detroit?

   It's a family affair.

   Bucs linebackers coach Joe Barry is expected to join his father-in-law, Lions coach Rod Marinelli, as the team's defensive coordinator.

   The position became available when Marinelli and defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson agreed to part ways after one season. Henderson had no previous experience in the Tampa Two defense that the Lions implemented this season.

   Barry's father, Mike Barry, is the Lions' assistant offensive line coach.

   After the Lions hired Marinelli last January, they were denied permission by the Bucs to interview Barry for the defensive coordinator's position. Barry was unsuccessful in several attempts to get out of the final year of his contract with the Bucs, then opted not to sign an extension so he could pursue other opportunities.

   The Lions defense suffered numerous injuries and finished fifth-worst in the NFL, allowing 345 yards per game.

end.