The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed tackle Demar Dotson to a two-year year, the team announced Wednesday.

Dotson, who can back up both tackle positions, was a restricted free agent.

The Bucs also officially announced the signing of cornerback Ronde Barber to a one-year contract.

Dotson played in 13 games with the Bucs last season and made his first two pro starts, both as a second tight end. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2009 with the Bucs. He has played in 22 career games with two starts.

PALM BEACH — The hardest part of making a trade often is finding a partner to trade with, something Bucs GM Mark Dominik undoubtedly knows.

But if a team gets the urge to make a draft-night trade for Tampa Bay’s No. 5 overall selection, Dominik will consider their offer with an open mind.

Dominik has ruled out trading up, but would welcome a trad down, he said this week at the NFL owners meetings. Such a move would likely provide additional lower-round picks.

“I really like where we’re at in the draft, picking No. 5,” Dominik said. “I know that we’ll walk out with a good player if we stay at 5. But I’m willing to move back if I feel like the opportunity is there.”

Dominik later added, “If I can move down some, do I? Yes. If I don’t, then I’m happy where we’re going to be at 5.”

Teams rarely trade up near the top of the draft unless there is considerable value to be had, such as a top-flight quarterback who falls unexpectedly. The top quarterbacks in this draft, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, are expected to be chosen with the first two picks by the Colts and Redskins, respectively.

But there is an outside chance the Vikings won’t take USC tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3, meaning he could fall to the Bucs. Tampa Bay might receive offers for the pick under that unlikely scenario, but might be tempted to select the top offensive lineman in the draft, too.

“I wouldn’t rule it out,” Dominik said.

NO INTERVIEW CHANGES: During this year’s search for assistant coaches, the Bucs were repeatedly blocked by other clubs when attempting to interview assistant coaches who were under contract.

The rules that permit those decisions aren’t likely to change.

While the league is discussing several potential rules changes at its meetings, there won’t be debate about softening interview guidelines. Competition Committee chairman and Falcons president Rich McKay said the issue was not raised in the lengthy annual team surveys the committee distributes, meaning no change in the rule will be discussed.

“We expected to see some (feedback) in the surveys and really didn’t see it,” McKay said. “We had talked about the anti-tampering rules for an awfully long time (in previous years). The ruling we got to is that a contract is a contract.”

BUCS BITS: Because the Bucs changed coaches, they can begin offseason work with players and the coaching staff on Monday. Other teams have to wait until April 16. The Bucs will begin with classroom work and meetings then progress to a minicamp later in the month. … Don’t look for the Bucs to sign a starting-caliber linebacker before the draft because the new coaching staff first wants to take a closer look at the current group during minicamp. Mason Foster, for the time being, will remain at middle linebacker.

PALM BEACH –

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers should draft Morris Claiborne with the No. 5 pick and then release troubled cornerback Aqib Talib, according to Fox NFL analyst Tim Ryan.

Speaking Monday at the start of the league’s annual spring meeting, Ryan said the Bucs can no longer count on Talib, who faces a trial next month in Texas on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

“You can’t trust Talib — his behavior pattern tells you that,” said Ryan, who also co-hosts “Movin’ the Chains” on Sirius XM NFL Radio. “Even if he gets acquitted, you can’t trust him. How many opportunities has he had? It’s time to wave goodbye. He’s one of the most talented corners in this league, but you can’t control him. When it gets to crunch time, he reacts with poor judgment.”

Ryan said Claiborne, who won the 2011 Jim Thorpe Award at LSU as the nation’s top defensive back, is a good fit for the Buccaneers and new head coach Greg Schiano.

Unlike last year, Tampa Bay was very active when free agency opened two weeks ago, signing Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson, Saints guard Carl Nicks and Lions cornerback Eric Wright to lucrative contracts.

“They were aggressive to make a statement to their fans and to improve the football team,” Ryan said. “Going into 2012, I don’t think a lot of Buc fans were convinced winning was the No. 1 priority in Tampa. When they fired Jon Gruden and hired Raheem Morris, not a lot of people thought the Glazers were putting winning first. And I think those fans felt exactly the same way when Schiano was hired.

“I don’t know Greg, and I’ve heard good things about him, but he wasn’t exactly a hot name that came off the list. I do think ownership had something to prove when free agency began. They had tremendous cap space and I think they made good moves.”

Ryan said the addition of Jackson, a 6-foot-5 target who has averaged 17.5 yards per catch in seven NFL seasons, will energize Tampa Bay’s passing game.

“I think of Josh Freeman’s struggles and the regression of Mike Williams last year … what Jackson will do is open up the coverage,” Ryan said. “When Josh gets to the line, I guarantee eight out of 10 times he’s going to know what the coverage is, just based on the caliber of player Jackson is. You can go out of frame and Jackson can still go up and get the ball. His ball skills are that good.

“I think Josh will reel it in and not try to win every game with his arm, but the big question in Tampa is are the Bucs going to have to win every game 38-35, because there’s still a long way to go with that defense.”

TAMPA — There is no longer a flat earth view of running backs in the NFL.

The Bucs have only two on their roster, LeGarrette Blount and Mossis Madu, perhaps hinting they will address the position in the draft. But in a passing league, the position continues to be devalued.

Michael Bush, formerly of the Raiders, entered free agency as the top running back available. But he received only a four-year, $14 million contract to back up or share duties with Matt Forte in Chicago. Mike Tolbert, formerly of the Chargers, signed a four-year deal worth only about $2.1 million per season with Carolina and could play fullback.

Bucs coach Greg Schiano says he wants his offense to be physical, run the ball and use play-action to take shots downfield. But the most celebrated free agent the Bucs have signed is WR Vincent Jackson. He will help the running game by stretching the field, and ex-Saints G Carl Nicks also will help.

At some point, the Bucs have to add a running back. Alabama’s Trent Richardson is possible with the No. 5 overall pick. But if the Bucs go the free agent route, they won’t break the bank.

SWEET 16: It would have been more shocking if CB Ronde Barber decided not to return for a 16th season.

Not only was Barber the most consistent player on defense last season, the Bucs don’t have an abundance of quality defensive backs even with the signing of CB Eric Wright.

With his felony assault trial set to begin April 16, the status of CB Aqib Talib remains unknown. The team is committed to drafting a cornerback. But who knows in what round that will happen?

Barber will have great opportunities whenever he decides to retire. But he always has said he never had a Plan B. And if it comes down to it, Wright is versatile.

“In my history, I have played left corner, right corner. I have played the nickel back,” Wright said. “I’ve played all three positions in one game before. I think in watching film, (the Bucs) saw that and knew that I have the ability to play any spot that they need me to.”

HOMECOMING: Nothing is finer than to be a 49er for QB Josh Johnson.

The former Bucs backup grew up in Oakland, Calif., but he was a 49ers fan even though he was only 8 when they won their last Super Bowl behind QB Steve Young.

So given the opportunity to play for his adopted team and reunite with coach Jim Harbaugh, for whom he played at the University of San Diego, Johnson didn’t hesitate to sign a two-year contract.

“It’s home,” Johnson said Friday. “That’s the obvious thing. That’s one of the things I know for sure; my development will continue out here under Coach Harbaugh.

“I know how he’s going to push me and know the hard work and what’s expected.”

Another possibility for Johnson was the Redskins, where he would have been reunited with former Bucs coach Raheem Morris and GM Bruce Allen.

“When you look at it from top to bottom with the 49ers, there’s so many people on the offensive staff that I’ve already played under, it was a natural fit,” Johnson said.

Johnson, 25, likely will have to compete with second-year pro Colin Kaepernick for the No. 2 spot behind Alex Smith, who re-signed for three years after a brief flirtation with the Dolphins.

San Francisco traded up nine spots in the second round to select Kaepernick last year. But as a team with high expectations, it might not believe he’s ready for the No. 2 spot.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com.

TAMPA — All Ronde Barber needed was a few more aging partners in prime.

The Bucs cornerback, who turns 37 on April 7, said he was encouraged by the team’s signing of three marquee veteran free agents last week. So he informed the Bucs on Wednesday he will return for a 16th season and agreed to a one-year deal.

“I’m really excited about the direction of the team, the moves we’ve made, and I can’t wait to get back to work,” Barber said in a statement released by the team.

When asked why he wanted to continue playing instead of thinking AARP, Barber said in a text message to the Tampa Bay Times, “Because I can. And there is nothing as yet that says I cannot.”

The Bucs committed $140.5 million in the first 24 hours of the free agent signing period last week, agreeing to contracts with Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson (29), Saints guard Carl Nicks (27 in May) and Lions cornerback Eric Wright (27 in July). Barber is the only player on the roster older than 30, but a few teammates are creeping up on it.

Terms of Barber’s contract were not disclosed. The Bucs captain signed a one-year, $4 million deal to play in 2011.

“Man, I’m so glad Ronde coming back that’s a great attribute to our organization not only on the field but off as well,” defensive end Da’Quan Bowers said on Twitter.

Barber has the NFL’s longest streak of consecutive-games started, 199, most by a cornerback in league history. He broke his right arm in last season’s finale at Atlanta and did not play in the second half, but he is expected to be ready for offseason workouts.

Coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik met with Barber just before the start of free agency and informed him they wanted him to play in 2012. Barber said he needed time to decide.

“Mark did a good job making me feel like I should be back,” Barber said.

Schiano will be the fourth Bucs head coach for Barber, who was a third-round draft pick by Tampa Bay out of Virginia in 1997.

Barber presumably will compete for the starting right cornerback spot with Wright, who signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract last week. Left cornerback Aqib Talib has another year on his contract and is expected to return, pending the outcome of his trial in Texas on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, scheduled to begin April 16.

Barber, a five-time Pro Bowl player, was the team’s most consistent defensive player last season with 79 tackles, a sack and three interceptions. He also recorded five tackles for loss, 11 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He was one of only two Bucs to compile a statistic in every defensive category.

But his future was uncertain after the team fired Raheem Morris as coach after a 4-12 record in 2011, including 10 straight losses to end the season.

Assuming Talib’s legal problems are resolved in his favor, the Bucs should be improved in the secondary after allowing a league-worst 30 touchdown passes last season.

The Bucs also are expected to draft a cornerback, possibly with the No. 5 overall selection. Louisiana State’s Morris Claiborne is a player they are considering if he is available. The Bucs this offseason hired Claiborne’s defensive backs coach at LSU, Ron Cooper, to coach their secondary.

. fast facts

Ronde Barber

• Heads into 16th season

• Turns 37 on April 7

• Bucs record for games played (225)

• Leads active NFL players in consecutive starts (199), most all time for a cornerback

• Only NFL player with at least 25 sacks and 40 interceptions; has 27 and 43, respectively

• Voted to NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Read More: Ronde Barber (CB – TAM), Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ronde Barber will make it 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Jay Glazer of FOXSports.com, Barber and the Bucs agreed to a one-year contract. Barber was originally drafted by the team in the third round of the 1997 NFL draft. Incredible run for him that will last one more year.

Retirement was obviously an option that a lot of people speculated on following the season, but the Bucs told Barber last week that they want him back. New head coach Greg Schiano was expected to sit down with Barber sometime after he was hired.

Barber is coming off of an injury after fracturing his forearm in Week 17, but he should be good to go for OTAs.

The Bucs free agency has been highlighted by more than a few dollars spent, including a few on Vincent Jackson and Carl Nicks.

For more on the Buccaneers in free agency, visit SB Nation’s Bucs Nation. And for more on Tampa sports, visit SB Nation Tampa Bay.

By the end of 2011, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had developed a formidable defensive end rotation that coaches hope will be a reason the defense shows dramatic improvement in 2012.

A big part of that defensive end unit was Michael Bennett, who now will be officially be a part of it after signing his restricted free agent tender today.

The Bucs had placed a first-round tender on Bennett, essentially protecting the team with first-round pick compensation from any team that signed him to a competing contract. That, and the $2.7 million salary that accompanies the decision, was a strong indication of the Bucs’ feelings for Bennett.

Bennett, 26, had a breakout season in 2011 playing mostly left defensive end. He registered four sacks in 14 games (10 starts), but was among the defense’s most consistent players during one of the franchise’s worst defensive seasons. His ability to play both the run and pass is valued by coaches, as is his flexibility. Bennett has played extensively at defensive tackle on passing downs, despite being just 274 pounds.

With Bennett, the Bucs are likely to use a defensive end rotation that also includes 2011 rookies Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduced the three newest pillars of their organization this afternoon, holding a spirited press conference at One Buc Place with free-agent pickups Vincent Jackson, Eric Wright and Carl Nicks.

While each traveled different roads to Tampa, they all opted to join the Buccaneers for similar reasons – besides the combined $140 million in contracts they garnered.

This is a trio that has bought into the Bucs’ intentions to show rapid improvement after last season’s 4-12 campaign.

“It’s very appealing to us,” Jackson said of the opportunity. “It’s an opportunity to do something special. If we didn’t believe that it could happen here with the guys that they have, we probably would’ve been happy to stay where we were at. But Coach (Greg Schiano) called me yesterday right on time. He said, ‘We’re going to start this thing.’ We’re all hungry to prove something. I can’t wait for that first ball to be kicked off.”

Nicks, who the Bucs made the NFL’s highest-paid guard with a $47.5 million deal, was energized by the team’s seeming intent to make a push for a big season.

“Right when I got off the plane (on Tuesday night), I checked my phone and I saw that they had signed Jackson,” Nicks said. “I said, ‘Okay, they’re doing something here.’ We’re all kind of starting fresh. To be a part of something that’s eventually going to be great is a good feeling. And to know that I’m a building block, it’s a good feeling. It’s humbling and it makes you hungry and it makes you want to work. I look forward to the challenge.”

For Eric Wright, who the Bucs flew in from the West Coast on a chartered jet along with Vincent Jackson, has big plans with the Bucs.

“You get to know people (around the league) and they all say the same thing: It’s a team you want to play for and it’s an organization that you want to be a part of,” Wright said. “Everybody has one goal and that’s to win. I want to help them win and I’m here now, so that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers introduced the three newest pillars of their organization this afternoon, holding a spirited press conference at One Buc Place with free-agent pickups Vincent Jackson, Eric Wright and Carl Nicks.

While each traveled different roads to Tampa, they all opted to join the Buccaneers for similar reasons – besides the combined $140 million in contracts they garnered.

This is a trio that has bought into the Bucs’ intentions to show rapid improvement after last season’s 4-12 campaign.

“It’s very appealing to us,” Jackson said of the opportunity. “It’s an opportunity to do something special. If we didn’t believe that it could happen here with the guys that they have, we probably would’ve been happy to stay where we were at. But Coach (Greg Schiano) called me yesterday right on time. He said, ‘We’re going to start this thing.’ We’re all hungry to prove something. I can’t wait for that first ball to be kicked off.”

Nicks, who the Bucs made the NFL’s highest-paid guard with a $47.5 million deal, was energized by the team’s seeming intent to make a push for a big season.

“Right when I got off the plane (on Tuesday night), I checked my phone and I saw that they had signed Jackson,” Nicks said. “I said, ‘Okay, they’re doing something here.’ We’re all kind of starting fresh. To be a part of something that’s eventually going to be great is a good feeling. And to know that I’m a building block, it’s a good feeling. It’s humbling and it makes you hungry and it makes you want to work. I look forward to the challenge.”

For Eric Wright, who the Bucs flew in from the West Coast on a chartered jet along with Vincent Jackson, has big plans with the Bucs.

“You get to know people (around the league) and they all say the same thing: It’s a team you want to play for and it’s an organization that you want to be a part of,” Wright said. “Everybody has one goal and that’s to win. I want to help them win and I’m here now, so that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”

Have a good question about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? The Tampa Tribune’s beat writers – Roy Cummings and Ira Kaufman – will answer it.

Click here to send us your own question.

Answered Feb. 27:

Q: Do you think Randy Moss would be worth investigating? If he still has his speed, he could be a game changer for the Bucs’ offense.

Olin Doby, Tampa

A: Don’t hold your breath envisioning Moss in a Bucs uniform. His questionable work ethic likely eliminates him from consideration and he’s probably not the kind of example the new regime wants to set for Tampa Bay’s young WR corps. He’s better off going to a team that is ready to compete for a Super Bowl.

- Ira Kaufman

———

Answered Feb. 24

Q: Do you think Gerald McCoy is a bust yet?

David Z, Oldsmar

A: It’s way to early to label McCoy a bust. He has to show he can avoid injury, but when he is on the field, the Bucs defense plays markedly better. Let’s see what he can do when he’s healthy before passing judgment.

- Ira Kaufman

A: Not a chance. He’s been in the league two years and played less than 20 games, which is not enough of a measuring stick. He does have to find a way to stay healthy, but when he was last year, he was the Bucs best defender.

- Roy Cummings

———

Answered Feb. 22

Q: Do you think the Bucs should look to free agency for a true No. 1 receiver, or take it with their first overall pick?

Rob, St. Petersburg

A: If the Bucs don’t get Vincent Jackson or Dwayne Bowe in free agency, they have to hope Justin Blackmon is still available in the draft at No. 5. They need a big-time playmaker on the flanks to worry defenses and make it easier for Mike Williams to regain his rookie form from 2010. Guys like Marques Colston and Mario Manningham are upgrades, but they’re not wideouts that other teams have to adjust their game plans to neutralize. The dropoff from Blackmon to the next-best receiver in the draft is a steep one.

- Ira Kaufman

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Answered Feb. 20:

Q: Do you truly believe the Bucs will be more active in free agency this year?

- John F Ensch, Clearwater

A: I really do. First off, they have more than $60 million worth of cap space, and they have to spend a lot of that. Second, they have a lot of needs, such as cornerback, linebacker, running back and even receiver that can be addressed in free agency.

Finally, the Bucs laid off of free agency a year ago in part because the short signing period didn’t offer them a chance to really get to know the players they would potentially bring to their team. The Bucs are very methodical about things, even free agency, and they simply weren’t comfortable signing players to five-year, $25 million contracts with big guarantees that they didn’t know almost intimately.

They’ll have a much better chance this year to do the kind of research they want to do in free agency and I think the end result will be at least two or three starting-caliber players as well as some additions aimed at improving the team’s depth at several positions.

- Roy Cummings

—————-

Q: Have we seen the last of all the hires of Bucs assistant coaches?

- Don Wright, Tarpon Springs

A: No, there are still more positions to fill. The Bucs may not have a full staff before they head this week to Indianapolis for the scouting combine.

- Ira Kaufman

————-

Answered Feb. 9:

Q: In the hopes that you have the ear of someone within the Buc’s organization or that at least a few of the decision makers read these columns, how about Derrick Brooks as an assistant coach? Maybe it’s just me but I’d vote for the guy if he ran for president. While they’re at it, why not checkout some of our other retired greats, Mike Alstott might be ready for a change of pace!

Scott Sparenberg, Homestead

A: I think the Bucs would gladly take on some of their past greats as coaches if the greats were interested. As of right now, Derrick Brooks is rather busy running the Arena Football League’s Tampa Bay Storm. I think he’s looking more at a future in management than on the field, much like Doug Williams and Shelton Quarles.

- Roy Cummings

————-

Q: Has the firing of both John Gruden AND Raheem Morris put ownership in a bad light with future coaches?

Christopher King, Jacksonville

A: The Bucs are far from the only franchise that has changed coaches a few times in recent years. Gruden had a seven-year run and Morris had three seasons to prove himself. There were a lot of decent candidates who would have taken the Bucs job, had it been offered to them, so I don’t think it’s fair to say the organization is tainted in terms of attracting head coaching candidates. If you’re referring to potential assistant coaches, the timing of Greg Schiano’s hiring has definitely shrunk the pool of proven candidates.

- Ira Kaufman

——–

Q: Why don’t the Bucs go back to Oregon and get their offensive coordinator – Danny Langsdorf? He has been very successful there and with the Saints. Also why don’t they go out and bring Jim Leavitt back to Tampa as their defensive coordinator?

Steve Hallett, Plant City

A: We don’t know that the Bucs haven’t called Langsdorf or Leavitt. Remember, no one knew Greg Schiano was on the radar until the day he was hired. The same could happen with his staff.

- Roy Cummings

————-

Q: Any chance they would consider drafting Robert Griffin III if he was there at the fifth pick?

Dennis Firlik, Tampa

A: Anything is possible but I don’t think the Bucs are in a position to make a move like that. They have a very good young quarterback in Josh Freeman that they are committed to. They need help elsewhere more than they need someone to challenge Freeman. I’d look for the Bucs to focus on a RB, CB or LB with that first pick.

- Roy Cummings

————-

Q: Our offense had more 3 and out’s than I like to remember last season. If Trent Richardson is there at No. 5, I can’t see how the Bucs can pass on a talent with Adrian Peterson potential. Sometimes the best defence is attack and our inability to score in the first quarter had us always chasing games. What do you all think?

Daman Khangura, London, England

A: I’ve been saying for weeks now that the Bucs’ first pick will be Richardson. A lot can change between now and the draft, but that will likely remain a strong possibility right up to draft day. There’s also a chance the Bucs could get a power back later in the draft and use their first pick on a cornerback. No matter the choice, you want to get someone with the fifth pick overall who can make an immediate impact. All indications are Richardson can do that. And for a team that wants to use a power running game, the pick seems like an easy one.

- Roy Cummings

————-

Answered Feb. 8:

Q: Why are the Bucs having a hard time getting assistant coaches? Can teams really block a coach from interviewing for a position?

John Hamill, Thornton, Colo.

A: We’re not really sure the Bucs ARE having a hard time getting coaches. They haven’t announced any hires, but that doesn’t mean they’re having a hard time getting the guys they want. Remember, they’ve only been at this for a little more than a week now. It may seem like it’s been longer than that, but it’s not.

As for being denied access to coaches, yes that’s legal. According to reports from other media sources, the Bucs have been denied permission to speak to two candidates, but that’s all part of the game. The Bucs blocked several coaches from moving up the ladder with other teams during the Bruce Allen era, so denials aren’t all that unusual, especially this late into what the league calls its hiring season. 

- Roy Cummings

——-

Q: Could the struggles to find assistant coaches indicate that free agents most likely will not come to Tampa?

Gerry Costi, Forked River, N.J.

A: My guess is it will have little to no effect at all. Unless a player wants to play for a specific position coach, the Bucs will get in free agency what they put into it. By that, I mean they’ll get the players they want if they offer the right contract and sell their organization and the opportunity to play here successfully.

- Roy Cummings

——-

Q: I agree with some of your recent comments about free agents. What do you think the possibilities of luring Dwayne Bowe here? I think Williams is a No. 2 in this league and Benn would be great in the slot.  Your thoughts?

Craig, Tampa

A: I think you’re absolutely right about Mike Williams. Even more importantly, the Bucs feel the same way. As for Benn, the Bucs believe his speed is a big asset that might be wasted in the slot. He’s a faster No. 2 than Williams, but still a No. 2 probably. The Bucs definitely need a deep threat to finish off what is a decent receiving corps and Bowe could help there. He’s worth looking at, so he’s someone to keep on the radar as free agency rolls around.

- Roy Cummings

——-

Q: What is your opinion on bringing in un-retired Channing Crowder at linebacker, and going after Matt Flynn to push Josh Freeman at QB??

Tom, Clearwater

A: If Channing Crowder is serious about playing football again he’s worth looking into. The Bucs need help at LB and he could be of some help if he’s in shape and is willing to make the sacrifices necessary to be a top-level player. As for Flynn, I’d love to see him here as a backup to Freeman. My guess, though, is that he’ll be looking for a team that will give him a chance to compete for the starter’s job. If he comes to Tampa he’s starting off behind Freeman, and if he’s willingly going to start a season as a backup to anyone it will probably be Aaron Rodgers.
 
- Roy Cummings

Click here to send us your own question.

After getting off to a slow start, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made considerable progress in assembling a dramatically different coaching staff for the 2012 season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have put in place a very different coaching staff for the 2012 season
Wikimedia Commons

When the team hired longtime Rutgers coach Greg Schiano away from the college ranks, all parties involved—including football fans throughout the Bay Area—agreed that the rookie skipper undoubtedly needed an experienced staff in order to find success.

Despite getting rebuffed in initial requests for interviews due to timing concerns, the Bucs have put together a solid staff in time for the ongoing NFL scouting combine.

The process began with earlier hirings of offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, offensive assistant Jimmy Raye, and special assistant Butch Davis. Over the past few days, however, the club has methodically rounded out its leadership by injecting a diversity of experience into Schiano’s staff.

Working alongside the defensive-minded pair of Schiano and Davis, the defense will be helmed by new coordinator Bill Sheridan. Certainly, local Florida Gators fans enjoyed that the Bucs raided Urban Meyer’s Ohio State staff to secure the 53 year-old, where Sheridan was set to work with the Buckeyes’ secondary.

Much like his counterpart running the offense, Sheridan has studied under celebrated New York Giants Coach Tom Coughlin, for whom he led the team’s defense in 2009. He most recently coached linebackers for the Miami Dolphins, where he worked under veteran coordinator Mike Nolan.

The hiring of Sheridan reaffirms Schiano’s commitment to running an aggressive 4-3 scheme. By hiring an experienced position coach, who has comfortably worked under strong personalities, the Bucs have signaled that their head coach will be very involved in day-to-day scheming and preventing the lackadaisical efforts that doomed the 2011 squad.

On offense, the team is using a similar approach to bolster the preferences of Schiano, while still adding proven coaching talent. Former University of Wisconsin running game coordinator Bob Bostad will now coach Tampa Bay’s offensive line.

Bostad was very successful established a power running attack for the Badgers, which was consistently anchored by strong linemen up front. He will be expected to do the same for Tampa Bay, a team that will certainly be designed to reflect the pro-style rushing preferences of its new leader.

Towards that goal, the Bucs further added veteran running backs coach Earnest Byner. Formerly a power rusher himself, Byner has gained considerable experience coaching the position in the NFL for teams such as the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Byner will be asked to tutor the Bucs’ own bruising back LeGarrette Blount, as well as likely additions to come through the draft and free agency.

While these coaches may not be sexy names, they are experienced coaching minds that appear to smoothly reflect the beliefs of Greg Schiano.

The Bucs were criticized for the relaxed atmosphere instilled by previous coach Raheem Morris. Indeed, it is hard to disagree that such an environment led to a reduced effort by many members of the team during a disastrous 4-12 season in 2011.

Tampa Bay’s new coaching staff reflects a substantial change in approach, which will no longer appear vague or hard to characterize.

Simply put, next year’s squad will be led by grown-ups and Schiano’s footprint will be all over this team.

Source:

Yahoo! Sports, TBO.com

More by Jeff Briscoe from Yahoo! Contributor Network:

Veteran Coach Butch Davis Added to Bucs Staff