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Buccaneers fire coach Lovie Smith after 2 seasons

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired coach Lovie Smith on Wednesday night.
 
   Smith went 6-10 this season and 8-24 over two years in charge of the team. The announcement came as a surprise to many because Smith's job was not considered to be in danger.
 
   A statement from Buccaneers Co-Chairman Joel Glazer said, "This decision was difficult on a variety of levels. I am disappointed that we were not more successful these past few seasons, but we are committed to doing what is necessary to give our fans the winning team they deserve. `'
 
   General manager Jason Licht will oversee the search for a new coach.
 
   Smith led the Chicago Bears to the NFC title in 2006, when they lost to Indianapolis in the Super Bowl. He was 84-66 in nine seasons with Chicago.