Les Steckel directed the Buccaneers' offense for one year
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced the termination of offensive coordinator Les Steckel.
"This is the hard part of the business that nobody likes because it involves someone's livelihood and family," said Buccaneers head coach Tony Dungy. "Les did a good job for us, as evidenced by the fact that we set four club records on offense. Our red zone efficiency was also one of the best in the league this season.
"However, in looking at what we want to accomplish with this team in the future, we felt this move would benefit us in the long term. We will immediately begin the process of finding a new offensive coordinator and hope to have that process completed in the very near future."
A press briefing with Dungy on the subject has been scheduled for noon Tuesday at One Buccaneer Place.
Steckel was appointed Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator on February 20, 2000, after the team chose not to renew the contract of former coordinator Mike Shula. Steckel came to the Bucs after five seasons with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, the last three as the team's offensive coordinator.
The offensive records broken by the Buccaneers during the 2000 season included points scored (388), scoring margin ( 119 points), touchdowns (43) and average yards per rush (4.2). The team also improved from worst in the league in red zone touchdown efficiency in 1999 to sixth in 2000.
Steckel is the second member of Dungy's staff to depart since the 2000 season ended. On Monday, former Buccaneers Linebackers Coach Lovie Smith was named defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams.
