The Buccaneers made another change at head coach in 2014, bringing back Lovie Smith, who started his NFL career in Tampa and later coached the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl appearance. The move didn't immediately produce a team turnaround, as the Bucs slid to a league-worst 2-14 record, its worst outcome since 1986. Under new General Manager Jason Licht, the Buccaneers were busy in free agency, though such additions as tackle Anthony Collins and defensive end Michael Johnson failed to work out in the end. A training camp trade for Patriots guard Logan Mankins was more effective, and the first-round draft pick of wide receiver Mike Evans landed the franchise a future Hall of Famer. The Bucs also signed journeyman quarterback Josh McCown, who was coming off a strong season with the Bears, but he went 1-10 in 11 starts and had 14 interceptions against 11 touchdowns. McCown did have a fine receiving duo in Evans (1,051 yards, 12 touchdowns) and Vincent Jackson (1,002 yards) but Doug Martin had another injury-marred season and the run game ranked 29th in the league. Gerald McCoy led the defense with 8.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl but the Bucs suffered multiple blowouts, including a 56-14 loss at Atlanta in Week Three that was 56-0 after three quarters.
