Schiano welcomes Tampa challenges

Former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was introduced as the new coach of the underperforming Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was introduced as the new coach of the underperforming Tampa Bay Buccaneers. (CHRIS O'MEARA / Associated Press)
Associated Press
Posted: January 28, 2012

TAMPA, Fla. - Greg Schiano relishes the challenge of trying to turn around the struggling Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 45-year-old former Rutgers coach was formally introduced Friday as the ninth coach in franchise history, inheriting a team that allowed the most points in the NFL this season.

"We're beginning a new chapter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Bucs cochairman Joel Glazer said.

Glazer said Schiano "has a vision for what he wants to do."

Schiano transformed Rutgers from a struggling college football program into a Big East contender during an 11-year run with the Scarlet Knights.

The Bucs are banking on him to have the same kind of impact in Tampa Bay, which has not won a playoff game since winning the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.

"There's been several opportunities to go to places that were quote, unquote bigger names or bigger programs," Schiano said.

"And at times I listened. But when I tried to put myself there, it just didn't feel good.

"As I went through this process, and pictured myself being the coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I only felt one feeling that was negative and that was sadness of leaving my players [at Rutgers]."

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