The first order of business for new Bucs coach Raheem Morris is to hire an offensive coordinator.

Chances are he has Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates on speed dial.

Like Morris, the 32-year-old Bates came to the Bucs in 2002 as a quality control coach. He has remained close to Morris through the years.

Last season, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan entrusted the play-calling duties to Bates after Mike Heimerdinger left to be the Titans offensive coordinator.

Bates also drew raves for his work with Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler. The Bucs eventually will have to acquire a young quarterback to build the franchise around.

"Jeremy's doing a heck of a job with the play-calling, changing things up, great relationship with the quarterbacks, studying, growing,' Shanahan said earlier this year. "Fun to see a guy work with the quarterbacks like that. Reminds me of me when I was a little younger.''

Bates is a candidate for the Lions offensive coordinator's job. Another name to keep an eye on is Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who may or may not be retained after the Jets hire a new head c oach.