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Bucs turn to John McNulty as quarterbacks coach

 
Published Jan. 19, 2013

TAMPA — Bucs coach Greg Schiano finally has his man, and Josh Freeman has a new quarterbacks coach. John McNulty, who coached quarterbacks and receivers for the Cardinals for the past four years, has agreed to terms with the Buccaneers.

McNulty replaces Ron Turner, who took the head coaching job at Florida International University.

Mike Sullivan will remain as offensive coordinator, and Randy Melvin will stay as defensive line coach, general manager Mark Dominik said.

"(McNulty) will come in here and work closely with Mike Sullivan, obviously work with Josh Freeman, and bring another really great mind to this offense to continue to develop our Buccaneer offense,'' Dominik said. "Sullivan was able to interview him. He felt just as comfortable and as confident as Greg did in terms of his ability, so that's why it was an exciting hire.''

McNulty served on Schiano's staff at Rutgers from 2004-08 and was offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach during his last three seasons with the Scarlet Knights.

After being hired by the Bucs on Jan. 26, Schiano tried to pry McNulty from Arizona to make him offensive coordinator. But the Cardinals would not grant permission for an interview.

"He had been promoted,'' Dominik said. "He got promoted from the wide receivers coach to the quarterbacks coach last year.''

This offseason, McNulty was fired along with Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt and his staff.

Under McNulty, Rutgers set school records for total offense (5,841 yards), points (421) and first downs (295). They also became the first team in NCAA history to have a 3,000-yard passer (Mike Teal, 3,147), a 2,000-yard rusher (Ray Rice, 2,069), and two 1,000-yard receivers (Kenny Britt, 1,232, and Tiquan Underwood, 1,100).

The Bucs still have to hire a wide receivers and defensive backs coach.

Around the league: Cards turn to Arians

TEMPE, Ariz. — After nearly 38 years in the business, at age 60, Bruce Arians finally is an NFL head coach.

Arians was introduced as coach of the Cardinals, promising to build a team that's "smart, disciplined, fast and physical — accountable, no excuses."

He went 9-3 as interim coach in Indianapolis this season after Chuck Pagano left to be treated for leukemia.

Bengal arrested: Bengals offensive tackle Andre Smith, 25, was free on bond after his arrest Thursday on a charge of carrying a loaded gun at Atlanta's Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. A .38-caliber handgun was found in his carry-on, Atlanta police Sgt. Greg Lyon said.

CRABTREE QUESTIONED: Police in San Francisco said they're investigating a sexual assault allegation involving 49ers receiver Michael Crabtree. The statement said Crabtree hasn't been detained or arrested.

PANTHERS tab mike shula: Former Bucs offensive coordinator Mike Shula was named to the same post with Carolina. He had been quarterbacks coach with the Panthers, who also promoted Richard Rodgers (special teams coordinator) and Ricky Proehl (receivers).

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PRO BOWL: Cowboys linebacker Anthony Spencer will replace injured Packer Clay Matthews.

BEARS: Jacksonville's Mel Tucker was named defensive coordinator, replacing Rod Marinelli. Matt Cavanaugh (quarterbacks) and Skip Peete (running backs) were named assistants.

BROWNS: Michael Lombardi was named vice president of player personnel. Lombardi, who spent the past five years on the NFL Network, was with the original Browns from 1987-95 as pro personnel director. Also, former Cardinals assistant Ray Horton was named defensive coordinator.

CHARGERS: New coach Mike McCoy retained John Pagano as defensive coordinator.

COLTS: Stanford offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton will accept the same position with Indianapolis, the Associated Press reported. He will be reunited with QB Andrew Luck.

EAGLES: The club released defensive coordinator Todd Bowles from his contract to let him interview with other teams, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

JETS: John Idzik, who spent 11 seasons in the Bucs' front office, was named GM. He had been Seattle's vice president of football administration. Also, Marty Mornhinweg was named offensive coordinator.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.