The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have confirmed the appointment of former Chicago Bears boss Lovie Smith as their new head coach to replace Greg Schiano.

Love was understood to be the frontrunner earlier today and the club have moved quickly to give their former defensive coordinator the top job.

"Today is an exciting day for the Buccaneer organisation, and the entire Tampa Bay community, as we welcome back Lovie Smith," co-chairman Bryan Glazer told the club's official website.

"We knew from the start of our search that he was the ideal man to lead our team into a new era of Buccaneer football. Lovie is an accomplished and very well-respected head coach who has enjoyed success at every level of his 30-year career."

Smith was in charge of the Bears for nine seasons following his stint at Tampa.