Lovie Smith: 'My experience will help Tampa Bay Buccaneers'

Lovie Smith has said that his experience as head coach with the Chicago Bears will help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The 55-year-old was appointed as the NFC South side's new head coach following the dismissal of Greg Schiano at the end of the 2013 season.

Smith told the Bucs' official website: "My time in Chicago, of course it was my first head-coaching job, so I did learn a lot from start to finish, but it was just a great experience.

"As I come here as a coach that has spent nine years in the league, every situation that will come up I think I've been in. I can draw on all of those experiences to help me in this situation."

The Buccaneers have not reached the playoffs since 2007.