Former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith is close to completing a deal to become the new man in charge of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Buccaneers appear to have moved quickly to replace Greg Schiano, who was fired on Monday after just two seasons in the position.
Smith was defensive coordinator with Tampa Bay between 1996 and 2000, before taking charge of the Bears for nine seasons until 2012.
NFL.com reporter Ian Rapoport said: "It's happened quickly. Just a day after firing Schiano, the organisation were in Chicago meeting with Lovie Smith and talking up contracts.
"There is familiarity between the coach and the team with him having been a coach there before. He loves the city and the franchise, so it's a good fit.
"The Buccaneers acted fast because they knew the Detroit Lions had Smith high up on their list of candidates for their managerial position too."
Former Cal head coach Jeff Tedford is rumoured to be brought in as Smith's offensive coordinator, while Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Rod Marinelli is the first choice to become defensive coordinator. If the Buccaneers don't get permission to speak to Marinelli, ex-Minnesota Vikings man Leslie Frazier could step in to the role.
Joe McPhee
