According to the Lantern, an Ohio State University newspaper, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired OSU defensive backs coach Bill Sheridan as their new defensive coordinator. Bill Sheridan was hired as Ohio State's secondary coach this year, after being the Miami Dolphins' linebackers coach for two seasons. His most extensive NFL experience came with the New York Giants when he served as their linebackers coach from 2005 through 2008, and as their defensive coordinator for one season in 2009.
Sheridan was fired by the Giants after the 2009 season, after the team lost 8 of their last 11 games and allowed 40 points in a franchise record five games. The Giants ranked 30th in the league in points allowed that season. Sheridan did run a one-gap 4-3 defense, so there will be no major schematic changes for the Bucs' defense. Greg Schiano and Butch Davis are both expected to put their stamp on the defense, so it's unclear how big of an impact Sheridan will have on the team's defense.
With the hiring of Mike Sullivan as offensive coordinator late last week the Bucs have now filled the most important positions on their coaching staff. It's not entirely clear which position coaches have and haven't been hired, but a special teams coach and offensive line coach are two prominent positions that still appear to be open.