New Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano is collecting former New York Giants assistants for his coaching staff.
The Buccaneers have announced the hiring of Bill Sheridan as defensive coordinator. Sheridan, who recently agreed to join Urban Meyer’s staff at Ohio State, spent the past two seasons with the Miami Dolphins after serving as the linebackers coach for the 2007 champion Giants.
Sheridan joins new Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, who coached the Giants quarterbacks last season and also was on the 2007 staff.
The Buccaneers will introduce Sheridan at a press conference Tuesday.
“Bill is a great teacher who brings a tremendous understanding of defensive football to the Buccaneers organization,” Schiano said. “Over the last three decades, he has had the opportunity to work under some great head coaches like Bo Schembechler, Nick Saban, Lloyd Carr, and Tom Coughlin. His experience and knowledge will be a great benefit to our defensive staff.”
VIKINGS -- Officials say talks continue on a new Minnesota stadium proposal.
Representatives of Gov. Mark Dayton, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and the Vikings said Friday that no agreement has been reached on a deal for a new stadium in Minneapolis.
The Vikings have sought a replacement to the Metrodome for nearly a decade. The Vikings’ request has taken on new urgency in recent months because their lease at the Metrodome has expired.
BILLS -- A person familiar with discussions has told The Associated Press that Buffalo and potential free-agent receiver Stevie Johnson have exchanged contract offers and plan to meet again at the NFL combine in Indianapolis next week.
FLORIDA -- The son of retired NFL running back Fred Taylor has decided to attend Florida, a potentially significant recruiting boost for the Gators.
Kelvin Taylor, who broke Emmitt Smith’s state high school rushing record as a junior last season, announced his non-binding, verbal commitment Saturday morning at Florida’s “Junior Day” in Gainesville. He chose Florida over Alabama.
Taylor started playing high school football as an eighth grader and has 9,698 yards rushing in four years at Glades Day High in Belle Glade. ESPN ranks him as a five-star recruit.
Fred Taylor was an All-American at Florida and then played 13 years in the NFL. He ranks 15th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, with 11,695 yards.
Kelvin Taylor, a 5-foot-10, 205-pound back, plans to enroll in school next January.
