TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 16 (UPI) -- After a month-long search, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, jilted by Bill Parcells and unable to pry Jon Gruden from Oakland, apparently are on the verge of hiring San Francisco Coach Steve Mariucci, who still has two years left on his contract with the 49ers.
Niners General Manager Terry Donahue has confirmed that the team has given the Bucs permission to speak with Mariucci.
"This is a unique opportunity for Steve," Donahue said. "My feeling is that we would not have granted permission if it was just
to take over as coach."
The Tampa Tribune is reporting that the Bucs already have cleared a major hurdle by agreeing on a compensation package
with the 49ers if Mariucci agrees to become coach and general manager.
The Bucs were unable to put together a compensation package to the liking of Oakland managing general partner Al Davis for Gruden, who has one year left on
his contract with the Raiders.
But they reportedly were able to satisfy the Niners with a package that likely includes at least one first-round draft pick and a second-round selection.
"I believe it will be the early part of next week that he will inform us of his decision," Donahue said. "Other than that, we will just have to wait and see."
The naming of Mariucci will likely expedite the departure of current General Manager Rich McKay, who has a questionable future in Tampa Bay after his recommendation of Marvin Lewis for the
coaching job was rejected by team's vice presidents Joel, Ed and Bryan Glazer, the sons of Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer.
McKay, who has one year left on his contract, met with new Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank last Thursday concerning that team's general manager's position.
Mariucci, 46, appears to be a perfect fit for Tampa Bay because he is an offensive-minded coach. The Niners have averaged 362.7 yards in his five-year tenure.
The Glazer family cited offensive problems as the reason for the firing of Tony Dungy last month.
The Bucs made the playoffs four of the last five seasons on the strength of a strong defense led by tackle Warren
Sapp, linebacker Derrick Brooks and safety John Lynch. The offense never ranked higher than 21st, despite the additions of wide
receiver Keyshawn Johnson and quarterback Brad Johnson over the past two seasons.
Mariucci has compiled a 49-36 record, including the postseason, and led the Niners to three playoff appearances. Last season, San Francisco tied for the fourth-best record in the NFL at 12-4, but lost in the NFC wild card round to Green Bay.
Also, Mariucci was courted by Notre Dame last month, but decided at that time to remain with the 49ers.
Mariucci became embroiled in a public feud with star wide receiver Terrell Owens, who often questioned the team's offensive game plans.
After Parcells decided to stay retired, the Bucs then made a pitch for Gruden before McKay's recommendation of Lewis, who has since been hired as defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins, was rejected. He held a similar position with the Baltimore Ravens.
