TAMPA, Fla., Dec. 12 (UPI) -- Rich McKay, general manager of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has requested and been granted permission to explore other opportunities in the NFL.
Rumors this week have him headed to the Atlanta Falcons. He has held his current post since 1995.
"We have had an outstanding relationship with Rich for many years and we certainly did not want to impede his desire to pursue other opportunities," executive vice president Joel Glazer.
This paves the way for McKay to possibly become GM of the Falcons, who fired Coach Dan Reeves on Wednesday. McKay interviewed with Atlanta owner Arthur Blank last winter, but decided to stay in Tampa Bay. Now with Reeves out, McKay may be available.
The Bucs signed McKay to a six-year contract in February 2002 after naming Jon Gruden as coach. Despite that, the Bucs will not seek compensation if McKay joins another team.
McKay, promoted to GM in 1995, made his first two draft picks current defensive stars Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks.
