As expected, Brad Childress and Marty Schottenheimer were the latest veteran coaches to interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bucs are in the market for an experienced coach. Childress, the former Minnesota Vikings coach, interviewed Monday, according to The Tampa Bay Times. The Times also reported that Schottenheimer came away impressed after his interview Tuesday.
Schottenheimer didn't elaborate on the meeting, according to the report, but he called it "very positive."
"I really enjoyed the dialogue, and we all agreed that we would speak again in the near future," Schottenheimer said.
Childress also declined to offer details of the interview.
The Bucs also have talked to Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray and former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman. Current Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips also is expected to meet with the team later this week.
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora has reported Sherman is well-positioned as the favorite for the position.
It's possible Childress could surface as an offensive coordinator for the Bucs, according to La Canfora. As he engages in talks with the team, one thing that is clear is Childress is a believer in young quarterback Josh Freeman.
"They have a good, young football team," Childress told The Times on Tuesday. "I liked Josh when he came out of college. You know, if you don't have (a quarterback), you're always looking for one, and I believe he can be that guy and I like him a lot."
If he finds a spot in Tampa, Childress could play a big part in grooming Freeman, a former first-round draft pick who regressed in 2011 after a promising second NFL season.
