Morris introduced as Bucs head coach
Published: January 17th, 2009 | Tags: Mark Dominik, Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris O'Meara/AP
Ending a whirlwind 24 hours in Tampa, the Buccaneers officially named Raheem Morris as their head coach and Mark Dominik as their general manager Saturday.
“Both of these men bleed Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” Bucs executive vice president Joel Glazer said while announcing the two promotions.
Morris, who was promoted from defensive assistant to defensive coordinator to head coach in less than one month, wore a big smile as he first addressed the media. He said he was “really fired up for this opportunity. I can’t wait.”
Earlier this offseason, he interviewed for the Denver Broncos’ head-coaching job, which went to Josh McDaniels.
Morris, 32, replaces Jon Gruden, who was fired Friday after seven seasons as the Bucs’ head coach. Morris revealed that he had communicated with Gruden on Saturday. Gruden’s message? “He said take this thing and run with it.”
Morris also said that “a plan is in place” for the Bucs’ coaching staff, but he wouldn’t go into specifics.
Dominik, who replaces Bruce Allen as GM, joined Tampa Bay in 1995 and had served as the team’s director of pro personnel for the past eight years. Dominik didn’t address the media during the press conference.