Paul Hackett, who resigned under pressure Wednesday as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets, is flying to Tampa to interview with coach Jon Gruden for a spot on the Buccaneers' offensive staff, ESPN's Chris Mortensen has learned.
One possible job would be quarterbacks coach; current QB coach John Shoop is seeking an offensive coordinator's post with other teams. A Buccaneers source says Gruden is intrigued by Hackett's 91-54 record as an offensive coordinator.
Also Thursday, sources told ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli that the Bucs have added former Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Aaron Kromer to their staff.
Kromer, 37, will hold the title of "senior assistant" but is expected to work primarily with the offensive line. He spent the last three seasons with the Raiders and originally was hired in Oakland by Gruden.
There has been some speculation that current Tampa Bay offensive line coach Bill Muir, who has one season remaining on his contract, might consider retirement after the 2005 season. If that is the case, Tampa Bay might essentially be grooming Kromer to replace him.
"I leave knowing that I've worked extremely hard and had a hand in the organization's recent success," Hackett, who lost support in New York with his conservative play-calling, said in a statement Wednesday. "We've enjoyed some wonderful moments."
Hackett, who is 57, joined the Jets after serving as head coach at Southern
California from 1998 to 2000. He was also head coach at Pittsburgh
before taking over as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach in
Kansas City from 1993 to 1997.
Just hours after Hackett called it quits Wednesday, the Jets hired Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger as his replacement.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.