Defensive assistant leaving for Lions

Just hours after the Bucs wrapped up a deal with defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, we've learned that assistant defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake will be named the secondary coach in Detroit.

Lake was in Detroit for an interview and apparently did well. After working under Kiffin the past two years and behind dynamic defensive backs Raheem Morris in 2007, it figures Lake would be prepared for his next challenge. The Bucs had the No. 1 pass defense in the NFL in 2007, allowing 170.5 yards per game. Lake will be working under defensive coordinator Joe Barry, formerly Tampa Bay's linebackers coach and son-in-law of Detroit coach Rod Marinelli.

Expect the Bucs to begin interviewing to fill this new opening as well as the one left by running backs coach Art Valero's departure, at the Senior Bowl next week.