Boston College Football Coaching Search: Tampa Bay OC Mike Sullivan On BC's Radar

We've already heard two NFL coordinators/assistants linked to the Boston College football coaching search -- New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. and offensive line / running game coordinator Aaron Kromer. You can now add a third NFL assistant from the NFC South to that list.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan has expressed an interest in the vacant Boston College football head coaching position.

Sullivan, the first year offensive coordinator under Bucs coach Greg Schiano, previously served as an assistant in the New York Giants organization for eight seasons under Coughlin. He was responsible for coaching the Giants quarterbacks from 2010-11. Before working with Eli Manning and the Giants QBs, Sullivan instructed the Giants wide receivers for six seasons.

Prior to his time with the Giants, the 45-year old Bucs OC also made career stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ohio (2001), Youngstown State (1997-98), Army (1995-96, 1999-00) and Humboldt State (1993). At Youngstown State, Sullivan coached under Jim Tressel, helping lead the Penguins to the Division I-AA National Championship.

A West Point grad, Sullivan played defensive back at Army. He's a graduate of the U.S. Army Airborne, Ranger and Air Assault school and holds a Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You know, to keep future coordinators in line.

Sullivan credits his military service as a major influence in his success as an NFL assistant.

"I learned that the mission is what's all-important,'' Sullivan said of his military training. "It's the sacrifice, the ability to pull together and overcome differences to achieve a common goal. And that's how I learned to maintain an even keel as a leader, not getting too high or too low.

"I know if I start to get frustrated or show any lack of confidence or fear, others will sense that. Through my time in the academy and my time in the service, those traits were critical.''

The 6-5 Buccaneers are on the road today as they face the Denver Broncos.