The Bucs have reportedly agreed to a five-year deal with the long-time college coach, who has been handed the reins of an NFL team for the first time.

The 45-year-old built a total record of 49-28 in his 11 seasons in charge of Rutgers, with his most notable achievement a 10-2 season in 2006.

"We are thrilled to introduce Coach Schiano as the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," Tampa Bay co-chairman Joel Glazer told the Bucs' official website.

"During our thorough search, we met with numerous impressive candidates, but Coach Schiano surely distinguished himself.

"From his leadership skills to his impressive track record, he is, simply put, the right man for the job."

General manager Mark Dominik added: "Coach Schiano is a bright, meticulous teacher who knows how to get the most out of his players.

"He built and ran a pro-style program at Rutgers, and he's a defensive-minded coach whose teams have always been characterized by toughness and a physical style of play."

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice, who played under Schiano at Rutgers, was also quick to endorse the Bucs' new boss on Twitter.

"Congrats to coach @GregSchiano the Bucs are getting a great man and a great coach," he wrote.

Tampa Bay fired previous head coach Raheem Morris earlier in January after a disappointing 4-12 season that saw Tampa Bay lose their last 10 games of the campaign.