In 2004 Tucker became the co-defensive coordinator under Jim Tressel with the Buckeyes. Tucker stepped up to the NFL where he became the defensive backs coach with the Cleveland Browns from 2005-07. In 2008,
was promoted to defensive coordinator.
Cleveland finished the 2008 season 26th in total defense, 16th in scoring defensive and third in takeaways. Not surprisingly under Tucker, the Browns allowed fewer yards passing than rushing. Cleveland finished 14th in the NFL in 2008 in passing yards allowed, 10th in passing TDs allowed and second in interceptions.
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Those numbers were a bit misleading as Cleveland was 29th in passing yards allowed per play. The Browns rushing offense in Tucker’s first season as an NFL defensive coordinator was a sieve. Cleveland was 28th in rushing yards allowed, 21st in rushing TDs allowed and 25th in yards per attempt.
After one season as the defensive coordinator in Cleveland, Tucker migrated to Florida to accept the same position with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tucker had mixed success in Jacksonville. His best season leading the Jaguars defense came in 2011. Jacksonville finished the 2011 season sixth in total defense and 11th in scoring.
After Jack Del Rio was fired with five games remaining in the 2011 regular season, Tucker became the interim head coach and led the Jaguars to a 2-3 finish. Tucker remained the defensive coordinator and gained the added title as assistant head coach the next season under Mike Mullarkey.
Tucker left Jacksonville for the Chicago Bears for the 2013 and ’14 seasons. A franchise that prides itself on defense was abysmal under Tucker. Chicago finished 30th in total defense both seasons lead by Tucker and 30th and 31st in scoring defense. He was fired by Chicago following the 2014 season.