Tampa, FL -- (Sports Network) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris announced Tuesday that defensive coordinator Jim Bates has been demoted.

Morris, in his first year as head coach of Tampa Bay, will take over the defensive play calling for the remaining six games of the season. Meanwhile, Bates will remain with the club to help Morris and the Bucs' staff.

"It is my job to do what I think is best for this organization while I'm running it. That's my decision and I have to go out there and do it. Being proactive in your decisions in your job, I believe is the best thing that you can do. You can sit down and complain, sit in the corner and talk about it. When you actually go out and do something about it, then it is being proactive in my opinion," said Morris.

The move comes after Tampa Bay suffered a 38-7 loss to undefeated New Orleans this past Sunday. The Bucs' defense is ranked 27th in the league, allowing 378.3 yards per game.

Tampa Bay holds a 1-9 record and sits in the basement of the NFC South.