Schiano learns the power of Belichick

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Bill Belichick and Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano are good buddies, and here are a few for instances to prove it.

In the past, Belichick has spoken at Schiano's summer camp.

Last year, Schiano let Belichick's son Stephen walk on to the Rutgers football team.

Last season, during the Pats' bye week, Belichick traveled with Rutgers (on the team charter) for a game in Louisville. He reportedly sat next to Schiano on the plane and talked defense the whole way down.

In December, when Belichick was asked about having four Rutgers alums on his roster, he said: Coach Schiano, I have a good relationship with him and anytime hes told me anything, its always been 100 percent accurate. A player that hes familiar with, I would definitely want to take the opportunity to get his opinion and see what he thinks because of his experience and the amount of respect I have for him."

Last January, when Schiano left Rutgers for Tampa Bay, Belichick wasted no time offering up his approval: Obviously, hes done a great job at Rutgers. And I think hes a tremendous coach, he's done a great job with that program, and his players have been very pro ready. They may not be first-round picks or whatever, but they have enough talent to really compete in the NFL and most of them end up staying in one way or another. I think thats a credit to the preparation and the program he has built there."

There are some who believe that Belichick was integral in Schiano getting hired in the first place.

I've heard they like to refer to themselves as "Thunder buddies."

Like I said, they're good pals. But today, Schiano learned that it doesn't matter what kind of off-the-field relationship you have with Belichick, once you're a head coach in the NFL shark tank, you're no less likely to feel his bite.

What am I talking about? Well, here was the report out of Tampa Bay earlier this week (from beat guy Stephen Holder) surrounding Olympic sprinter and former Florida RB Jeff Demps:
Last points on Demps: He's now heard from every NFL team, more than he expected. Bucs definitely a front runner. Decision likely by Monday Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 15, 2012
Here was the news today (courtesy of local reporter Kevin O'Donnell):

Fox 13 Sports (WTVT-Tampa) has learned that Jeff Demps will be a New England Patriot. Decision came down to NE and Bucs. Off. ann. soon. Kevin O'Donnell (@ODonnellFox13) August 17, 2012
As to why Demps ultimately went with the Pats, O'Donnell added: "Demps just felt New England is a better fit."

Of course he did.

Welcome to the NFL, Coach Schiano.

And as for Demps, here's a little of what we have to look forward to:

Rich can be reached at rlevine@comcastsportsnet.com. Follow Rich on Twitter at http:twitter.comrich_levine

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