Veteran wide receivers coach Richard Mann, who has worked for seven teams during his 20-year NFL career, has been hired by new Tampa Bay head coach Jon Gruden in the same capacity.

Mann, 54, was with the Washington Redskins in 2000 but was released from his contract when coach Marty Schottenheimer was dismissed. The veteran assistant is widely regarded as one of the top receivers coaches in the league, a stickler for detail, and a coach who always stresses the proper technique.

His addition is essentially the first hire by Gruden, who basically inherited the incumbent staff on defense, along with offensive line coach Bill Muir. The Bucs hired Muir three weeks ago, even before they knew who would replace Tony Dungy as head coach. There is a chance that Muir will also take on the title of offensive coordinator.

Gruden interviewed Mann last week along with another candidate, Minnesota receivers coach Charlie Baggett, who subsequently withdrew his name from consideration.

Staffing on the offensive side has been a difficult chore for Gruden, who was precluded by an agreement with Oakland owner Al Davis, from taking any Raiders assistant with him to Tampa Bay. He has also spoken to Clarence Shelmon, who was supposed to have been part of the staff being assembled by Marvin Lewis when he thought he would land the Bucs job, for the position of running backs coach.

The Bucs would like to have their offensive staff completed by the end of the week, when the scouting combine begins in Indianapolis and free agency starts as well.

Mann has served on staffs for the Indianapolis Colts (1982-84), Cleveland Browns (1985-93), New York Jets (1994-96), Baltimore Ravens (1997-98) and Kansas City Chiefs (1999-2000), in addition to his one season with the Redskins.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.