Marc Trestman and Lovie Smith ... together?

Bears fans, brace yourself: Marc Trestman’s next NFL job could come courtesy of the man he replaced.

Trestman has spoken with another fired Bears head coach, Lovie Smith, about the Buccaneers’ vacant offensive coordinator position, according to an NFL Network report late Monday.

Trestman’s reputation as a quarterback mentor could appeal to Smith, whose team is considering drafting a signal-caller — Oregon’s Marcus Mariota or Florida State’s Jameis Winston, perhaps — with the first overall pick of the draft.

In his first season, Smith’s 2-14 Buccaneers were the worst team in football.

The team also employs Josh McCown, who turned one season of Trestman tutelage into a two-year, $10 million free agent contract.

The two were photographed together lounging by the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach, Fla., outside of Tampa, last week. The quarterback endorsed Trestman to Tampa media at the conclusion of the season.

The Buccaneers’ vacancy came about after offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford — who had been on an indefinite leave of absence since September after a heart procedure — parted ways with the team in December.

About two weeks later, he was named head coach of the CFL’s B.C. Lions.

By Patrick Finley

Staff reporter

Bears fans, brace yourself: Marc Trestman’s next NFL job could come courtesy of the man he replaced.

Trestman has spoken with another former Bears coach, Lovie Smith, about the Buccaneers’ vacant offensive coordinator position, according to an NFL Network report late Monday.

Trestman’s reputation as a quarterback mentor could appeal to Smith, whose team is considering drafting a signal-caller — Oregon’s Marcus Mariota or Florida State’s Jameis Winston, perhaps — with the first overall pick of the draft. Smith’s 2-14 Buccaneers were the worst team in football last season.

The team also employs Josh McCown, who turned one season of Trestman tutelage into a two-year, $10 million free agent contract.

The two were photographed together lounging by the Gulf of Mexico in Clearwater Beach, Fla., outside of Tampa, last week. The quarterback endorsed Trestman to Tampa media at the conclusion of the season.

The Buccaneers’ vacancy came about after offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford — who had been on an indefinite leave of absence since September after a heart procedure — parted ways with the team in December.

About two weeks later, he was named head coach of the CFL’s B.C. Lions.

Email: pfinley@suntimes.com

Twitter: @patrickfinley