attributes his performance to knowing Vikings head coach Dennis Green's impulses from playing under him at Stanford and studying Moon's tendencies. Lynch remained the starting strong safety for the remainder of the season but was inactive for three games (Weeks 12–14) due to an injury. On December 27, 1995, the Buccaneers announced their decision to fire head coach Sam Wyche after they finished with a 7–9 record in 1995. Lynch finished the 1995 season with 38 combined tackles and three interceptions in nine games and six starts. 1996 season On January 23, 1996, the Buccaneers named Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Tony Dungy to be their new head coach. Dungy and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin devised a Cover 2 defense that became known as the Tampa 2. Throughout training camp, Lynch competed against Todd Scott to retain his role as the starting strong safety. Lynch was sidelined for the first two preseason games due to a rib injury. Head coach Tony Dungy named Lynch the backup strong safety, behind Todd Scott, to begin the regular season. On September 8, 1996, Todd Scott tore his Achilles tendon and was sidelined for the remainder of the season. Lynch subsequently became the starting strong safety and played alongside Melvin Johnson. In Week 8, he collected five combined tackles and made his first NFL sack on quarterback Kent Graham for a five-yard loss in the fourth quarter of a 13–9 road loss to the Arizona Cardinals. In the next game, he recorded eight combined tackles and intercepted a pass by Packers quarterback Brett Favre during a 13–7 road loss to the Green Bay Packers. During Week 13, Lynch recorded four combined tackles, forced a fumble, and an interception during a 13–7 over victory against the New Orleans Saints. He intercepted a pass by Saints quarterback Jim Everett to seal the victory with 4:45 remaining. Lynch finished the 1996 season with 100 combined tackles, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack in 16 games and 14 starts. 1997 season On September 5, 1997, the Buccaneers signed Lynch to a four-year, $6.8 million contract. Head coach Tony Dungy retained Lynch as the starting strong safety to begin the regular season. He began the season starting alongside free safety Melvin Johnson. On September 19, 1997, Lynch received a $7,500 fine from the league for an illegal hit on Vikings wide receiver Chris Walsh while he was out