The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Five Reasons Dirk Koetter is a Step Up for the Buccaneers

By Alan Schechter

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter speaks to the media during the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter speaks to the media during the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith greet after the game at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith greet after the game at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Smith is Defensive Coordinator

A new coach gets the privilege of hiring coordinators, and Koetter found a good one to run the defense.

One of the biggest complaints about Lovie Smith’s defense is that he was guilty of the “square peg in a round hole” predicament.  Instead of adapting to his players, he tried to force the players to adapt to his scheme.  Alterraun Verner was asked to do things he, in his words, hadn’t done since the “peewees”.

Mike Smith isn’t like that.  He is not scheme-dependent, he will adapt to his players, and put them where they can succeed, as he discussed, reported by Bucs Nation:

"“We want to be as multiple as we can be and play to the strengths of our players. We’ve got some guys that have some unique skills sets and it’s our job as a coaching staff to put those guys in the best position possible.”"

The proof is in the results.  Take a look at Smith’s time with the Jaguars for all of the evidence that you need.  During his five years with the Jaguars, Smith’s defense was in the top ten in points allowed in four of those seasons.

Mike Smith isn’t here if Dirk Koetter isn’t the coach.

Next: Beating the Heat

Home/Bucs News