The Pewter Plank
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Five Storylines to Follow Entering Buccaneers’ Training Camp

By Bailey Adams

Nov 9, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag bearers run flags across the end zone after they scored against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half 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; Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag bearers run flags across the end zone after they scored against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Atlanta Falcons defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter reacts during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter reacts during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 season will mark the beginning of the Dirk Koetter era for the Buccaneers, just one year after he joined the organization as its offensive coordinator. As last year neared its end, many saw a scenario in which Koetter would be highly sought after for a head coaching position, which meant the only way the Bucs would be able to retain him would be to fire Lovie Smith and promote Koetter to head coach. The promotion of Koetter in such a scenario would make sure Jameis Winston wouldn’t have to learn a new playbook in his second year and keep the leader of the team’s offense consistent. The scenario ended up playing out in January, making Koetter the 11th head coach in franchise history.

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The 57-year-old has head coaching history at the collegiate level and experience as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, but 2016 will be his first season as a head coach in the NFL. This is his 11th coaching stop, with the first coming at the high school level. Initially, the situation was strange. Koetter was brought in to work with Smith just last year, but one season later, he will be leading the team without Smith. When he acknowledged a question about Smith in his introductory press conference, there was a bit of awkwardness to it. As time passed and OTAs came and went, he looked like he had eased into his new role.

Seeing the on-field product under Koetter will be highly anticipated, especially with the addition of his defensive coordinator, former Falcons head coach Mike Smith. But, how Koetter deals with his off-field head coaching duties will be another fun thing to watch for. He was a fun personality last year, and he has already been one again this offseason. It will be a new dynamic for Bucs fans to see, especially after two years of the always-subdued Smith.

Next: Continued Development on Offense

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