The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Buccaneers’ Top Ten Moments Of 2016

By Bailey Adams

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet on the sidelines at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet on the sidelines at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 11
Next
Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer head coach Dirk Koetter is introduced to the media at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer head coach Dirk Koetter is introduced to the media at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4- Lovie Smith gets fired, Dirk Koetter gets promoted

One of the biggest changes for the Buccaneers in 2016 came within the first month of the year. In the first week of January, Lovie Smith was fired after going 8-24 in two seasons. About a week later, the front office officially promoted offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to be the team’s 11th head coach.

Gone was the soft-spoken Smith. The witty Koetter became the leader of the squad, and to this point, it has paid off. The Bucs thought that he might be a candidate to go elsewhere, so instead of having to switch offenses with such a young quarterback, they made the switch. With the promotion of Koetter, Tampa Bay’s offense could stay on the course of development that was initiated in 2015.

Related Story: Dirk Is The Right Man In Tampa

After one season, the move looks pretty good. The Bucs finished 9-7, which was their best mark since the 2010 season. The offense wasn’t as explosive as it was in 2015, but it’s still a work in progress. Additionally, the promotion of Koetter brought along Mike Smith as the team’s defensive coordinator. He proved to be a huge difference-maker for a new-look defense. The unit was the biggest reason for the team’s turnaround. Fans can only hope that the group stays together and continues to develop. Smith is likely a hot candidate for a head coaching job, which means he could be a one-and-done in Tampa.

Even still, the head coaching change was a big deal for the Bucs. It changed the look and personality of the franchise, which is always something to appreciate.

Home/Bucs News