The Pewter Plank
FanSided

What is the Nightmare Off-Season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Brian DeFeo

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks on prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks on prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith looks on prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith looks on prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Smith Finds A New Job

Do you know why the Buccaneers fired Lovie Smith. Outside the defensive regression, the improvement of the offense and fear of losing Dirk Koetter was the main reason why they made the move. This season I don’t think they want to move on from Koetter just to retain Mike Smith. Mike Smith has been successful as a head coach before and I don’t think that he is willing to pass up another opportunity to resurrect his career. He’s got a nice job in Tampa and the fans love what he’s done in one season with the team. There are many jobs available and teams looking for a defensive minded head coach.

He’s already got interviews lined up with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the San Diego/ Los Angeles Chargers. If the Denver Broncos give him a call then I would get a little nervous. He’s probably drooling for the opportunity to lead Von Miller on a daily basis. Or if the Saints do trade Sean Payton, you don’t think he’d like an opportunity at the Falcons twice a year. Even with the work he’d need to do to improve that mess, he’d likely take it.

The best thing the Buccaneers can do is pay the man. Offer him the highest contract for a coordinator. Give him stability and keep him happy. What ever he needs make it happen. The only problem is there is nothing they can do if he wants to leave. They will have the issue of finding a replacement if he leaves too. In house they have solid candidates in Jay Hayes, Mark Duffner, and Brett Maxie but they could easily leave to join Mike Smith if he asked. The defense has looked better than they have since the glory days of Jon Gruden. If Mike Smith leaves for a head coaching job the Buccaneers may be in trouble.

Home/Bucs News