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Buccaneers: Four best coaches in team history

By Alan Schechter

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter watches the scoreboard during a review late in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter watches the scoreboard during a review late in the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former football coach Jon Gruden (center) arrives on the red carpet for the 2016 ESPY Awards at Microsoft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 13, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Former football coach Jon Gruden (center) arrives on the red carpet for the 2016 ESPY Awards at Microsoft Theater. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Jon Gruden

Was there really any other choice for number one?

Prior to coming to the Bay, Jon Gruden cut his teeth with the Oakland Raiders. In four years on the left coast, Gruden’s Raiders team has never finished worse than 8-8 over the following four seasons. After two seasons at .500, he won two divisional titles. Many believe he should have gone to the Super Bowl in 2001, but the now infamous “Tuck Rule” caused a change in plans.

Following that season, Gruden was traded to the Bucs. The Raiders wanted to make a change, but had Gruden under contract, so they sent Gruden to Tampa in return for compensation in the form of money and four draft picks. He immediately, as we all know, paid dividends. The Bucs went 12-4, won their only Super Bowl, and essentially knew what the Raiders were going to do before they did it. It’s almost as if they were in the huddle with Rich Gannon.

During his tenure in Tampa Bay, Gruden won three divisional titles. He went a surprising 11-5 in 2005, despite losing starting quarterback Brian Griese. His time in Tampa ended after two straight 9-7 seasons. In 2008, the Bucs lost four straight games in December to end the season, and the Glazers fired Gruden in January of 2009. He also finished over .500 as the Bucs coach with a record of 57-55.

Next: Five best running backs in team history

So what do you think of this list? Sound off in the comments.

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