No. 3- Jon Gruden
For years and years, the Buccaneers just couldn’t find an offense that was potent enough to get them over the hump. They had the dominant defense, but the offense just wasn’t clicking. That all changed when the team traded for a new head coach, one that was an offensive mastermind. Good thing Jon Gruden turned out to be that mastermind, seeing as how Tampa Bay traded two first-round picks, two second-rounders and $8 million to get him.
The trade paid dividends immediately, as Gruden led his new team to a 12-4 regular season and its first ever Super Bowl trophy. In the Super Bowl matchup, Gruden was facing his former team, so he had the Bucs tuned in with what the Raiders were running. That was a big deal and it eventually led to a 48-21 victory. The trade was immediately a success for Tampa Bay, as it brought the franchise football’s ultimate prize. After his first season at the helm, he led the Bucs to NFC South titles in 2005 and 2007. He was ultimately fired after going 9-7 in 2008. The team was 9-3, but then four straight losses kept them out of the postseason.
Over seven seasons, Gruden went 57-55. The record wasn’t outstanding, but it’s what Gruden brought to Tampa that made such a difference. He was a guy that kicked up the franchise’s intensity level from day one. “Chuckie” brought fire to a franchise that badly needed it. There are always those who say that he won the Super Bowl with someone else’s team. That’s not based in fact. He changed the offense and got them on the right track to the Super Bowl. Oh, and he’s the franchise’s all-time winningest coach. What he meant to the Bucs can’t be overstated. Forget the overall record (John McKay is in the Ring of Honor with a record of 44-88-1). Gruden deserves a spot inside Raymond James Stadium forever.