The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Five guys to watch when Hard Knocks begins

By Alan Schechter

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

5. Dirk Koetter

Don’t look so surprised. The hint was dropped on page one.

Let’s be fair, ladies and gentlemen. The Bucs were on the right track before Dirk Koetter took over as the head coach. Be fair, the team did jump from two wins to six in his two seasons. They could have continued the progression under Lovie Smith. Lovie did have plenty of faults; I am not here to re-argue his coaching tenure. The point is, whether he could or he couldn’t get it done, he didn’t get the chance, and Dirk Koetter was promoted to take Smith’s place.

In just one season, Koetter brought this team to the brink of the NFL playoffs. No matter where they were the previous year, that is impressive. More impressive is the fact that these players believe in him. How does he do it? How does he work? We can joke about how many times he might use an expletive, but that’s for fun. What is it about Koetter that gets the guys behind him? Like Winston, how does he interact with his players to inspire them? This is what will be worth watching, Bucs fans.

But even that isn’t it. With Hard Knocks, we get the chance to see the coach work behind closed doors. What is his relationship with Winston like? How about his assistant coaches? What gets them to want to work for him? Mike Smith had interest as a head coach but decided to return. Why? Koetter has to be at least part of the reason.

We also get to see Koetter take part in watching film and making roster decisions. How does he interact with Jason Licht? This is something we never get to see as fans, but we do now thanks to the program. Do things go smoothly or are there bumps in the road? It’s a key dynamic that must work, and we get to watch it on television.

Next: Three Pro Bowl Locks for 2017

Why are you looking forward to the show? Let us know in the comments.

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