Bleacher Report ranks Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaches 30th
By Ryan Doyle
Bleacher Report wasn’t kind to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff.
In a recent power ranking of every single NFL head coach, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon views the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coaching staff as one of the worst in the league.
The Bucs staff was 30th in the league. Only the New York Jets and New York Giants were ranked worse. Here are some of Gagnon’s thoughts:
"Koetter took over as Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator in 2015, and that unit went on to rank 20th in scoring. He was then promoted to head coach, and they’ve ranked 18th in each of the last two seasons. Save for a five-game hot streak in the second half of the 2016 season, Koetter has gone 9-18 as head coach of a relatively talented team.His seat should be on fire."
There isn’t much reason to disagree with Gagnon’s take. The Bucs have been one of the biggest disappointments of late.
Last season was an awful look for the Tampa Bay coaching staff. With many expecting the team to take a leap towards contention, the team fell flat on its face. When the season came to an end, many fans were calling for head coach Dirk Koetter’s job.
Ownership decided to give him another season to try and get the Bucs back into the playoff picture.
Koetter’s staff hasn’t done a fantastic job either. Defensive coordinator Mike Smith has been unable to create a strong unit thus far. However, 2018 may be his best chance with a reloaded front seven.
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The biggest disappointment has been on the offensive side, Koetter’s bread and butter. Despite having tremendous weapons on offense, the Buccaneers have been a middle of the road team on the offensive side of the ball.
Tampa hasn’t yet been able to develop Jameis Winston and they have had some of the worst rushing attacks in football. It’s been an ugly showing for Koetter so far.
Koetter has taken the brunt of the blame for Tampa Bay’s struggles. He has done little with talented Bucs rosters.
Still, this outlook can all change quickly for the Buccaneers. If Koetter can motivate and rejuvenate Winston after he returns from his suspension, Tampa Bay can make a run. Which is likely the only way Koetter and his assistants return next year.