Buccaneers getting head start on head coach search

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are already beginning their head coaching search.  According to a CBS Sports report.

According to CBS’ Jason La Canfora, the Buccaneers have started gathering information about head coach candidates with head coach Dirk Koetter unlikely to return next season.

Tampa Bay has made no official announcement regarding Koetter’s future yet, but this doesn’t bode well for his future with the team.

Typically, the Glazers are very patient when it comes to their head coaches. They have a long leash and are comfortable giving them one more chance. It appears the owners are done waiting.

As the lead man in Tampa, Koetter has a 19-26 record, his best season coming in 2016 when the Bucs went 9-7 and just missed the postseason. Since then, the Bucs have regressed. With a dip in wins last season, and another under .500 finish in 2018, the writing was on the wall for Koetter.

La Canfora also mentioned that Koetter and offensive coordinator Todd Monken would be popular candidates for offensive coordinator positions around the league. Koetter was at the helm of some high-powered offenses with the Bucs and the Falcons.

Monken has found success as the offensive play-caller this season. The Bucs are at the top of the league with 430.1 yards per game. Expect Koetter and Monken to be back on the sidelines as soon as next season.

The 2019 offseason is a critical one for Tampa Bay. They have the looming decision about Jameis Winston‘s fifth-year option, a head coaching search and a potential revamping of one of the league’s worst defenses.

The lowly Bucs need some positivity around the franchise. The franchise’s decade-long playoff drought will continue, and a new head coach is an obvious move.

The Tampa Bay fan base is desperate for a winner. Perhaps the next man in charge can finally build a winning culture.