Buccaneers fire head coach Dirk Koetter

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have moved on from head coach Dirk Koetter. After three seasons, the Bucs will begin to search for their sixth head coach in 12 years.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired head coach Dirk Koetter.

Koetter spent three seasons in Tampa Bay finishing with a 19-29, record. Koetter never made the playoffs with the Buccaneers. Although, he just missed the postseason in 2016 after he led the Bucs to a 9-7 record.

Since his successful first season in Tampa Bay, Koetter’s team struggled. The Bucs won five games in consecutive seasons and never made the strides many fans expected with a talented roster.

The writing was on the wall for Koetter. He seemed to be prepared for the news as he signed off his weekly radio show.

“Thanks to all the Bucs fans out there and hope for the best for the Bucs in the future,” Koetter said. “Whether I’m here or not, I’m always going to be a Bucs fan.”

Reports swirled regarding Koetter’s job security for weeks. Heading into the season, Koetter needed victories to keep his job. There was no more time to blame a young quarterback. The Bucs had a veteran roster with postseason expectations.

The season started on the right foot, but a brutal stretch in the middle of the season saw Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes come to an end quickly.

Now, the Buccaneers will begin a head coaching search. Tampa has yet to meet with any candidates, but popular names include former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

The NFL released a list of recommended candidates for head coaching vacancies. According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Cowboys defensive coordinator Kris Richard, and Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt are on the list.

The Glazer family will be busy this offseason as they will also undergo a head coaching search for their other sports franchise, Manchester United, an English football club.