The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven't made the playoffs since 2007. They haven't advanced past the wild card round since winning the Super Bowl in 2002 under Jon Gruden. Since then, the team's list of head coaches includes Raheem Morris, Greg Schiano, Lovie Smith, and current head coach Dirk Koetter.
Sitting at 5-9, the Bucs are once again on the outside looking in at the playoffs so it would be easy to see how Koetter, a third-year head coach who's teams topped out at 9-7 in 2016, would be on the hot seat. However, sources have told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, that Tampa hasn't dismissed the idea of bringing back Koetter for a fourth season.
“Everyone assumes that (coach) Dirk Koetter is on his way out. My understanding is do not necessarily make that assumption,” Rapoport said on “Good Morning Football Weekend” on Sunday. “They have not ruled out keeping Koetter, and, basically, their entire upper structure, including Jameis Winston, for the 2019 season. I'm not saying Koetter is staying, just don't assume that he's gone.”
Koetter was promoted to head coach from offensive coordinator for his ability to get the most out of Winston, but throughout the season, Winston lost the starting role to Ryan Fitzpatrick after missing the first three games of a season for allegedly groping a female Uber driver while intoxicated.
Despite repeatedly making changes at quarterback, Tampa's offense has still averaged 416.6 yards per game. Strong performances against the stout defense of the Dallas Cowboys and high-powered offense of the Atlanta Falcons could impact the franchise's decision. Tampa is currently 5-9.
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