It has undoubtedly been a disappointing 2017 NFL season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Just when fans thought it could not get any worse, their frustration clearly started to boil over during their heartbreaking 22-19 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Christmas Eve.

As a result, it has only furthered speculation regarding head coach Dirk Koetter's future with the team beyond this season. According to ESPN's Jenna Laine, Koetter acknowledged the rumors and admitted that they have become a distraction:

“Of course,” Dirk Koetter said. “It's your life, it's your life. It's what you do. So just flip it around. Of course it is. But we all as players and coaches, we're paid to do a job, and you try to do it to the best of our ability. That's all you can do.”

Koetter did a solid job in his debut in Tampa Bay by going 9-7 last season. Their success in 2016 only raised the expectations coming into this year with the addition of the explosive DeSean Jackson and rookie tight end O.J. Howard.

However, the Bucs have since taken a huge step back with their 4-11 record going into the season finale. There have been plenty of coaches to land on the hot seat after enduring an underwhelming campaign. That said, it would still be a bit premature for any team to cut ties with a head coach after just two years.

It will obviously be interesting to see what the Bucs do when the offseason hits.