Doug Williams gets a bigger role in the Bucs front office. Joe hopes that leads to another season of him playing Dr. Phil for Antonio Bryant.

Joe was glad to see the Bucs promoted ex-QB Doug Williams to coordinator of pro scouting. That moves him into new general manager Mark Dominik’s old job.

Essentially, Williams becomes the team’s chief talent evaluator of potential players.

Joe likes the decision, especially since Williams is a confidant of Antonio Bryant, who will be a free agent shortly. Williams’ promotion could go a long way toward Bryant re-signing with the Bucs. And the Bucs desperately need him to return.

Earlier this year Williams revealed to the St. Pete Times that Bryant is a high-maintainence dude who needs a lot of love and reassurance.

Antonio Bryant and I talk all the time because he’s a guy who needs somebody — between (receivers coach) Richard Mann and myself, we’re the two people he’s going to talk to when things don’t go right.”

At the time, Joe wondered why Bryant would need so much counseling when he enjoyed a near-flawless season. So Bryant sure seems like the kind of guy who would hold it against the Bucs organization for letting Doug Williams walk.

Not that WIlliams doesn’t deserve his promotion, but keeping Bryant around is much more critical. Williams is considered an emerging GM candidate who might be gone next season anyway.