“The Greatest Coach I’ve Ever Had”
February 22nd, 2013
Joe has made no secret of his mancrush on Bucs offensive line coach Bob Bostad. With the possible exception of Bryan Cox, no Bucs assistant did a better job than Bostad.
The man lost two Pro Bowl guards to injury, a third starter to injury, played another starter out of position and filled one void with a basketball player. Yet, the Bucs’ offensive line performed better than most across the NFL.
This did not surprise Ricky Wagner. An offensive tackle from Wisconsin, Wagner knows all about Bostad, who came to the Bucs from the Badgers.
“He’s the greatest coach I ever had,” Wagner said.
This is not idle talk from an excitable college kid. Wagner was (is?) a gifted athlete who, as a high school basketball player, had several scholarship offers to play hoops in college, but instead chose to walk-on at Wisconsin as a tight end.
Bostad saw something in the man and moved him to tackle. Wagner believed it is Bostad’s attention to detail and exacting standards that separates him from other coaches, as well as his ability to teach.
“The way he coached, every detail was magnified,” Wagner said. “On the offensive line that is so important because if you are off by an inch, that could screw up the whole play.
“He transformed me.”
Wagner likes to emulate Cleveland Browns tackle and former Badger Joe Thomas. Wagner has played both right and left tackle.
“If [a team] wants me at right tackle, I will work out there all offseason,” Wagner said.
Given how Bostad obviously knows all about Wagner, and the Bucs may be looking for a tackle late on the second day or the third day of the draft, Wagner, who admitted he has spoken with the Bucs and would love a reunion with his old line coach, may be a guy to keep an eye on.
February 22nd, 2013 at 5:08 pm
Bostad is among the best. For years, he took those big, lumbering, strong O linemen at Wisconsin and created great O lines, year after year. He leaves Wisconsin and their line struggles. He will get the most out of any and all talent he is given. Keep feeding the guy some mid or late round talent, let him be involved in the decisions, and as long as he is here, the O line will be fine.
February 22nd, 2013 at 5:15 pm
no wonder Bostad is a great O line coach, he came from a program that defines excellence when it comes to the big boys up front . The Badgers are all about running the football because they always seem to have the best O line year in and year out. So glad we got a coach like that. I hope he stays with for a long time.
February 22nd, 2013 at 5:21 pm
when you think of the Badgers, the first thing that comes to mind is a great offensive line. Im sure Bostad was a big reason for this reputation.
February 22nd, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Bostad impressed me by doing the same thing in the NFL that he did on the college level: mold an O-line that was equally proficient at zone & man-blocking in the run game.
February 22nd, 2013 at 5:56 pm
You can tell that the Oline really emphasized on the details and footwork last off season. As a former O-lineman in high school they played with great technique this year.
February 22nd, 2013 at 6:20 pm
This sounds like the right fit especially if it doesn’t take a high pick to get him.
February 22nd, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Just my opinion, I think Bostad is the best position coach we have. He literally took a 2nd string O-Line and got them to play above their previously demonstarted ability. Just waiting to see the results when he has the 1st team back. Should be good.
Ricky Wagner started the mock draft season off as a 2nd round OT, since the Senior Bowl or the Shrine East/West (can’t recall which), he has tumbled down draft boards. The latest mock I saw, I think Drafttek, he was a 5th round pick. Was a standout at Wisconsin though. If we take him in a late round, Bostad will know how to raise his level of play.
February 23rd, 2013 at 1:59 am
Is this about Josh Freeman…..last year of contract this year…then franchise tag next for another year before deciding on his long term future with the Bucs….
February 23rd, 2013 at 11:15 am
I figure if they don’t resign Bennett & Miller they don’t care about winning. Get rid of Wright & Q Black & that would enough to sign Bennett & Miller.