Stayin’ Put
December 1st, 2016
Talks college interest.
In January when new Bucs coach Dirk Koetter announced he had hired Todd Monken as his offensive coordinator, Joe was floored. Joe immediately thought this was a major coup.
Monken was a rising coach in the college ranks. Just about everywhere he had been, he had success, whether it working under Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher at LSU as a wide receivers coach, or as offensive coordinator under Mike Gundy at Oklahoma State coaching up Brandon Weeden and Justin Blackmon in the high-flying Cowboys offense.
Perhaps Monken’s best work was taking over a winless Southern Miss program. In three seasons he got them to a bowl game (where Southern Miss lost to Chris Petersen and the Washington Huskies 44-31 last December).
Taking over a winless team and in three years making a bowl game is superior work. Monken had to have been on the radar of several athletic directors looking for a new football coach.
When Joe had a chance to talk to Monken after his introductory press conference last winter, Joe told Monken to his face he was shocked he’d take an assistant’s job with an NFL team stuck in a losing rut when he likely could have been a head coach at a Power-5 conference school, given his deep resumé and recent work.
So yesterday, with the college coaching carousel already underway, Joe wondered if any school had contacted Monken’s representatives to gauge interest. Monken stated he is happy in Tampa Bay and is not looking for a college job.
“Not that I know of,” Monken said of any potential inquiries from schools looking for a head coach. “Would be exciting if they did, I’d be fired up [laughter]. I’m joking. I left that to come here.
“I love coaching and developing players against the best in the world, there’s something about that. I came back here for this reason: belief in the head coach, belief in the group of men that are selecting those players and the core group of men we’ve got moving forward. That’s why I wanted to be a part of it.”
While Joe liked how Monken answered “Not that I know of,” it wouldn’t shock Joe one iota if a school has reached out to Monken’s people. Why wouldn’t a school at least try, say, Purdue for example?
Or even LSU, which seems to have exhausted its efforts the past two years trying to lure Monken’s good friend Fisher back to Baton Rouge? (Yes, Joe knows “Coach O” was hired by LSU.)
It’s cool to know that a guy who likely could get a Power-5 gig is happy to be coaching America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, Mike Evans and the rest of the offense, as the Bucs battle to finally turn the corner from castoffs to contenders.
December 1st, 2016 at 8:28 am
Will you do me a favor and let this be said Joe. Yesterday I read a post where someone stated its foregone conclusion we will lose to cowboys and they’re 21st rank defense. I thought hogwash,funny how people forget the panthers last season. Shiny regular records don’t mean diddly. Playing your best ball this time of year lije SB explained the other day means everything. The cowboys can and will be beat by the Buccs in afew short weeks.
December 1st, 2016 at 8:43 am
If Jameis develops the way we all think he will, Monken’s resume will write it’s self. Losing coaches to promotions is a good thing because it means we are winning. Remember when Dungy and Gruden lost coaches? I want that feeling back.
December 1st, 2016 at 9:21 am
he might also be taking the long view. right now he’s put himself on the same track as Dirk Koetter took to being an NFL Head Coach. if he thinks he has what it takes to get that call some day, success as an NFL coordinator is the fastest route
December 1st, 2016 at 9:22 am
They’ve said the same thing two weeks in a row. IMHO,it’s sweeter when they have to eat crow.Anyways who cares? This team is primed for a special run.
GO BUCS
December 1st, 2016 at 10:01 am
Hopefully Koetters assistants that get promoted don’t fail as miserably has the Dungy disciples have… Marinelli 0-16 in Detroit you just don’t shake that off and move on, Herm failed in two cities badly, Lovie had one respectable year when Rivera was running his defense then he failed in two cities.
December 1st, 2016 at 10:35 am
A lot of coaches jump at the wrong opportunity just to be a HC. Marinelli should have passed in that job. I would have made it clear to ownership. Sometimes you have to burn it down to allow it to grow again… I don’t think the Lions would have Mathew Stafford if they didn’t go 0-16. Just as we would not have JW if we didn’t go 2-14. Not going to win witjout a competent QB. Just ask the Browns and Jets…
December 1st, 2016 at 10:55 am
Means nothing. Season isn’t over. He wouldn’t leave mid season anyway.
December 1st, 2016 at 11:29 am
I would take Dungy’s or Gruden’s coaching tree over Bilichick’s coaching tree. I may get bashed for saying it but without Brady, he’s just a mean old bastard.
December 1st, 2016 at 11:39 am
I’m surprised the Bucs were able to bring in Monken. I hope he stays here with the Bucs. He is a part of the Bucs improved game lately. Beat the Chargers, Go Bucs!
December 1st, 2016 at 12:09 pm
PJ Fleck has done an outstanding job for Western Michigan. He was a superstar while he was here…. I guess he still is.
December 1st, 2016 at 12:17 pm
Every time NosBos makes a prediction the Bucs lose and he disappears for weeks or even months (thankfully). Now that he’s back to his old ways again and stating as fact the Bucs will beat the Cowgirls I’m pissed because now it’s a loss for sure. He never gets anything correct. Dammit, I was hoping for a five game win streak heading into Dallas followed by a huge upset. Guess I can forget it now.
December 1st, 2016 at 9:27 pm
PJ Fleck has been Unbelievable !!! Best young coach avail !!!