Mike Munchak & The Bucs
December 27th, 2018
If Team Glazer wants a sexy hire to replace Dirk Koetter, then Steelers offensive line coach and ex-Titans head coach Mike Munchak is not their guy, even if he is a Hall of Famer.
But sexy is no guarantee of winning games.
Munchak is an intriguing candidate for various reasons.
As a rookie head coach with the Titans in 2011, the lockout season that left new head coaches screwed with no spring workouts, Munchak went 9-7 with washed out 36-year-old Matt Hasselbeck as his starting QB. The Titans had drafted QB Jake Locker at No. 8 overall that season and even after the benefit of sitting and learning for a full season, Locker was awful.
Locker took over for Hasselbeck five games into the 2012 season and stunk, despite the emergence of a real running game behind RB Chris Johnson. The Titans finished 6-10, and Munchak was rewarded with the offseason addition of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to back up Locker.
Tennessee improved to 7-9 the following season with Fitzpatrick taking over at midway through. The team had improved in various statistical categories.
In a bizarre development after the season, Titans’ management ownership wanted to extend Munchak’s contract but only if he met certain stipulations on changing assistant coaches. Munchak said no thanks and was fired.
Since then, Munchak, 58, has been the Steelers’ offensive line coach and widely is considered to be the best O-line coach in the NFL. It takes little time on Google to read all about how revered he is in Pittsburgh among players and for his ability to develop linemen.
Munchak interviewed for the head coach vacancy in Arizona last year and appeared as a Tier 1 head coach candidate on the new NFL Advisory Panel report.
Joe is intrigued by Munchak after looking into his time in Tennessee. He was hired very late in the coach-hiring cycle, which left him screwed on hiring assistants, and he was blessed with a crappy QB situation. Entering 2013, his final season, the Titans changed general managers and dove into free agency and a 7-9 record was probably pretty solid in hindsight.
On the negative side, the Titans didn’t have a special offensive line under Munchak, which is a little odd.
Look, no matter who Team Glazer interviews to replace Dirk Koetter, the guy has to come to the table with a strong plan for his staff and for the direction of the team.
Joe would love to see the Bucs interview Munchak, if for no other reason than to hear his assessment of the Tampa Bay offensive linemen. That along could be well worth the time.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:36 pm
This assumes Jameis is not resigned….
December 27th, 2018 at 1:40 pm
Man, about every name I hear for replacement sounds terrible ( or unattainable like Harbaughs).)
December 27th, 2018 at 1:41 pm
We need “WINNERS”, sexy or not.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:43 pm
I am expecting the Glazer Boys to retain Licht, so the pool of candidates will narrow considerably.
I am sure he has filled the boys with enough bull to fill the Mississippi, and the one thing he is good at is retaining his position.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:44 pm
“Look, no matter who Team Glazer interviews to replace Dirk Koetter, …”
I think you left out ” if they even decide to replace him, …” from your sentence, unless of course you have inside information.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:51 pm
Bucs not only need a new GM, Head Coach and Starting QB, they need a totally different scheme and concept on both sides of the ball.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
If Jason Licht stays
That will make the Bucs HC search much harder
December 27th, 2018 at 1:53 pm
I don’t really like the part about his refusal to remove certain coaches. I admire his loyalty, but if Dirk Koetter had taken that stance, we would STILL have Mike Smith.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:54 pm
We need a proven winner(young or old).Remember–we play to win the game–not to gather great statistics.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:55 pm
BrianBucs Says:
“Bucs not only need a new GM, Head Coach and Starting QB, they need a totally different scheme and concept on both sides of the ball.”
~~~~~~~~~
But other than that… WE ARE SET! LOL
I obviously disagree with ya on QB, but that is beside the point.
I just liked your quote. Man we are a mess.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:55 pm
Nobody thought Dungy was sexy, when hired.
And for corns sake they hired the head coach of Rutgers before.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:58 pm
LMAO good one, Eric. So true on Rutgers.
December 27th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
Nooooooooooooooooooooo Titans suuuuuuuuuuck
Let’s get a new head coach from an exciting team like Chiefs, Packers, or Steelers
December 27th, 2018 at 2:02 pm
We already have a good head coach… we have seen what his offense can do with a good QB…
December 27th, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Bucs Fan #7423 Says:
“Nooooooooooooooooooooo Titans suuuuuuuuuuck
Let’s get a new head coach from an exciting team like Chiefs, Packers, or Steelers”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Um #7423, he IS a Steelers coach, lol.
But we get your point.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:14 pm
Mike Munchak is 4 games short of .500…same as Koetter.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:15 pm
Munchak would bring discipline and accountability. He’d be a big improvement. When he refused to replace coaches, it was because he knew coaching wasn’t going to correct Jake Locker or his other problems. They needed player upgrades.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:16 pm
Go make a deal for River Boat Ron if the Panthers don’t let him go. Likely the best, easiest option before the Glazers once again go hire some chump that’s gonna be gone in four years. Keep Licht and if 2019 is a bust then you know you have to totally reassemble management.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Glazers need to really dig in and get details on why he was fired first. From what I’ve seen in the past those things come back up later. Look at the reasons Lovie was fired in Chicago and then forward the clock and look at how those same traits led to him getting fired in Tampa.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:19 pm
No new HC will come with Jameis playing on only a 5th year option….
December 27th, 2018 at 2:31 pm
You people see a name and assume its an upgrade. In this case, it isn’t.
If we are indeed going to make a change, let it be a good one with a high chance of success…because I am sick and tired of not having success.
Go with someone who has proven he can win consistently. If you can’t, then don’t change head coaches.
To point of fact, there really are not many options that fit. The best candidate who is likely to come here is Mike McCarthy. Only 3 of 13 losing seasons, and his starting QB was on IR in one of them and still hurt during another, otherwise he would have won more games.
He’s a proven winner. Period.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:35 pm
The Fitz/Koetter combo was a disaster after the Pittsburgh game.
Loses to the Bears, Panthers, Skins (3 points whole game) and Giants. 6 tds/8 ints and three fumbles in that stretch.
Lets not recreate history. Koetter has not proven “he can win” with a “good” QB like Fitz.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:39 pm
Jim Caldwell’s record as Lions coach was 36–28 (.563), making him the first Detroit head coach (who lasted at least one season) to have a winning record since Joe Schmidt, who led the team from 1967 to 1972. Caldwell’s .563 winning percentage was the best for a Lions’ head coach since Buddy Parker in the 1950s.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:42 pm
Rich McKay please come home..
December 27th, 2018 at 2:53 pm
To old. We need new blood, like McVay. Same with Arians, McCarthy. Find the next new thing, not the last old thing. It’s going to be hard for 20 something year olds to tune into grandpa. They need some juice, not prune juice.
December 27th, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Really hoping this is the Glazer hire.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
Might as well field a group of unknown coaches to avoid the retread rehashed ongoing cycle of always looking up from the bottom.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:00 pm
While I think the Bucs job is not as desired as most. I actually think Jameis on a 5th year contract is a good deal. It gives the new coach a year to have a first hand look at him and make his own call, this year’s draft cupboards are pretty bare of quarterbacks after Herbert decided to return to Oregon. 2020 will be stacked with QBs. Only way you take the job is if management promises to go get you a quarterback in 2020 if Jameis cannot be saved.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:02 pm
AlteredEgo
“No new HC will come with Jameis playing on only a 5th year option….”
Whatever you wanna tell yourself to stay depressed. Any offensive coach knows JW has potential and could turn into top tier on the right team.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:08 pm
I don’t buy into “this year QB Class is weak anymore than this years QB class is great. I’ve seen both proved wrong over the decades. I am a Drew Lock guy in this class next would be Will Grier, his size and weight are what worries me. So yes there are good QB prospects next April
December 27th, 2018 at 3:09 pm
Hodad
“They need some juice, not prune juice.”
Richard + good OC = W’s
December 27th, 2018 at 3:09 pm
Joe is intrigued by Munchak after looking into his time in Tennessee.
Well JOE why not get extra intrigued by Kris Richard and look at his time with the Seahawks and Cowboys.
Youthful energetic Richard versus old retread Munchak. No contest.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:15 pm
I think it’s probably better to reach for a college coach rather than trying on the retreads again. One name I would throw into that hat is my personal favorite Nebraska head coach Scott Frost. Just a thought
December 27th, 2018 at 3:16 pm
Should be at the top of their list. Better than a lot of the other overhyped names.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:16 pm
The most important thing for the Glazers to do is get rid of Jason Licht and hire a quality GM.
The head coach is just plug and play from there.
Or hire a good head coach and let him choose a GM.
But regardless, why the heck would we keep Jason Licht? Sadly I can see that happening even after 5 years of swings and misses and a talentless complete football team.
At Ohio State under Urban Meyer they use the phrase “9 strong” which represents the 9 primary position groups used in football. Let’s go ahead and grade those 9 position groups under Jason Licht over the years. This doesn’t even include kickers and we all know that’s been a disaster.
1- QB- Average so far
2- RB- Bad
3- WR- WR core has been terrible up until this year.
4- TE- Only solid job IMO.
5- OL- Anthony Collins
6- DL- What D Line?
7- CB- Mike Jenkins.
8- LB- Undersized speed LBs, OK I guess.
9- FS- Soft And don’t cover anything. Just hang out in space it seems.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:26 pm
Glazers didn’t even interview Mike Zimmer or Bruce Arians previously shows they don’t know what a good candidate looks like
December 27th, 2018 at 3:29 pm
This whole offseason needs to be about one thing and one thing only
Replacing Jason licht
December 27th, 2018 at 3:29 pm
Bucs Fan #7423 Says:
December 27th, 2018 at 1:59 pm
Nooooooooooooooooooooo Titans suuuuuuuuuuck
Let’s get a new head coach from an exciting team like Chiefs, Packers, or Steelers
____________________________________________
He hasn’t been with the Tians in years you damn jabroni. He’s also widely respected around the league. Read the article
December 27th, 2018 at 3:32 pm
Loyaltotheend Says:
December 27th, 2018 at 3:26 pm
Glazers didn’t even interview Mike Zimmer or Bruce Arians previously shows they don’t know what a good candidate looks like
what it really says is A list coaches don’t return glazer phone calls and do not take the small market buccaneers seriously.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:32 pm
Love how people think Munchak can’t win because of his time in Tennessee. Their front office was a complete mess. Tampa’s is a complete mess now. It won’t matter who coaches here if Licht and his staff stay in place.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:35 pm
The team has a very talented QB, talented receivers and outstanding TE’s.
The Bucs have average linebackers and an average defensive line.
The Bucs have an awful offensive line, defensive backs, running backs, kicker and punter.
There is a lot to fix in the awful category.
December 27th, 2018 at 3:50 pm
SOE
i agree….
coaches know winston has talent….he’s playing in a scheme that doesnt fit him….
the fix is simple….develop the players we draft and have an aggressive defense and run game….
richard + good OC= W’s
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…#ADIOSDIRK!!!!…GO BUCS!!!!
December 27th, 2018 at 3:53 pm
Munchak is in the Hall of Fame as Olineman.
That might get Smith’s attention.
December 27th, 2018 at 4:04 pm
It’s not only laughable that the Jamyth humpers use Koetter’s “scheme “ whatever ever that is… it is a poor reflection on their football acumen. Koetters offense is balanced in all passing options to the QB it is not a long ball scheme as some say.
December 27th, 2018 at 4:26 pm
Obviously there’s something missing that needs to be built up. The same way it needed to be built up in the 90’s, then we hired Tony Dungy. Dungy was 40 years old, and his experience was DB coach and D Coordinator. He was/is a leader of men.
Kris Richard is 39 years old, and his experience is DB coach and D Coordinator. I don’t know if he’s a leader of men, but check out this article: https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-cowboys/cowboys/2018/09/22/cowboys-kris-richard-just-intoxicating-charisma-look-inside-one-nfls-top-defensive-minds
Then we’d need to sign the next Hardy Nickerson to get the quitters out of town, then draft well (Sapp, Brooks, Lynch, Dunn, Barber, Alstott, etc.).
Munchak would be my 2nd or 3rd choice, as I believe he’d bring a toughness to the team that’s been missing for a long time.
December 27th, 2018 at 4:45 pm
#56 was a great lockeroom enforcer and game day leader…. he ain’t a football coach and he has had several opportunities as a football coach
December 27th, 2018 at 4:52 pm
It’s laughable that the Jamies haters do not see the Bucs horrific running game, terrible defense and awful special teams as the real causes of this team loosing games.
December 27th, 2018 at 5:14 pm
Munchak would separate the men from the boys.
I’d be fine with him compared to the generic “sexy” picks.
December 27th, 2018 at 5:27 pm
I stand corrected…
LOL
December 27th, 2018 at 5:42 pm
If yob think about the candidates that are out there.. it’s either go young NFL assistant.. Young College HC or someone like Munchak. Who I honestly think is better than some of the names being thrown around and I wouldn’t have a problem with.
December 27th, 2018 at 5:55 pm
AlteredEgo: I was saying we to sign the next Hardy Nickerson, the player.
December 27th, 2018 at 11:30 pm
I’ve not been sold on all these Kris Richard rumblings…
But, after watching his up close talking to Brown in the sidelines after a good play I saw the fire in his eyes and the respect he commanded while still giving respect himself. It was very impressive, I honestly saw McVay in a black defensive form. I’m sold.
Hire Kris, pair him with an OC willing to be creative. Retain Duffner.
Get Bajakian, Warhop, Kaczor, Hoke, and Maxie the hell as far away from One Buc as possible the day you’re hired.
December 28th, 2018 at 10:23 am
Here ye, here ye Bucs fans….
First, I’m ALL for any Buc fan out here pining for “their guy” as a possible replacement as Head Coach for the Bucs in 2019.
Having said that….for any and ALL who pine for this Kris Richard at Dallas….please EXPLAIN and take a look at why Seattle let him walk after all those years there with such supposed success in crafting the “Legion of Boom” to a large degree. Seattle is by far in John Schneider, one of the most respected front offices for the past decade, AND they happen to value running the ball and a strong suffocating defense as pillars to success!! WHY would that type of culture LET/push out the door, a guy like Kris Richard “walk”??!
Combined with, he’s not even the DC in Dallas now, Rod Marinelli is, and don’t even try and say, well he’s the DC in waiting!? C’mon, an ancient creature like Marinelli would have been gone in an instant in big D if Richard was really worth that, to demand leverage in having the DC title in Dallas.
The guy might be an empassioned, quality defensive position coach….but go LOOK INTO all that.
JOHN Harbaugh….whether somewhat difficult to acquire or not….now THAT’S a Head Coach. C’mon Glazers….please swing for the fences and allow JOHN Harbaugh, to put his stamp on the Bucs organization, allowing full control, that will get his attention!
December 28th, 2018 at 12:37 pm
C’mon Glazers fire Licht. What the hell are you waiting for? (IDIOTS)
December 28th, 2018 at 12:42 pm
Munchak would be a great coach to have
December 29th, 2018 at 11:43 pm
StoutGospel: you asked about Kris Richard being let go by Seattle (their defense was 14th in the NFL in 2017, may not be up to their standards)…I watched an interview with George Brett, Kansas City Royal Hall of Fame baseball player. In 1975, manager Jack McKeon got rid of the hitting coach, Charley Lau, and Brett said that McKeon did this because he thought Lau would be hired as KC’s next manager…Who knows if this had anything to do with the Seattle Seahawks situation, but Pete Carroll just got an extension even though he’s getting up there in years. Just a thought, or conspiracy theory that may or may not carry any weight.
December 29th, 2018 at 11:47 pm
Since there’s no salary cap on coaches, I’d love to see us throw a ton of money to Munchak to be our O-Line coach in Tampa. Maybe spend 2 of our first 4 picks on O-Linemen, unless he could fix Bennenoch and D Smith.