Eight Days ‘Til Black Monday
December 22nd, 2013
“A new offensive coordinator and we’re good to go, Boss.”
Joe’s got no clue whether Greg Schiano will have a job next week.
That’s the reality of the NFL. Team Glazer will be scrutinizing, especially after the Bucs were punished by the cellar-dwelling Rams, featuring their backup quarterback and second-rate receivers.
Schiano’s job is not safe.
For fans yearning for Team Glazer to make a move, Joe advises you to consider that Team Glazer must be confident it can hire a better coach than Schiano. That potential confidence is everything. Team Glazer is running a business, not a fantasy team.
There could be eight or so head coaching vacancies next week. That means competition for candidates, and Joe’s not seeing a bunch of can’t-miss hires out there.
Now Joe’s not saying Team Glazer wants out of the New Schiano Order. Joe’s merely offering reality. Unlike at the end of the Raheem Morris era, there are legitimate positives to the Schiano regime and it would not be an easy decision for Team Glazer to oust Schiano.
The Bucs’ defense is revived, as are their special teams, and the offense has a pile of excuses it can lean on.
Perhaps the greatest questions out there surround sleepy, leaky Josh Freeman. Did Schiano want Freeman after evaluating him following the 2012 season? If not, and Freeman was forced on Schiano from above, then that surely has to way heavily in Schiano’s favor.
Also, Joe wonders who gets most of the blame within One Buc Palace for the Bucs’ poor depth at wide receiver. Kevin Ogletree couldn’t catch and was cut. The opening Nos. 4 and 5 receivers were nothing but special teamers, and Tiquan Underwood was cut only to return at No. 2 receiver, where he’s overmatched.
Was that on rockstar general manager Mark Dominik? Or did Schiano and his staff insist that new receivers coach John Garrett bring in his guy, Ogletree, from Dallas, and were they to blame for picking special team skill over receiving talent in Russell Shepard and Eric Page?
There’s a lot for Team Glazer to consider. Joe merely scratched the surface here. Lots of questions should be answered in New Orleans next Sunday.
December 22nd, 2013 at 6:54 pm
It’s a Mess……
December 22nd, 2013 at 6:54 pm
Behold The New Schiano Order! Losing season after losing season and excuse after excuse!
December 22nd, 2013 at 6:59 pm
When will the Glaziers run the Bucs like they run their Man U? I ask all my fellow fans this, I would rather take a chance on another Coach then see this mess AGAIN next year. So they bring in another OC and then what? More bad coaching, penalties, bad play calling, more ” try and keep it close” and close losses? If they bring him back, they will have lost the fan base. They need change the coach and/or gm
December 22nd, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Tell me the positive. I’ll wait.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:01 pm
7-9 then 4-12 no I don’t think the bucs win next week
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:03 pm
Abandon what works and settle for playing not to lose.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:07 pm
I truly believe we don’t have depth at WR because that’s not what Schiano wants. He’s rarely going to even use a 3 WR set, so what’s the purpose in having a quality 4th and 5th WR? If he had his way, we’d go one WR, a fullback, and 7 offensive linemen on every single play. Next year we should keep 7 RB’s on the roster and 3 WR’s. It’s going to be the same offense no matter who the OC is, as long as Schiano is coach. Just reality. To believe otherwise would completely ignore his professional and college coaching career. That’s what he’s always done, and what he’s going to continue to do. That’s painfully obvious.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:17 pm
Schiano’s+ Mcnulty + Glennon is an awful hard sell to make to an already dwindling fan base.
Very hard sell.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:17 pm
It’s a college offense in a pro game. When you have the worst offense in the NFL you cannot defend the head coach. Last season in spurts they played well. This season even less so. Defense improved, offense got a lot worse.
I think as fans we expect an exciting and competitive product. We are getting neither. Gruden and Bruce Allen ran the franchise downhill with over the hill vets. The Shiano regime will be remembered as the one that brought in a lot of young talent but couldn’t coach them to be a competitive team.
How can you forgive the HC for putting such a bad offense out there every week.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:19 pm
I certainly hope we don’t crush the saints next week in every statistic. That has the potential of everyone looking like rockstars. Then that may play into the Glazers decisions. However I do hope we squeeze out the W.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:20 pm
Guess gru won’t be remembered for the Super Bowl win, or the 05 07 division titles.
Just amazes me how folks continue to spew that company line.
Truly amazing.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:22 pm
The Glazers are getting NOTHING for their money right now. High salaried players underperforming, a coach that is in way over his head and does not know what it takes to win in the NFL, and a GM that hasn’t had a playoff team. This once proud franchise now strives for the level of mediocrity and is a total non-factor in the NFL. The Glazers should blow this whole thing up and start all over, starting from the top, because if you keep doing what you’re doing, you keep getting what you’re getting. Shame
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:24 pm
Gotta agree with Eric. At this point, there should never be a bad word spoken about Jon Gruden. I don’t care how bad he drafted, his teams were far better than this. At least his offense didn’t look like it came from the 70s. There is very little hope in sight as long as we have the Rutgers coach.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:26 pm
Brian Billick. Veteran NFL coach who won a Super Bowl.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:42 pm
The Glazers should hire Kirby Smart for the next HC job
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:44 pm
I hope Schiano stars on Black Monday
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:44 pm
I’m liking Jay Gruden, an offensive minded coach who has paid his dues.
One of the announcers today said that there might be as many as 8 teams firing their head coaches this year. If all 8 went after Gruden, I believe he would choose Tampa Bay.
It doesn’t hurt that his older brother would be an unpaid consultant. People might not like Chucky, but he knows pro football.
I would like to thank the Little General for all the laughs he’s given us this season and for a great draft pick. Don’t let the door hit you in the ass.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:46 pm
I would absolutely love anyone with the name Gruden coaching us next year.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:49 pm
@Eric Says:
Schiano’s+ Mcnulty + Glennon is an awful hard sell to make to an already dwindling fan base.
Very hard sell. Impossible sell to me; I cannot think of anyway I will be renewing my season tickets to watch this again (which I’ve done since 98) my patience with this organization is done. I cannot give money to a franchise that is really doing nothing to deserve my money and imo not trying to win but collect cash year to year.
I do not want a QB that cannot avoid 7 sacks today and throws for about 140 yards a week when 300 yards plus is just about the league norm nowadays. It’s pathetic period.
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:50 pm
The last time the Bucs had an offensive minded Head Coach, they won an NFL Championship
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:56 pm
Houston already interviewed Lovie Smith. We need to fire Schiano and get the best offensive mind available. Lets turn the page. Give us a good reason to watch the team next week. Stop the pain. Watching this our running game is becoming a joke. We starting to see our guys giving up. They are tired of this College Experiment called “Game Plan”
December 22nd, 2013 at 7:59 pm
I hope Schiano is not expecting to go to Nawlins to save his job. Those guys are madder than wet hens after back to back losses and have reason to play their starters. Schiano is either already safe and what happens from here really doesn’t matter or he’s DOA.
Maybe Joe knows something we don’t, because I thought after the Glazers came out a few weeks ago and spoke on his behalf, he was going to get a mulligan.
If not, the Dome next week is not the place to go to save your job!
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:04 pm
They say Rex Ryan might get the Ax. I tell u what call me crazy but his spark might b something this team needs and he dam sure knows how to run a defense and dam sure knows how to use Revis. I’d at the least take a look at em for DC. You just gotta b able to match him up with a strong offensive minded OC maybe a Roman or a jay gruden or hell even bellick for all that matter. Or wisenhaunt… shyt anyone as long as it doesn’t hire another rutgers player for at least 3 years it’s a bad omen.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:05 pm
My 2014 wish List-HC Lovie Smith, ? OC , DC Monte Kiffin, DL Rod Marinelli, LB Coach Hardy Nickerson, ST Joe Marciano
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:11 pm
Offensive minded coach is needed.. Or a HC that do not interfere with the playcalling.. I’m with Joe on Johnny Football: he’s special and if we think we have a chance to draft him, then go get a damn Offensive guru!
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Hope they bring back Schiano just to piss everyone off.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:25 pm
I love Lovie Smith, but he went thru 4 OC in Chicago. And I love Rex Ryan, but he is worse at picking OCs then Lovie Smith (he hired Tony Sorano for one year, stupid!). And look at what Trestman is doing in Chicago. We need an offensive minded HC.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:42 pm
How about this? Sign Mike Vick if possible; develop a young QB watching an experienced QB.
I think he gained more credibility when he said Foles should remain the starter because he was playing better and deserved it.
For those of you who might bring up the dog fighting, give it a break. He did his time. He seems to be a good leader and seems to be well respected by this peers.
Of course, this depends on the owners rehiring that college coach.
Merry Xmas from Canada via Arizona
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Weird team in some ways we have talent and in some wats we don’t. Dom only hitting on a pick now and zen has left us with no depth.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:45 pm
Offensive head coach will only go so far without a solid QB. And our WRs are not really that great. VJax is still a decent weapon, but he’s aging and slowing down. Mike Williams is efficient. Beyond that…we got nothing… Not even TE. OL is also very inconsistent. RB is the only thing we seem to be set on when it comes to offense. That unit needs a LOT of work.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:51 pm
Brandan, Smart has never been a HC at any level. I love Smart as a college coach, but he has done nothing to convince me he should be a HC at the NFL level.
I tend to agree with Joe that there are not a lot of coaches who are guaranteed to do much better. There are plenty of possibilities who could be good young coaches, as well as plenty of re-treads, but none who are obviously going to be a success with this team. I will have no problem if Schiano is retained (hopefully with new coordinators if so) or fired, but don’t change just to change.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:55 pm
Why is anyone calling for Kiffin as the DC? Have you seen Dallas this season? The Tampa-2 has been figured out, and cannot be relied upon as a base defense any longer. I’m wondering if Butch Davis’ final year of his UNC contract is bought out after this season and he’s made the new DC. I think Schiano may get one more year with whatever coordinators he wants. We’ll see in 8 days.
December 22nd, 2013 at 8:58 pm
I say bring in a new OC that knows offense. Roll with Glennon a year or two and draft OL, WR, TE, and DE.
Worry about QB in another year.
But McNulty is not the answer at OC. If Sullivan is gone and McNulty is promoted…we will be picking high in the draft next year again.
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:10 pm
If you want an offensive coach, why not Mike Sherman. If we get Sherman, let’s get Manziel. I don’t want an offensive coach though. I think we should go after Todd Bowles. Imagine what he could do with our defense with the talent we have. Schiano and Dominik should be outta here. Not addressing TE more aggressively and not being more proactive in finding a veteran QB once it was apparent JF was not going to be starting are my main reasons. This has been a horrible year. Hopefully this time next year we’ll all be worried about playoff seeding.
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Good points Joe….many unanswered questions about who has been making many terrible and team destroying decisions and “doing the pooch” with inept QB decisions, poor FA signings, and the entire Rah fiasco. Only the Glazer’s know…and we won’t know until we see their decisions.
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Please rid us of this mess Glazers – we are just bad!
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:54 pm
Sick Of It.
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:56 pm
CANT WAIT !!!!!!
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:56 pm
The only 2 HC candidates I think would be better than Schiano are Ken Wisenhunt and Bill O’Brien. Both are great offensive minds. Aside from that, I’m not sure we’d be getting a guaranteed upgrade.
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Freeman is not an excuse. He was here for 3 games this season. Glennon got most of the reps in pre-season was at the helm for the bulk of the season. Can’t blame Freeman for the 8 other losses this team has acquired since he was benched and released. No Freeman excuse. No mulligan for Schiano. I’m watching 2 rookie coaches on SNF playing a meaningful game in December. Both teams in the playoff hunt. Why in the HELL can’t the Bucs seem to get back to this level!?!?
The Commish was right with his article. The time is now Glazers. Before the best HC start getting scooped.
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:59 pm
This might be the worst season the bucs have had including the Culverhouse days
December 22nd, 2013 at 9:59 pm
There’s no way our dumb owners fire our dumb coach. They’ll fire Sullivan and call it progress.
December 22nd, 2013 at 10:02 pm
Chickster:
Uhhhhh not even close. There was no talent in Tampa during Culverhouse years. At least if we get a new coach, there’d be hope in 2014.
December 22nd, 2013 at 10:19 pm
How do you go from almost hiring Chip Kelly to hiring Schiano? It has to piss the Glazers off seeing the success Kelly is having.
December 22nd, 2013 at 10:41 pm
I saw a really fun name above that I hadn’t even considered: Rex Ryan. Can you imagine what he could do with all the talent the Bucs have on defense? I’d sign off on that just to watch.
December 22nd, 2013 at 10:43 pm
This is why at 0-8 Wannstad should have taken over and the new regime search should have begun..a few meaningless wins and a “dead cat bounce” from a qb change later…things may actually be getting worse.
December 22nd, 2013 at 10:51 pm
The Glazers have to open up the checkbook to compete and get their new HC. I just hope the HC has a plan in place to have a 21st century diverse offense. Our team is easily the worst screen team in the league.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:01 pm
If you like your Head Coach, you can keep your Head Coach.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:13 pm
@jonbuc, I agree. Wannstadt as interim and the new HC search should have begun then. Maybe a new GM search as well. Still would like to see our first two picks Mathews (OT Texas A & M) Richardson (OG Baylor) we need to fix this O-line. We gave up seven sacks…to the Rams.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:14 pm
Schiano may survive…but I doubt the Glazers will permit that without a major change at OC….and I don’t believe McNulty will be acceptable.
Glennon is suited for a West Coast Offense and we need an OC that can work with the talent we have…
We need to do some serious work in FA & the Draft to improve the talent on the offense.
I actually think the defense needs a DE & perhaps a LB.
The Offense needs at least 2 new on the O-line a WR & TE.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:15 pm
“I say bring in a new OC that knows offense. Roll with Glennon a year or two and draft OL, WR, TE, and DE.
Worry about QB in another year.”
Are you people outta ur damn minds? We could have won more games this year with Tebow. I called firing Schiano after 8 losses and having Wanny or Sully as interim and start looking for a new HC. What they heck wear they thinking? Schiano can draft and manage a team but you want him no where near the stadium on Sunday. He should have been gone the minute he said no second half adjustments. The man thinks he’s so good he doesn’t need to make adjustments during half time? GTFO. The minute you think you know everything is when you are doomed for failure. 3 Points this half? HELLO.
Sit what starters we have left and fire this clown right now and go after Rex or Gruden. Jay or John. Dont matter to me.
Oh, and if we dont use that pick for a QB then just sell the fing team. We will never win the NFC South with Schiano or Nappy Dyno. Brees? Cam? Matty? and Nappy Dyno? LMFAO
Pathetic Season. Thanks for another one Dirty Glazers.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:16 pm
If the Glazers do bring Schiano back for next season it shows that winning is not their top priority. You are what your record says you are and 4-11 is not progress
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:33 pm
Dude we’re screwed
The Glosers will not fire Schiano.
Should they fire him? Yes.
They are baffled right now and don’t want to start all over again.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:33 pm
Tomorrow morning, I am going to have field day
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:43 pm
Where is Couch Fan and Buc1987? Why won’t you guys come out and take your punishment like men? Lol
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:49 pm
@ Splengo
I’m here if you want to beat on someone. I’m not saying I think Schiano should be retained….but I am saying that the Glazers might not fire him and you’d best be prepared for that.
I think they would have to fire Dominick also and know it would be a wholesale bloodletting & I don’t think they have the stomach for that.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:50 pm
The bucs organization is pathetic. Pathetic. Glazers go the staff. If they keep this regime I might just pay attention to college football and that only.
December 22nd, 2013 at 11:50 pm
Ian, how bout that O line?
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:01 am
TBBF,
No fun taking a poke at you anymore! You’ve soften your positions lately – almost a good guy now. It the hard liners I’m after. BTW, you’re probably right about the Glazers, but we will get what we deserve!
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:03 am
Whisenhunt for head coach, Rex Ryan for DC.
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:23 am
@ Splengo
The record has “softened me up” I am really disappoined and quite depressed. On the one hand I’d love to see success with Schiano & Glennon because that would be the best and the quickest way to turn things around.
On the other hand…I don’t see it working. My hopes are that the Glazers force a very strong OC down Schiano’s throat and let him know its their way or the highway…but, actually I don’t even see that happening.
As for Dominick….I’m 50-50….but if you can Schiano…Dom’s got to go too…that’s the only way you will attract a good replacement coach.
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:34 am
I’m at a loss for words.
December 23rd, 2013 at 12:45 am
I
Concur
December 23rd, 2013 at 1:26 am
What a way to bring the holiday cheer. All I want foe Christmas is a new regime from top to bottom. I for one will abstain from Buc football if we don’t get dramatic change. This makes me hate fooball. I’d rather cut grass than feel like crap every Sunday. Dominick couldnt draft a good fantasy team much less a NFL franchise. I were to see him in public I’d knock his pathetic a$$ out!! We are the laughing stock of the NFL and have been since he took over.
December 23rd, 2013 at 1:33 am
Honestly I know I could do a better job at picking players than this fool. Every draft I go through my draft selections and they all have been better than what we came up with. Actually most people on this site could as well. Someone tell me how he keeps his job. He must have relations with one of the Glazers because he has failed our franchise like no other GM. Only GM who could be worse than him is Matt Millen and even that’s debatable. Off with their heads!!!!
December 23rd, 2013 at 1:40 am
Send your resume including time-stamped draft picks to the Bucs courtesy of human resources.
December 23rd, 2013 at 1:42 am
Totally amazes me how many people on this site would settle for mediocrity. I remember the days of division titles and championship games and I want the Bucs to have those days again. Right now, they are not heading in that direction.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:01 am
Not a bad idea. let me get started. HC- Billick DC Rex ryan, OC Jay Gruden GM Bill Polian. And first pick would be Johnny Football. Trade away our 2ND and 4TH and get Khalil Mack. tHIRD ROUND TE Then get two FA Guards and FA DE AND fa wr. And trade Goldson for A SPEEDY WR.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:12 am
Message to all the Bucs players. YOU SUCK AND SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO CALL YOURSELF FOOTBALL PLAYERS. Coaches don’t play the snaps and to blame coaches when these millionaires have been playing football since they were small children is pathetic. When real people with real jobs fail as they have, they get canned. But I guess those rules don’t apply to these overpaid failures. Hope you all lose your memory from concussions and go broke once your no longer viable.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:23 am
At least Joe liked one of your suggestions.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:26 am
I’m sorry, I can’t even look at the rest of the article yet, & I have to comment. OF COURSE they’re running a business…& that business model this year included having to purchase untold number of tickets to home games, just to muster a smidgen of interest to get the games on TV. The Glazers are looking at Greg Schiano & Mike Glennon as a business model, & they’re seeing literal failure. As a business, why would you continue that?
As for the Glazers wondering if they can do better than Schiano—we, really, can’t do better than a .500 college coach who was never in position for an elite college or pro job in a decade? A coach who has presided over one of the worst seasons a professional franchise has ever had? If this team was showing promise, I could see the “mulligan” argument, the “Schiano had to clean up Raheem’s mess” talk—but Schiano was NOT proven before this year, & the fact is, his reputation could only muster two below-par coordinators. Couple that with the fact his hand-chosen QB is a backup AT BEST.
At some point the Glazer boys have to realize that this isn’t Schiano’s, or Dominick’s, or Morris’ or Gruden’s mess—it is theirs.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:31 am
if Rockstar wants to keep his job, he better fire Schiano next Monday. If not then Rockstar deserves to be fired with Schiano after another 10+ loss season in 2014.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:34 am
ROB IN TAMPA…let me get this straight…you want 70-something year old Monte Kiffin running an antiquated defense (the Tampa 2), a man who’s been let go from 2 programs now (Cowboys surely the second). & Marciano, another guy freshly fired for his poor performance, who’s become a punchline in the football analytics community? I’m all for “The Buccaneer Way”, but the game has passed some of those Buccaneer men by…
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:45 am
Thanks Joe. Who would be your selections for coaches and players just curious. I went offense cuz its what puts fans in the seats and in the new NFL offense wins titles. Defense doesn’t have the impact like before due to the flag football rules. Look at the Broncos, Pats, Saints, and Packers.
December 23rd, 2013 at 2:52 am
Thanks Joe. Who would be your selections for coaches and players just curious. I went offense cuz its what puts fans in the seats and in the new NFL offense wins titles. Defense doesn’t have the impact like before due to the flag football rules. Look at the Broncos, Pats, Saints, Eagles ,Bengals and Packers. All high powered offenses, all in the playoff picture.
December 23rd, 2013 at 3:47 am
On record if a coaching change is made, Greg Roman and Johnny Football.
December 23rd, 2013 at 7:30 am
If the bucs had a good NFL coach not a college coach the bucs could be a playoff team every year KC has done with Reid the bucs have a good base of players need a good coach to put it all together
December 23rd, 2013 at 7:48 am
We clearly need an EXPERIENCED NFL coach. A guy that has put a winner on an NFL field. Lovie Smith always had his team ready to play. No, he never had an average OC. After Sullivan, anybody would look like a genius. The Bears defense has completely collapsed since last year.
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:32 am
If the Jets fire Rex we should fly him in and sign him to be our new coach. What he has done with the Jets this year is amazing considering the lack of talent on that roster. He’s a real NFL coach unlike the one we have now.
December 23rd, 2013 at 8:51 am
Did we even run the 2 minute drill yesterday? I agree if Rex gets the axe we should @ least seriously consider it. I don’t have the intestinal fortitude to deal with another piss poor year filled with excuses and empty rhetoric.
December 23rd, 2013 at 10:08 am
JOE i know something you don’t and mark my words Schiano is going to be here next year, Im 100% sure of that.
December 23rd, 2013 at 1:57 pm
4-12. Time to CLEAN HOUSE!!! Bring in a GM and HC with a track record of success.
December 23rd, 2013 at 1:59 pm
It’s now been a full decade of futility. Step up Glazers.