“Green Bay Will Be Competing For A Coach With Cleveland, Tampa Bay And The Jets At Least”
December 3rd, 2018
One premier NFL insider considers Dirk Koetter a confirmed goner, a man awaiting a kick out the door from his bosses.
That’s the take this morning from and unmatched pontificator Peter King, formerly of Sports Illustrated who is now all-in with NBC Sports. In his endless writing about the firing of Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy yesterday, King assumed Koetter will be unemployed in 28 short days.
3. The Packers are giving themselves a head start on their search, and I’m pretty sure they think McCarthy will be well-served by the same early start. Green Bay will be competing for a coach with Cleveland, Tampa Bay and the Jets at least, and maybe two or three other franchises. The Green Bay job will be highly desirable, because of the history—“I still get a thrill driving to the same place Vince Lombardi drove to for work,” McCarthy told me last year—and the quarterback. As for McCarthy, he could land in Cleveland with former Packers scout John Dorsey (they are not tight, but they are friends), and the Jets could want the guy who coached Brett Favre at the end and Aaron Rodgers at the beginning to mentor Sam Darnold. Having December off gives McCarthy a chance to recharge and prep for a round of early-January interviews. I don’t think McCarthy wanted this to happen now, because he’s a coach and wanted a chance to coach his way out of this. But coaching the next four weeks would have been (mostly) a frustrating daily reminder of how underachieving this team is, and would have given pause to prospective employers wondering why a team with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback stinks.
Joe can’t bury Koetter yet, but he certainly has two feet, both hips and one shoulder in his Bucs-head-coaching grave — with a shovel in one hand furiously trying to dig his way out.
It’s time for the Bucs to eat Ws against surging and/or strong football teams. Three in a row are up next with the Saints, followed by the Ravens and Cowboys on the road.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:08 am
I hate to say it but, anything short of winning out and he’s out.
2 complete games of football do not negate 3 seasons of garbage.
Great 2 games! BUT……what about the rest?!
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:13 am
That was a great win yesterday but I still think the decision to bring back incompetent Mike Smith will bury him. As a head coach you should know enough of what’s going on with all sides of the ball to make an informed decision if necessary. Koetter had his defensive blinders on.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:14 am
I’d love him as an Offensive Coordinator.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:15 am
Joe you want to start all over again Koetter did not miss those field goals he did not throw all those interceptions he did not suspend Winston he has a # 1 OFFENSE got rid of a defensive coordinator got rid of a kicker lost 3 starting linebackers lost 2 starting safeties, the players are starting to respond to the new D. C. now you and the rest of the media wants to start all over again?
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:17 am
He also said 2 weeks ago we would have a new QB next year.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:18 am
If Koetter is canned and JW stays it will be the height of unfairness.
EVERYBODY except for our most cockeyed optimists assumed we’d be 0-3 this season because of the schedule and JW’s suspension.
Koetter has gone through a lot this year. But I would speculate…too soon to know after just two great weeks…but I believe Koetter could have very well saved this franchise.
Koetter’s handling of our prima donna and his suspension was actually excellent. He benched JW when he deserved it. He sent the kid a clear lesson and again it appears JW has learned.
When the story of this season is written people will not be talking about play calling….they’ll mention the very FIRST coach to ever truly jerk a knot in JW’s tail. Everybody else has simply been an enabler. They’ll mention starting a season with your franchise QB suspended for three weeks. How often does that happen? I can think of Brady and “Deflategate”.
So Koetter saved our franchise QB…which in turn has perhaps saved the franchise. Again two games don’t make a season but if JW continues to play calm and cool and stop the ATM nonsense and our DL continues to grow…none of these contenders are looking forward to seeing the Bucs on their schedules
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:21 am
saying you want koetter gone and starting over is no different than those calling for crabmans ouster and getting someone reliable.
morally there’s a difference, but you get the point
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:22 am
I think Chris Peterson or Urban Meyer would be great for the Bucs. They are both proven winners. They have rebuilt struggling programs where ever they have gone. Today the Pro game is not that much different than the College game. Either of these 2 would bring a new energy to the Bucs. Koetter had his chance. 4 years is long enough to prove yourself. Keeping the GM is NOT the best idea. Too many misses in the draft and free agency. No one is perfect but a GM is paid a lot of money to get it right. That hasn’t happened in Tampa.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:23 am
How many years does Coach Koetter have on his existing contract? If he has multiple years remaining, he’s a sure goner. I wouldn’t be surprised if Team Glazer gives him a “buyout” before they fire him. Whether they do it out of misguided loyalty, guilt, or some other reason, that’s just how Team Glazer rolls. #PaidFloridaVacation
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:25 am
Keep Koetter!
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:28 am
Koetter OUT! This BUM MCCARTHY HELL NO! Wouldn’t get a sniff at a job if he didnt have Aaron Rodgers playing for him at QB.. pure trash.. sorry NEXT
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:31 am
Too bad our owners are to stupid to consider they will have to compete for head coach also. I take it back the glazers are the worst owners in the nfl. How can you actually continue to wait on coaches by seeing what happens at the end of a losing season every time when the goal is to actually make the playoffs. So hard to root for this team. It’s so hard when the incompetence starts at the top
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:31 am
“considers”…..I consider this BS
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:32 am
I wonder if Rodgers is the problem. He has been a diva of sorts for the last few years. If McCarthy wasn’t able to reign him in, the rest of the team would be more likely to follow Aaron Rodgers than to follow the coach, because of the strong leadership he has.
If we do launch Koetter, I don’t know if McCarthy would be good for this team. We need someone who can lead AND coach.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:33 am
They said we would start 0-3 look what happened bet Jameis wins out !
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:34 am
I don’t know about anyone else…..but, I don’t think we can make the playoffs…..the most important game for me is spoiling the Cowboys’ chances of playoffs……Nothing I’d like better than for us to stomp the boys in Dallas in front of Jerry “America’s Owner” Jones……please, please do this.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:44 am
Look, weve played some jit teams the last 2 games….hence we’re looking good. Coach K needs a DC and it looks like Dufner is starting to find a way. Its a backwards way of thinking but i say Fk it, Keep him! Give the guy some help on D and lets see what happens!
Work on building the D, get a RB and draft a future back up QB….Fitz will probably cost too much, but if we keep him im good with that too.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:48 am
Larry Says:
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:22 am
I think Chris Peterson or Urban Meyer would be great for the Bucs. They are both proven winners. They have rebuilt struggling programs where ever they have gone. Today the Pro game is not that much different than the College game. Either of these 2 would bring a new energy to the Bucs. Koetter had his chance. 4 years is long enough to prove yourself. Keeping the GM is NOT the best idea. Too many misses in the draft and free agency. No one is perfect but a GM is paid a lot of money to get it right. That hasn’t happened in Tampa.
DID YOU SERIOUSLY JUST POST THIS GARBARGE?????
Urban Meyer?!?!?!?!?!?
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:49 am
“Kobe wants John Defilipo but doubt he is interested…
Bring Brian Kelley to 1Buc place”
Kobe Faker
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:50 am
Give Winston his 20 mil, keep Koetter and Licht 1 more year. If it doesn’t work blow it all up.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:55 am
I have a feeling Dirk gets 2 more wins and JW has 2 more good games and none that are really bad and we bring them both back and go 6-10 next year. I really don’t want Mcarthy. His O is so simple and he hasn’t won enough with what hes had. He is the only coach in the NFL worse than Dirk with in game decisions.
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:55 am
What Dewey said !
December 3rd, 2018 at 9:57 am
I read this earlier and thought either King has some insider info ( possible ) or he wrote off DK a few weeks ago ( as I and many other posters have ). It’s going to be a very interesting final month of the season. Above all I hope Winston can continue to ascend as competent starting QBs are difficult to find these days.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:01 am
First off let me say JW is going nowhere. Second Duffner shows promise. Third fire Licht for sure.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:05 am
I agree with Dewey ^
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:06 am
If you are keeping JW and that’s a big if, then it’s crazy to fire Dirk. Presuming he continues to play well for the remainder of the season then you want him in the same system he has grown into. To begin a new system means possible regression for no need.
If I’m the Glazers, I get with Jason and Dufner and get this defense what they need. DLine, CB’s and OLine draft picks and FA. There’s a lot to be said for continuity for a young QB
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:07 am
TBBF
Yeah it would take a minor miracle to win the next three games.
But I recall how everybody wrote us off in our first three games with that tough schedule and JW suspended.
In fact wasn’t Peter King one of the “experts” who predicted 0-3 for us?
So we go from suspended JW to JW playing the best ball of his entire career. JW playing like he has the past two weeks and our DL playing like they’re playing will make us a real challenge for our opponents.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:08 am
I will be at the ravens game.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:13 am
We need talent not a new HC……..We have excelent WR and TE, We have JPP and some days Kwon……you have very irregular QB´s no running game and no secondary…..tough to win in the NFL.
KEEP KOETTER!!!!!!!
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:34 am
Open the checkbook and bring Bruce Arians as team president.
He can give Koetter much needed guidance and prevent Licht from making stupid draft decisions like drafting a 2nd round kicker, Vea instead of Derwin James and Jones over Guice.
It really pisses me off watching Derwin James balling out and beating the Steelers on national TV. That kid is Hall of Fame type talent!
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:36 am
ndog- I was thinking the same thing. Urban Meyer?!?!
I feel like I have to take a shower in hand-sanitizer every time I see him. Greasy!
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:37 am
Miguel- I love the thought of bringing in Arians. As a bonus, he’s Hokie Alum!
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:42 am
Keep Kortter, keep Licht, add Arians and problems solved!
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:45 am
Given the suspension, the injuries resulting in so many rookies starting, the firing of Mike Smith, the kicking issues, and the subpar defensive play, I would accept 7-9 as good enough for a one year deal with a team option for a second year.
Then again, that would keep him on the hot seat, and that’s not exactly a confidence builder for the players.
Maybe the solution is a three year deal with must meet incentives to be guaranteed is the solution. That way, if he does not meet the incentives, the Glazers have to option of firing him without penalty. That might actually be the better way to go.
However, if the Glazers do decide to fire him, then clicking my name will show you my suggestions for a replacement, if anyone is interested.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:49 am
Plea to Glaxers…let the season play out, evaluate how the players respond to coaching the next few games regardless of wins/losses, factor in the QB issues early on as well as key injuries, tune out fans who love changing coaches every two years….then make a decision on Koetter. If the team quits or there’s a guy ownership has a chub for the get out the axe. Otherwise I feel we’re best off keeping the offensive continuity another year
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:52 am
Just get rid of jason licht and the scouting dept because they are gawd awful, licht cannpot sign FAs he got lcuky with a trade for jpp, he drafted a kicker, and missed on so many picks its not funny….i would think as a former OL he would know that winning football starts up front in the trenches but obv not
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:39 am
Nothing has happened to change my mind about Klueless, nor should it.
A win against a dreadful 49ers team means very little. The win against Carolina was markedly better, but those are just two wins in a dreadful season.
He is still not a Head Coach. Anybody who waffles as much as he does will never be one.
SPBF, You feelin’ alright?
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:42 am
No reason to pur Winston in a brand new system. If you keep him then you keep Dirk. One more season. Next year will be the year.
December 3rd, 2018 at 11:50 am
Here’s the simple truth. It really is…
The entire regime and its chances comes down to this Saints game. In my estimation the absolute worst the Bucs can do is finish 3-1 and thus finish 8-8 for everyone to come back. This team is 1-5 on the road so to exopect them to travel to Baltimore and Dallas – two teams fighting for a playoff berth – and win is ridiculous. They have to split those games and beat both the Saints and Falcons at home for this team to have a whisker of a chance at staying together.
If they lose to the Saints, it’s over. And yes, the Saints are coming off a brutal loss, have a large rest coming off the Thursday night game, and are battling for home field advantage throughout – meaning, they have everything to play for (including revenge for week 1).
It all comes down to this week, folks. This – and I’m not one for hyperbole – is truly the Buc franchises biggest game in years.
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:04 pm
If the defense keeps playing a little above average like it did yesterday and JW takes care of the ball, we can beat any team. If we finish 8-8 or better, Dirk stays. And, we need to bring in Kareem Hunt. I don’t condone violence against anyone, but what he did was not so egregious that he shouldn’t be given a second chance.
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:09 pm
The Bucs look good. Jameis has been playing great. The defense despite their flaws played with tenacity and discipline yesterday. The tean from the head coach to the third stringers seem to be on the same page. And oh yeah, we finally have a kicker! The team is truly coming together! But…is it too little too late?
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:09 pm
Tony LA, not to mention the Saints want to revenge their opening season loss to the Bucs. Tough game indeed. If the Bucs pull out a win this weekend, I will really start to believe that they’ve turned things around.
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:15 pm
I think 8-8 buys him one more year. Glazers talk a lot about trends, this team has fought in every game no matter the score, they’ve faced the Winston suspension/benching, the CBs/LBs are a collection of inexperienced back ups…with all that if we finish 8-8 its probably going to mean Winston played extremely efficient which is what this whole Koetter hiring was all about. If its finally clicking, don’t fix whats not broken. In the past, even with Gruden the issue was the stalling at the end….Raheem had a huge losing streak, Schiano the same…Lovie was showing no progress….Koetter gets to 8-8, the defense looks much better, offense is #1 in the league, kicker is fixed. I don’t see the Glazers undoing that to retool.
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:21 pm
Keeping Koetter would equal rams keeping Jeff Fisher all those years, when we get rid of Koetter for a real coach this team will take off
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:51 pm
JMark
Feeling fine just looking at %’s. It might surprise you that, since 1978, teams with below .500 records who fire their coaches tend to rebound less compared to teams below .500 that don’t fire their coaches. Let that sink in for a second.
ESPN did some nice analysis on the topic of do teams change too often…too quickly?
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18400460/does-firing-head-coaches-nfl-lead-more-wins-2016
These results do suggest that teams are probably too quick to fire coaches. At the very least, it’s not the panacea that some owners, front offices and fan bases sometimes believe it should be. If you think about it, a new coach never just means positive change and new energy. It can also mean greater personnel turnover, and perhaps even more patience for losses. “He needs some time to right the ship,” we hear. That is just another way of excusing more of the same — losing.
December 3rd, 2018 at 12:59 pm
There is nothing inherently wrong with the Bucs that a few fewer turnovers, a better kicker, and a few more stops and sacks on D cannot fix.
There is ZERO need to blow this team up.
December 3rd, 2018 at 1:00 pm
@spbf: agreed.
Cleveland blows their teams up.
The Bucs do not have that need.
December 3rd, 2018 at 1:21 pm
If the Buc’s played like they played the last two weeks win or lose and they will probably win then Dirk will be here next year. If they played like they played most of the year he will be gone. Mark it down!!!
December 3rd, 2018 at 1:27 pm
SPBF
Glad you are well.
I still can’t reconcile a team that has a penchant for sucking out loud for the first ten games (in more than one season) and then “not quitting on Koettter” Perhaps he needs a little more time to “right the ship”?
If we only play real football when there is nothing to gain, what’s the point?
—————————
@Tony
“It all comes down to this week, folks. This – and I’m not one for hyperbole – is truly the Buc franchises biggest game in years.”
Sad isn’t it? The biggest game in years is to determine if we clean house –again. No silly playoffs for us.
Personally the move should already be decided..weak minded coach who waffles on important decisions…
December 3rd, 2018 at 1:39 pm
I’m starting to think if the Bucs win two or more of their last games that we will keep Dirk Koetter. As long as he doesn’t do anything stupid like putting Fitzpatrick in for Jameis. When was the last time the Bucs ever were scoring points like they are now? I think Koetter stays. If he doesn’t we need to keep Monken.
December 3rd, 2018 at 2:08 pm
Did Mr. King have a talk with you about your paragraph of BS you usually put on his posts? I for one am glad you dumped it. (this article) Thanks. Now how about dumping the Bit-o-honey, blah blah blah you are now putting on Coach Kotter. I do not read it just like Mr. Kings BS, I skip right by those articles. I bet there are plenty of others who do too.
Go Bucs!
December 3rd, 2018 at 2:25 pm
You guys are Crazy!!! Dirk has killed this team with his stubbornness and unwillingness to adjust. Even this year he took back the play calling back just to prove it isn’t Monken it is an improved team and boom 3 points to a sh*tty Redskin team. That loss may haunt us. He refused to fire his buddy, he hates our QB, he calls out our players by name in the media, he is a locker room cancer as much as D Jax and those 2 can just elephant walk each other right out of OBP.
December 3rd, 2018 at 2:41 pm
I think the Bucs should bring the coach back for another season. Yes, he’s made mistakes but he should be allowed to learn and grow. He has created the number one passing offense in the league. They are only going to be better next year. He’s learned the value of making change when things are not working. He’ll be a better coach next year.
If you replace him you are starting from 0 with an unknown entity. How’s that working out for the Raiders?
December 3rd, 2018 at 3:05 pm
Wow fan shouldn’t be short for fanatic because a lot of you are completely led around by emotions on a weekly basis. Fickle is more like it. So after a couple wins and all offseason saying no excuses, coming out lighting the league on fire only to be laughed off the big stage and no longer be taken seriously suddenly after two wins in a row people have forgotten the last 5 games. Apparently the goal was continuity not playoffs, fans are just as scary as ownership. Dork is Klueless and he ain’t leading this team anywhere
And to the stupid ones talking about adding arians to the staff turn in your football fan cards because you know nothing. Dork is as arrogant a coach as their is and you think he’s going to let someone come in and tell him what to do or question his decisions no matter how stupid they are?
Bruce Arians is a head coaching candidate so why would he come work for someone when he knows he’s better than dirk and just because he can coach doesn’t mean he can work in a front office. Geez the number of people thinking madden equals real life football is depressing.
December 3rd, 2018 at 3:16 pm
BTW: That ” ” Redskins team is ranked third in the league in points allowed, and 8th in the league in yards allowed on defense.
tickrdr
December 3rd, 2018 at 3:57 pm
I think the Glazers are going to kept Koetter. A few of his coaches may need evaluations but I think the Glazers are thinking continuity. I hope the Fire Licht. They need to replace Licht. His sorry drafting has hurt the team more than anything else. Duffner may just get it done. Big improvements this week.
December 3rd, 2018 at 5:47 pm
Looks like Green Bay will probably land the best qualifying coach now. Tampa will be down the list for potential hires. Arians would probably jump at a Green Bay offer. I think if the pool is hijacked by the better franchises leaving us to choose from the bottom of the barrel we should seriously consider keeping Koetter.
December 3rd, 2018 at 6:41 pm
If Dirk isn’t such an idiot that he benches Winston after a bad road game against an AFC team in bad weather then the Bucs right now are in the middle of the playoff hunt.
Winston is 4-2 in his last 6, and that easily should be 5-1 if he had a kicker in Atlanta.
Meanwhile the moron that is Dirk thought 1-5 Fitz should be playing and it literally cost the team the season.
That’s why Dirk will be fired, short of Winston going out there and winning every game down the stretch.
December 3rd, 2018 at 7:18 pm
or then again we could do like Licht and reach for a longshot while Jameis has to start with a whole new playbook
December 3rd, 2018 at 7:30 pm
If Dirk absolutely has to go, then it should be Monken’s job. He know’s this offense, and Jameis knows this playbook.
December 3rd, 2018 at 10:31 pm
Not There Yet, take a Xanax and chill. This isn’t life and death. No need to stroke out. As they say, opinions are like assholes, and most of them stink.
December 4th, 2018 at 6:09 am
SPBF’s post is spot-on
It bothers me too, to see NFL fans following this like some reality show; rooting as much for soap opera dramatics in the careers and lives of the players and coaches as they do for the play on the field