Kacy Rodgers Leaves For Lions
January 23rd, 2025
Gone.
So, the folks who screamed for a shakeup on the defensive staff (not unwarranted) got their wish granted this afternoon.
Bucs defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, who has been with Todd Bowles for years, has left the team. Rodgers is the new defensive line coach for the Detroit Lions.
That’s the word from Jeremy Fowler of BSPN.
Now Joe has to wonder who else will leave and/or be replaced?
The fact Rodgers’ interior defensive line was the best part of the Bucs defense tells Joe the Bucs may have a new defensive staff for 2025.
So if Rodgers, a Bowles disciple for many years dating back to when the two worked with Bill Parcells in Dallas, felt he wasn’t safe, then none of the defensive assistants are safe.
https://twitter. com/jfowlerespn/status/1882500813962256514
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:14 pm
Will the Bucs bring Lori Locust back, but as a full time defensive line coach now?
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:15 pm
Let’s hope change is good. It certainly worked for the offensive line.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:15 pm
They might take Foote for D coordinator too!
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:17 pm
I’m watching punting highlights of the new CFL punter we just signed, Jake Julien. He has a strong leg. Field position is huge for our defense who sputters on getting 3 and outs.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:18 pm
“We fear change” – Garth Algar
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:23 pm
Good news.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:24 pm
Jameswillie, those were my exact thoughts. Kacy may be a very good DL coach but, sometimes both parties need a change. As you said it darn sure made a difference on the OL
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:26 pm
Lori? LMAO
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:27 pm
Can we throw in Bowles too?
I mean for free. Nothing needed in return.
Just get him away from our defense quickly.
28-27
Fire Bowles now!!!
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:27 pm
Also, I read the A Scheftler said that Coen had already signed the new contract. Has any other Bucfans heard or read this. I read on pewter report
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:27 pm
Hire a DC and rebuild the entire concept and staff. The Bowles way is becoming less successful year over year.
If you’re not going fire TB, then take away his defensive responsibility.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:31 pm
Why have him if he can’t run the defense? He’s useless.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:32 pm
Need to get rid of the DB coaches as well. Also, someone needs to pressure Bowles about his outdated philosophy which lets WRs wide open and defensive players forgetting to tackle.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:34 pm
Change is good.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:37 pm
I wonder if the Lions will interview Flat Bill Byron for the Offensive coordinator position…
LOL!
How about giving Warren Sapp a shot a D-line coach?
The dude is a gold jacket wearing legend in Tampa.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:38 pm
Can’t help but to feel for their friendship… that’s tough!
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:39 pm
The defense sucked quite a bit. Not as bad as clock management and defensive game planning. Go back to coordinating coach leave the decisions to someones smarter 13 yr old!
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:51 pm
Not a bad idea to just get some new voices in the room – this is mostly a veteran bunch, and just shaking things up a bit probably can’t hurt at this point. With that said, Rodgers isn’t one of the guys I’d replace – but if it’s part of a bigger overhaul I’m good with it.
January 23rd, 2025 at 3:54 pm
Marine Buc Says:
How about giving Warren Sapp a shot a D-line coach?
————-
I’d bring in Sapp in a moment, the guy has such incredible energy. Also he’d get on Vita about losing some weight, and now that he’s turning 30, he probably needs to do that (not bashing Vita, but just getting ahead of the aging process).
Also if the Bowles is insistent on running zone, then please bring in Ronde to teach guys how to play zone. Clearly something is amiss with the way the current Bucs play zone, it’s a disaster. So why not bring in a guy from the best passing defense in the history of the NFL, who is considered one of the smartest players ever, to show guys how you read and react in zone and don’t just stand around flat footed.
January 23rd, 2025 at 4:03 pm
Welcome to Mr. Rodgers’s Neighborhood.
Bye Neighbor. Don’t get bitten by the Lions!
January 23rd, 2025 at 4:19 pm
Potential Option(s)
1# Defensive coaches
* Defensive Coordinator – Patrick Graham
* Defensive Line – Rob Leonard
* Pass Rush Specialist – Andre Carter
* Linebackers/Run Game Coordinator – Mike Caldwell
* Assistant Linebackers – Marcus Lewis
* Cornerbacks – Ricky Manning
* Safeties – Gerald Alexander
* Assistant Defensive Backs – Matt Feeney
* Assistant Defense – Josh Phillips
2# Defensive coaches
* Defensive Coordinator – Robert Saleh
* Defensive line – Aaron Whitecotton
* Asst. Defensive Line– Mike Rutenberg
* Linebackers – Jeff Ulbrich
* Assistant Linebackers – Shaq Wilson
* Defensive Backs/Safeties – Marquand Manuel
* Senior Defensive Assistant/cornerbacks – Tony Oden
January 23rd, 2025 at 4:32 pm
@ Rod
I agree 100%…
Would love to see both Ronde and Sapp involved here in Tampa.
Especially Ronde. Another gold jacket wearing Tampa legend who is a brilliant class act.
January 23rd, 2025 at 4:35 pm
I’ve been an advocate for Bowles to change out some of his coaches. Sometimes schemes and coaching get stale and change is needed. Bowles has stepped up and made a change, and I hope more staff changes are coming.
Despite Bowles well discussed shortcomings, he’s done a solid job of bringing people in: Baker, Coen, and MAYBE some offensive position coaches like Carbs, Peelle, and B-Mac. So I’m hopeful and maybe even optimistic that we can bring in some good defensive coaches.
January 23rd, 2025 at 4:37 pm
Wouldn’t it be interesting if Kacy Rodgers & Larry Foote both leave & Todd Bowles hires a new DC who’s allowed to bring in his own staff. Hmmmm, maybe the new guy would even prefer the 4-3 over the 3-4. Gee, I wonder if there are any DCs out there who’d fit that description?
January 23rd, 2025 at 5:22 pm
Kacy Rodgers good move sir, going to the Lion’s organization where they will appreciate you and if you can make their defense better up there that fan base will celebrate you and we know the organization will pay you! Solid business decision on your part!!!
January 23rd, 2025 at 5:26 pm
LUVMYBUCS,
Jeff Ulbricht took the Falcons DC job….
Was surprised to see that…
January 23rd, 2025 at 5:41 pm
Wish Kacy the best.
Like others have commented. Change can be good.
January 23rd, 2025 at 6:08 pm
DR
Yeah, that would be nice to see.
January 23rd, 2025 at 6:45 pm
Rodgers is going to a good (finally) franchise. Congrats and Kudos are in order. Todd Bowles is already looking at replacements, and it’s a compliment to him. DR, I feel the same way if Foote gets a career bump. I don’t know about you, but I remember the days when the entire Bucs coaching staffs were on the unemployment lines after getting canned. This is such a wonderful change, and I’m glad I lived long enough to see my team having this problem. I can not wait until next season!!