The NFL meetings are fully underway in Houston this week as evidenced by the St. Louis Rams' official relocation to Los Angeles. But on top of scenery changes, the NFL meetings are also a time for organizations to vet potential head coaching candidates. One such team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, did just that Tuesday.
According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs interviewed offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter for their open head coaching position yesterday. Former head coach Lovie Smith was fired after two seasons, going 8-24. Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht divulged to Stroud that Koetter is a "strong candidate" to be the team's next head coach, though he would not say for certain when a decision can be expected.
"He's put a good resume in front of him for this year," Licht said of Koetter. "Historically the best offense we've had here in Tampa Bay. He's a good communicator. He's done great things with Jameis [Winston]. There's a lot of good football coaches out there. Dirk's one of them."
The Bucs offense finished 2015 ranked fifth in yards per game (375.9) but just 20th in points (21.4). Yet Koetter put No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston in a position to compete for offensive rookie of the year while resurrecting running back Doug Martin's career as well. Tampa Bay exceeded expectations by starting out 6-6 before closing out the season with a four-game losing streak. It's no surprise why he is considered the favorite by many to win the job.
Tampa Bay has also interviewed Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott and Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Harold Goodwin. The Panthers have boasted one of the best defenses in the league over the last two years while the Cardinals averaged a league-high 30.1 points per game this season.
