The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly hiring offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter as their next head coach, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport. Koetter was reportedly the top candidate shortly after the firing of head coach Lovie Smith, and the organization likely wanted to keep some continuity going into its second season with quarterback Jameis Winston.
Tampa Bay finished in last place in the NFC South this past season with a 6-10 record, but have clearly shown improvement on the field. Koetter's offense finished fifth in the NFL in terms of yards per game, and with plenty of young talent on their roster, they look to be trending in the right direction.
Buccaneers running back Doug Martin finished second in the NFL with 1,402 rushing yards this season, and scored six touchdowns. Martin's contract extension was reportedly a priority for Smith towards the end of the season, and it will be interesting to see what the front office decides regarding the talented running back.
Between Martin, Winston and wide receiver Mike Evans, the Buccaneers clearly have a strong offensive nucleus for Koetter to take to the next level, but many will want to know how Tampa Bay plans to address its defense this off-season. The team allowed the 26th most points per game during the 2015 regular defense, and Koetter's first job will be naming a defensive coordinator.
