Bucs nearing deal with OC Koetter to become head coach

The Tampa Bay Times reported last week that the Bucs felt compelled to act on Smith when the Dolphins honed in on Koetter as a potential head coach candidate. Koetter interviewed on Tuesday.

Koetter was reportedly in conversations with coaching staff Wednesday night, lining up his possible coaching team should he get the head coaching job, NBC Sports reported citing ‘a source with knowledge of the situation’.

Koetter had a 26-10 record as head coach at Boise State, and a 40-34 record with Arizona State. Historically the best offense we’ve had here in Tampa Bay. Along the way, Winston has built some strong chemistry with second-year wide receiver Mike Evans, who also put together a huge season, posting career highs in catches (74) and receiving yards (1,206) despite dealing with a bothersome groin injury for much of the year. “It does take time, but I think while you’re building a good football team you can compete”.

A former Jacksonville Jaguars coach is getting a promotion. Koetter spent 2010 to ’12 in Atlanta, and quarterback Matt Ryan posted the top three passing yardage totals in Falcons history in those three years. Smith was sacked January 6 with two years and $10-million remaining on his contract after going 8-24 in two seasons. Winston also broke the Buccaneers’ rookie quarterback record for passing yards, passing touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns in a season.

The Bucs aren’t the only team going after Koetter, though.

Information from ESPN’s Michael DiRocco was used in this report.