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NFL hot seat watch: Carousel looms after Week 10 fallout

By Ian Wharton

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

1. Dirk Koetter, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dirk Koetter’s tenure in Tampa Bay has been a strange one. Everything from how he came into the position (Tampa Bay fired Lovie Smith so they wouldn’t lose Koetter), to how his quarterbacks have fared tell a unique story. But at 3-6 with an expensive, veteran offense, the Buccaneers need to make a change for this team to mature.

A solid offensive mind who has done well with their passing game, Koetter has been underwhelming in every other aspect. Jameis Winston’s benching was a desperation move despite his development really being the only way he’d save his job. Predictably, Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t been enough of a difference-maker on a consistent basis to make up for this team’s flaws.

Not everything is on Koetter, though. General manager Jason Licht has been absolutely dreadful at building a defense and must go with Koetter. There’s no way they can trust him to revamp this team.

The Buccaneers can either cut half their roster to open massive space, or roll with a talented group and hope their draft class and coaching improvements are enough to win. Trading pieces like Desean Jackson, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Vinny Curry makes sense if they want to rebuild. They also hold a $20 million option on Winston, but the lack of a clear upgrade on the market muddies that decision too.

Next: Best NFL player from each state

This is a mediocre job and a tough one to sell considering the other likely openings. The NFC South is difficult, and this is a win-now team without win-now players at numerous positions. No one is sold on Winston, but a one-year trial with him wouldn’t be damaging for a new coach to deal with since he can easily be allowed to leave in 2020.

Their best bet is to swing for the fences on a young coach and hope they hit a home-run. Matt Campbell, Matt LeFleur, and some of the other names mentioned for other teams fit the big-swing mentality. Just don’t go for a retread.

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