The NFL Playoffs are in full swing, but the focus for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers remains squarely on the search for former head coach Lovie Smith's replacement. Here's the latest and most interesting Bucs coaching rumor/news tidbits for Monday, January 11th.
Koetter to be Bucs head coach by Wednesday?
Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter was the leading candidate to take over the Bucs job as soon as Smith was fired, and he's expected to get the job very, very soon. As ESPN's Mark Dominik told Zig Fracassi on Sirius XM NFL radio, Koetter should have the job by Wednesday:
"I just don't think they want to change the system Jameis Winston plays in, because he did so well in it," Mark Dominik said. "And that's why I still think Dirk Koetter will end up being the head coach by Wednesday at the latest. [..] But I still think that Dirk Koetter will be the head, I don't think it's going to be Sean McDermott, I don't think it's coach Goodwin out of Arizona. Until they actually show me a name that I think 'Well, wait a second, that guy really might be the coach,' I get the sense that this is just trying to make sure they cover their bases, make sure they follow the Rooney Rule, and kind of take a quick peek around the league and get some information that you can't from other clubs. But I still think Dirk Koetter will be the head coach by Wednesday at the latest."
Tampa still waiting on someone
However, Dominik also reported that there is only one name that could take the job away from Koetter, but stopped short of saying exactly who that was.
I still think Koetter is Bucs next HC, there's one name that could trump him for the job. Trouble is, his teams season isn't over...just yet
— Mark Dominik (@MarkdominikESPN) January 11, 2016
Potential candidates include Patriots offensive and defensive coordinators Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia, Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott (who they've already interviewed), Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, and Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers.
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