Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade Rumors

Bucs denied again: 49ers won't let team speak to DB coach
February 12
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano has run into yet another roadblock in his quest to build a staff of assistants. The San Francisco 49ers have denied the Bucs an opportunity to speak to defensive backs coach Ed Donatell about their vacant defensive coordinator position, according to an NFL.com report. The denial marks at least the third time since Schiano took over as Bucs coach that he has been denied the opportunity to speak to a potential coordinator candidate. The Bucs were previously denied opportunities to speak to Arizona Cardinals receivers coach John McNulty and Green Bay Packers tight ends coach Ben McAdoo about their offensive coordinator job. News of the latest refusal"
Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber still noncommittal about 2012 return
February 12
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber, who becomes a free agent next month and has been pondering retirement, said Saturday night that he remains noncommittal about returning for a 16th season. "Things have to play themselves out, like they did last year," Barber, 36, said at former teammate Shelton Quarles' charity event at the Loews Don CeSar Hotel. "We'll have a meeting of the minds, like we did last year, and if I fit in, we'll go from there. "I'm not allowing myself to lean one way or the other. I'm pretty sure where I stand, but I haven't allowed myself to commit." Barber agreed last year with general manager Mark Dominik to approach his remaining seasons year to year. He played 2011 on a"
Buccaneers talk to Butch Davis about becoming senior defensive assistant
February 10
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Greg Schiano's transition from college to the NFL as a head coach might go smoothly if he has someone at One Buc Place who has done it. That could be Butch Davis. The Bucs are in the process of bringing the former North Carolina and Cleveland Browns coach aboard in an advisory role, as senior defensive assistant. A deal was not complete Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Bucs hired Jimmy Raye as a senior offensive assistant, according to multiple reports. FoxSports.com first reported the Davis talks and Raye's hiring. The Bucs declined comment. It's uncertain what duties Davis will have, but he is expected to assist Schiano in building a defensive staff and work with the eventual coordinator."
Reports: Virginia's Lazor out, Shoop in as Bucs' coordinator candidates
February 9
Tampa Tribune
 
"Virginia offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor will not become the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report in the Charlottesvile (Va.) Daily Progress. Columnist Jerry Ratcliffe, citing unnamed sources, said Wednesday that Lazor is no longer being considered for the opening on new Bucs coach Greg Schiano's staff, even though he had been a "candidate of interest" for the position. The report did not say whether Lazor took himself out of the running or had been eliminated by the Bucs. FOXSports.com also reported Wednesday that the Bucs would interview University of North Carolina offensive coordinator John Shoop, a former Tampa Bay assistant"
Report: Tampa Bay Buccaneers considering Ron Turner, Bill Lazor for offensive coordinator
February 8
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Bucs' search that landed coach Greg Schiano was exhaustive and hiring a coaching staff is taking some extra effort. But Schiano appears to be closing in on an offensive coordinator. The Bucs are considering Ron Turner and Bill Lazor, according to Alex Marvez on FOXSports.com on Tuesday. Turner, 58, spent last season as the Colts' quarterbacks coach, has had two stints as Bears offensive coordinator and was head coach at Illinois. Lazor is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Virginia and has coached QBs with the Redskins and Seahawks. The Bucs' plans for defensive coordinator is unknown. They were turned down by Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn after interviewing"
Report: UF defensive coordinator Quinn turns down Bucs
February 7
Tampa Tribune
 
"University of Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn turned down an offer to take the same job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a report by the Gainesville Sun. Sun staff writer Pat Dooley said Quinn interviewed with the Bucs, "but decided to remain in Gainesville as Will Muschamp's defensive chief." Quinn left the NFL to join Muschamp's staff before last season. He was the defensive line coach for the Seattle Seahawks in 2010 and previously coached with the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers."
GM Mark Dominik vows to do what's needed to improve Tampa Bay Buccaneers
February 5
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The two most important things that have been said since the Bucs' 4-12 season ended are general manager Mark Dominik's acknowledgement that the team needs more talent and it will be active in free agency. "We understand we're not a finished product," Dominik said. "We understand there are things we need to address on this team. And I know we'll do it in all capacities. We're going to do it in free agency. I don't want people to be worried we're not going to spend in free agency. We'll be involved." How involved remains to be seen. A year ago, Dominik focused on re-signing some of the Bucs' unrestricted free agents, such as guard Davin Joseph, tackle Jeremy Trueblood and linebacker Quincy"
Team to be 'involved' in free agency
February 4
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik said the team will be involved in free agency this year. What everyone wants to know now: How heavily will they be involved? At this point, not even the Bucs can say for sure. New coach Greg Schiano is still in the process of hiring a staff of assistants and evaluating the talent level of the players on the roster. Until he finishes that, Schiano won't know where the biggest needs are. And until he knows where the biggest needs are, he won't be able to determine whether a free agent or a draft pick can best fill the void. That said, Dominik explained a long time ago his philosophy regarding free agency, and that explanation should give fans"
With Schiano hoping to lure Rutgers assistants, Scarlet Knights look to counter
February 1
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Greg Schiano told reporters after his introduction as the Bucs' new coach on Friday that he expected to bring some of his Rutgers assistants with him to Tampa Bay. While he didn't get specific, it was clear his intention is to have multiple members of that staff join him on the Buccaneers' coaching staff. But things could get interesting in the next several days. With Rutgers naming interim coach Kyle Flood as its permanent coach on Tuesday, the Scarlet Knights' goals now turn to retaining the core of their coaching staff. That will put them in direct competition with Schiano, and it's not out of the question to suggest there could be some bidding wars."
Bucs still working to pry McNulty from Cardinals
January 31
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Bucs coach Greg Schiano was a dealt a tough blow when the Arizona Cardinals declined the team's request to interview Cardinals receivers coach John McNulty for the position of offensive coordinator. McNulty served on Schiano's staff at Rutgers from 2004-08 and was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach during his last three seasons with the Scarlet Knights. Considering the investment the Bucs have in quarterback Josh Freeman, offensive coordinator is arguably the most critical hire on Schiano's staff. It's believed that Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt made the call on prohibiting McNulty from interviewing with the Bucs."
Report: Tampa Bay Bucs coach Greg Schiano wants to hire Butch Davis
January 31
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano is going back to his roots to hire at least one assistant on his staff. Schiano wants to hire Butch Davis, the former Tar Heels, Browns and Miami Hurricanes head coach, according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King. It's not clear what role Davis would have on the Bucs' staff, but most likely he would be defensive coordinator. Schiano was Davis' defensive coordinator at Miami from 1999-2000. Here's what King wrote: Greg Schiano wants Butch Davis on his staff. Not sure whether Davis would be defensive coordinator or an assistant head coach, but Schiano's interested in adding him to the staff at Tampa Bay. Schiano was Davis' defensive coordinator"
Cardinals deny Buccaneers permission to speak to receivers coach John McNulty
January 29
Arizona Republic
 
"The Cardinals denied the Tampa Bay Buccaneers permission to interview receivers coach John McNulty for the offensive coordinator's job under new coach Greg Schiano, according to NFL sources. It would be a promotion for McNulty, who has spent the past three seasons with the Cardinals. McNulty is under contract with the Cardinals, so their permission is needed to interview for all NFL coaching jobs, other than a head coach. That rule makes it difficult for a new coach to hire a staff. It also complicates things for the team denying permission, because it's stopping a coach from making a significant career move. Whisenhunt and the Cardinals have been on the other end of this situation, too."
Gray out as Bucs begin eliminating coach candidates
January 26
Tampa Tribune
 
"Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray got a wakeup call from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this morning. It wasn't the wakeup call he was hoping for. Gray said in a text to The Tampa Tribune that he was officially eliminated as a candidate for the Bucs' head coaching position during a call from general manager Mark Dominik. "Told me they were going in a different direction," said Gray, who was one of nine known candidates to have interviewed for the job since it opened up Jan, 2 following the firing of Raheem Morris. More eliminations may be coming throughout the day. A source with knowledge of the Bucs' coaching search told the Tribune that the team was planning to pare down its"
Only Mike Sherman has had second interview with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
January 25
St. Petersburg Times
 
"One notable fact about the Bucs' coaching search was revealed Tuesday: Beyond Mike Sherman, none of the other candidates known to have interviewed have been contacted about follow-up interviews or to be eliminated from the process. That leaves Sherman as the only known finalist from at least eight interviews. That could provide the strongest indication yet that Sherman has an inside track at the job. One possible caveat: the Bucs could be secretly negotiating with another candidate, as they were last week with University of Oregon coach Chip Kelly. Barring that scenario, Sherman — the former Packers and Texas A&M coach — is the leader in a one-horse race. News that the team is making"
With Kelly out, Bucs want second look at Sherman
January 24
Tampa Tribune
 
"University of Oregon coach Chip Kelly's change of heart has forced a change of plans in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' search for a head coach. After Kelly's decision early Monday to drop out of the race, the Bucs turned again to former Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman, who was contacted for a second interview, according to a source close to Sherman. Sherman, 57, was among the first candidates interviewed for the job. Kelly was in negotiations late Sunday aimed at making him Tampa Bay's next coach, but told the Bucs his heart was not in a move to the NFL and he was staying at Oregon."
Reports: Kelly changes mind on Bucs, staying at Oregon
January 23
Tampa Tribune
 
"Chip Kelly, who was in negotiations to become the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, has changed his mind and decided to stay at the University of Oregon, according to several news reports. The Register Guard in Oregon and ESPN were among the outlets to report Kelly had decided early today to stay in the college ranks. The Bucs were in negotiations Kelly, a source with knowledge of the search told The Tampa Tribune on Sunday night. Though no candidates were been eliminated, the Bucs had identified Kelly as their lead candidate and were in preliminary contract talks, the source said."
Buccaneers talk to Green Bay Packers' Philbin, Clements for head coach job
January 20
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The Packers had, arguably, the best aerial circus in the NFL this season. So it's no surprise the Bucs might want to hire one of their ringmasters. Tampa Bay interviewed offensive coordinator Joe Philbin and quarterbacks coach Tom Clements separately in Dallas on Thursday, according to multiple reports. ESPN.com first reported Philbin's meeting. A top priority for the Bucs is getting quarterback Josh Freeman back on track after he threw 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions one season after 25 and six, respectively. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is coming off one of the most prolific seasons in league history: 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns and six interceptions. Philbin, 50, also is one of"
Bucs' coaching search keeps expanding
January 20
Tampa Tribune
 
"As head coach of the West team for Saturday's East-West Shrine college all-star game, former Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress hasn't had much time this week to think about the Buccaneers' head coaching search. Even if he did, Childress wouldn't be frustrated by the methodical pace of the search. He has known since his interview for the job a week ago that it would be a while before the Bucs reached a decision. "They advertised their process,'' Childress said. "They were completely candid and accurate in what they said, and they said it would be a while. So, I'm not bothered by that.'' Nor is the one-time Eagles offensive coordinator bothered by the possibility of having to put"
Buccaneers continue interviews with Packers assistants
January 17
NFL.com
 
"Green Bay Packers assistants Joe Philbin and Tom Clements have both scheduled interviews with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week to discuss the team's head-coaching vacancy, according to league sources. The Bucs would like to wrap up the first round of interviews by the weekend, sources said. Their plan then is to whittle down the list for a second round of interviews and complete that process next week. Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer interviewed Monday, and a league source said Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, a candidate for several openings, is interviewing on Tuesday."
Rob Chudzinski now on Tampa Bay radar
January 14
Charlotte Observer
 
"As soon as one door closes on Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski this offseason, another opens. That was the case again Friday, when Chudzinski lost out on the St. Louis Rams' head-coaching vacancy but was asked to interview for the opening in Tampa Bay, according to an NFL source. Chudzinski has interviewed the past two weeks with Jacksonville and St. Louis, which hired Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey and former Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher, respectively. Fisher's decision period prompted the Rams to interview Chudzinski and Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Dennis Allen as fallback candidates. Tampa Bay is looking for a replacement for Raheem"
Bucs to interview Bengals' Zimmer, Panthers' Chudzinski
January 14
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to have a renewed interest in hiring a rookie head coach. After focusing primarily on candidates with prior NFL head coaching experience, the Bucs were preparing Friday to interview Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, a source with knowledge of the search confirmed. Neither Zimmer nor Chudzinski has been a head coach before. It is not known when the interviews will be held. Zimmer, 55, and Chudzinski, 49, join a list of candidates that includes unemployed former head coaches Mike Sherman, Brad Childress and Marty Schottenheimer, as well as Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator"
Buccaneers receive permission to interview Mike Zimmer, Rob Chudzinski
January 14
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Perhaps Bucs fans haven't seen the last of their team's plan to hire a first-time head coach. Having spent the early phase of their search primarily meeting candidates with previous NFL head coaching experience, the Bucs on Friday received permission to interview Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. The Bucs did not announce when the interviews will happen. Zimmer, 55, interviewed for the Dolphins' coaching position earlier this week while Chudzinski, 43, interviewed with the Rams and Jaguars before those jobs went to Jeff Fisher and Mike Mularkey, respectively. Since firing Raheem Morris on Jan. 2, the Bucs had focused on Mike"
Wade Phillips pulls out of Bucs' coaching race
January 13
Tampa Tribune
 
"A day before he was scheduled to interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach's job, Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips pulled himself out of contention Thursday. Phillips, 64, was scheduled to interview following the Texans practice in Houston on Friday, but sources with knowledge of the Bucs' coaching search said he called general manager Mark Dominik early Thursday evening and told him he was pulling out. The notification from Phillips came shortly after Phillips said during an afternoon news conference that he preferred to stay in Houston. "My first priority is to be here, "Phillips said. "I like it here. I love it here. We've had such a magical year and we're"
Schottenheimer package deal appears unlikely for Bucs
January 12
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The strange coincidence of Marty Schottenheimer interviewing for the Bucs' head coaching post on the same day his son's resignation as Jets offensive coordinator became public was just too strange to ignore. But there are two problems with making any assumptions about Tuesday's independent events. Start with the obvious: Marty Schottenheimer doesn't yet know whether he's getting the Bucs job. The Bucs continue to emphasize there is not a front runner among the candidates they've already interviewed or plan to interview in the coming days. It appears more likely that Schottenheimer's decision was part of a shakeup of the Jets' offensive staff that reportedly includes the departure of"
Marty Schottenheimer, Tampa Bay Buccaneers discuss coaching job
January 11
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Marty Schottenheimer is likely the oldest head coaching candidate the Bucs will interview at 68, but he believes he may be the best one to lead the youngest team in the NFL. Schottenheimer interviewed with the Bucs on Tuesday and had what he described as "an enjoyable dialogue.'' Both committed to further discussions. "I think they've got some great young players on that team," Schottenheimer told the Times. "They've also got some really solid veterans. And when you see them develop, that's always very exciting for every coach. "In my particular case, I like to work with kids. I refer to them as kids, even though I know they're grown men. But I like to give them the benefit of my insight"
Schottenheimer intrigued by Bucs' job
January 10
Tampa Tribune
 
"The oldest of the known candidates for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' vacant head coaching position is intrigued by the youthful makeup of the team. "I think it's an interesting situation they have there in Tampa with so many talented young players,'' said Marty Schottenheimer, 68, who is slated to interview with the Bucs today in Tampa. "When I started to look at the team a little more closely, I was amazed at all the young players they have. There are a lot of guys 28 and younger there. It's very intriguing.'' What may intrigue the Bucs is Schottenheimer's record. With a career mark of 200-126-1 in 21 seasons with four teams, he has just 22 fewer NFL victories than the 35-year-old Bucs"
Bucs, Marty Schottenheimer to talk
January 9
ESPN.com
 
"Marty Schottenheimer, whose last season in the NFL ended with his firing in 2007 after a 14-2 record in 2006 as coach of the San Diego Chargers, will interview Tuesday with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their head coaching vacancy, according to league sources. Schottenheimer's career record is 200-126-1 during the regular season, but he has acknowledged his 5-13 postseason record has been a failure. In his final season as San Diego's coach, the Chargers suffered a second-round loss to the New England Patriots at home."
Phillips, Schottenheimer, Childress on Bucs' list
January 9
Tampa Tribune
 
"A pattern may be developing in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' search for a head coach. Though the team is considering candidates who have not been NFL head coaches, it appears to be leaning toward seasoned veterans. The team has expressed interest in speaking the former NFL head coaches Wade Phillips, Marty Schottenheimer and Brad Childress. Phillips, the Houston Texans' defensive coordinator and former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, has received permission from the Texans to speak to the Bucs. "We'll talk and see how much interest (Tampa Bay) has in me,'' said Phillips, 64. "I'm torn. I don't want to leave Houston. I love it here. But I'd like to get a chance to be a head coach again.""
Wade Phillips will interview with Buccaneers for head coach job
January 9
Houston Chronicle
 
"After helping the Texans make one of the most remarkable defensive turnarounds in NFL history, Wade Phillips is getting another chance to become a head coach. Phillips will interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday in Houston. The defensive game plan for Sunday's divisional playoff game at Baltimore will have been installed before he meets with members of the Glazer family, which owns the Bucs, as well as general manager Mark Dominik. "I'm gratified somebody noticed," Phillips said Sunday about his 83-64 record as a head coach. "We'll talk and see how much interest (Tampa Bay) has in me.""
Wade Phillips "gratified" to meet with Bucs, will interview Friday
January 8
Pro Football Talk
 
"The Bucs' decision to hold their very own Fired Football Coaches Association convention in Tampa next week is bound to raise some eyebrows around the league. And upset some Bucs fans. One of the names on Tampa's interview list, Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, is thrilled to get the opportunity. "I'm gratified somebody noticed," Phillips told John McLain of the Houston Chronicle. "I don't want to leave Houston, but I want to be a head coach. "We'll talk and see how much interest [the Bucs] have in me.""
Bucs could make decision on next head coach this week
January 8
NFL.com
 
"League sources continue to indicate that Mike Sherman is well positioned to be names Tampa Bay Buccaneers next head coach, a decision that could be announced this week. Sherman interviewed for the position last week and it went well, according to sources. Sherman went 57-39 in six seasons in Green Bay from 2000-05 and led the Packers to three NFC North titles. He was fired after posting a 4-12 season in 2005."
Jeff Fisher will only consider St. Louis Rams and Miami Dolphins coaching openings; Tampa Bay Buccaneers off his list
January 7
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Cross off the name of former Titans coach Jeff Fisher from the list of possible candidates to coach the Bucs. Fisher told ESPN's Adam Schefter he plans to make a decision about his future next week and will only consider the Dolphins and the Rams. Fisher interviewed with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross on Tuesday in Miami. He met Rams owner Stan Kroenke on Friday in Denver. It's not known if the Bucs contacted Fisher, but he was believed to be one of the candidates the team considered to replace Raheem Morris, who was fired Monday after three seasons. Morris, 35, hasn't wasted any time looking for work. He was spotted dining with members of the Redskins front office Wednesday. But Washington"
Sherman, no stranger to Bucs, interviews for job
January 6
Tampa Tribune
 
"Mike Sherman is one of a handful of coaches who can tell you from experience just how good the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a decade ago. As coach of the Packers from 2000-2005, Sherman lost four of the seven games in which the Packers were pitted against the Bucs. Now he stands as a contender to bring back the glory the Bucs have lost the past few years. The Bucs interviewed Sherman for their vacant head coach's position Wednesday in Houston, a source close to Sherman said. The other candidate interviewed is Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray, who also met with Bucs officials Wednesday in Houston, according to multiple reports. The Bucs are looking for a replacement for Raheem"
Ex-Bucs coach Morris dines with members of Redskins staff
January 6
Tampa Tribune
 
"Two days after he was let go as head coach the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Raheem Morris said he had no plans to sit around and sulk. "I'm a football coach, it's what I do,'' Morris said earlier this week. "I guess I just love to be miserable, so I'll get back in somewhere, if someone will have me.'' It seems someone may. According to a report on Washington D.C. radio station WTOP, Morris dined with members of the Redskins staff on Wednesday night. Morris is still close with former Bucs assistant coach and current Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, so the meeting may have been nothing more than a social gathering."
Titans coordinator Gray says he has interview with Bucs
January 5
Tampa Tribune
 
"Four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jerry Gray finished up his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1993. Now there is a chance he may start his head coaching career with the same team. Gray, who spent last season serving as the defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, was expected to meet with the Bucs regarding their head coaching vacancy today or Thursday, according to an ESPN report. Bucs officials would not confirm the report, but Gray told ESPN he talked to the Bucs on Tuesday and was scheduled to fly into Tampa today and would meet with the team later in the day or Thursday."
Buccaneers will interview former Green Bay Packers, Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman
January 4
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The last time former Green Bay Packers and Texas A&M coach Mike Sherman made headlines in Tampa Bay, he was going after Warren Sapp, angry about the Bucs defensive tackle's hit that injured offensive lineman Chad Clifton far away from an interception return. As Sherman approached Sapp on the sideline after the game, the Bucs defensive tackle bellowed, "If you're so tough, put a jersey on!" Sherman, 57, will be returning to Tampa Bay soon hoping to wear a headset for the Bucs. Sherman confirmed Tuesday he has been contacted by the Bucs but declined further comment. An interview is being scheduled, Sherman said. "I prefer not to make any comment about that just yet," Sherman said Tuesday"
Who's next? A look at who could be the Bucs' next coach
January 3
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have begun the search for the franchise's ninth head coach. Team co-chairman Joel Glazer, representing the ownership family, indicated on Monday he did not want to limit the list of candidates by suggesting there is a type of coach the team wants to hire. The decision will be made jointly by the Glazers and general manager Mark Dominik. Here, then, are a variety of candidates the team could consider: Top Tier Mike Sherman Sherman, 57, seems a good fit for the Bucs – a former NFL head coach who comes from the offensive side of the ball. Sherman coached the Green Bay Packers for six seasons, compiling a 57-39 record in six seasons and winning three consecutive"
Buccaneers fire head coach Raheem Morris
January 2
St. Petersburg Times
 
"One year after leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to their biggest single-season turnaround in victories in club history, Raheem Morris and the Bucs entire coaching staff was fired Monday. The Bucs announced the decision to dismiss Morris after three seasons with a four paragraph release. The team has scheduled a 3 p.m. news conference at One Buc Place. Morris said he was informed at 11:59 a.m. at meeting with Bucs co-chairmen Bryan, Joel and Ed Glazer. "It was the way we finished the season,'' Morris said. "The game-losing streak. You don't have that and survive in this league and we all know that. It is what it is, you have to be ready to deal."
Report: Jeff Fisher spotted at Buccaneers' team hotel
January 1
Pro Football Talk
 
"The Glazer family notoriously keeps their plans regarding the football team they own to themselves. In early 2009, for example, no one expected Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden and G.M. Bruce Allen to be fired. But they were, promptly replaced by Raheem Morris and Mark Dominik, respectively. Now, with the Bucs in a nine-game free fall and storm clouds gathering over Morris and fan apathy deepening in Tampa, the Glazers have given no hints as to what they plan to do with their head coach, whose contract expires after the 2012 season. Many expect Morris to be fired. Recently, former Bucs quarterback Shaun King made a fairly persuasive case for keeping Morris in an appearance on PFT Live. With"
Bucs' Barber says he may retire, leave if Morris is fired
December 30
Tampa Tribune
 
"Buccaneers defensive back Ronde Barber strongly suggested Wednesday a decision to fire Raheem Morris as coach of the team could lead to his retirement or at least his departure from Tampa Bay after 15 years. "I would be lying if I didn't say that,'' Barber said when asked if his future was linked to Morris'. "That's somewhat true. But we'll see. Ideally, I'd love to be back and play with (Morris), and (secondary coach) Jimmy (Lake) and (linebackers coach) Joe Baker. They're great coaches and they're fun to be around. They understand me and I understand them. So I imagine that will have something to do with it.'' Barber, 36, signed a one-year contract to return to the Bucs last offseason,"
If coach Raheem Morris is fired, should Tampa Bay Buccaneers fire GM Mark Dominik, too?
December 16
St. Petersburg Times
 columnist Gary Shelton
"Heat no longer describes it. Whenever Bucs fans talk about Raheem Morris these days, they are pointing flamethrowers. Also, the noise is loud, and the discontent is widespread, and the impatience is growing. If the fever gets any hotter, the waters of Tampa Bay might boil. Ah, but enough about Raheem. What about general manager Mark Dominik? This is one more thing we do not know from the ever-speechless Glazers, or from the mostly mute Dominik himself, or from anyone else in the Fortress of Silence, where no one ranked higher than the coaches speaks out loud about anything. Are Dominik and Morris tied together in this mess? If one is fired, is the other? Or does one get to outlast the"
Bucs GM Dominik silent as Morris rumors swirl
December 16
Tampa Tribune
 columnist Martin Fennelly
"The "Raheem Morris Is Gone" stories are flying fast and furious from all directions. There will be a new one today. And that's not to say they aren't true. Where is Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Mark Dominik in all this? I'd hate to think he's the source for some of these stories. That would just be so Stinky Pete of him. I want to believe that's not true. There's an ESPN report that Raheem would have been fired after the Jacksonville debacle if only the Bucs had anyone to replace him. Huh? Meanwhile, if you're a member of the Mark Dominik Fan Club, you love the fascinating Yahoo Sports report that says Dominik didn't want to bring back screw-up Aqib Talib, but Raheem convinced him"
Bucs' Freeman confident he will play against Jaguars
December 8
Tampa Tribune
 
"Three quarters of the way through a season that will not end the way he hoped, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman has had to rearrange his priorities. Winning still is what matters most, of course, but after he was forced to miss last week's 38-19 loss to the Carolina Panthers because of a sore right throwing shoulder, Freeman says getting healthy is second on the list. "After that, I want to see us get back to executing the way we know we can,'' Freeman said. Though Freeman expected his throwing to be limited in practice again this week, he is confident he will be back in the lineup when the Bucs (4-8) take on the Jaguars (3-9) on Sunday in Jacksonville."
Attorney denies Bucs' Blount involved in beating of fan
December 7
Tampa Tribune
 
"An attorney for Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount denies the player was involved in a beating after a Sept. 11 Bucs game. A Bucs fan had told police two people had attacked him after a crash and a third person who appeared to be a wrestler or a football player directed the attack. The vehicle that was struck in the crash is owned by Blount's sister. Officers investigated the incident but Blount was not charged. "It's absurd," said Blount's attorney, Ryan Morgan. "We categorically deny that he was directing anything." The only reason Blount's name is being mentioned at all is that he's in the NFL and can be used as a monetary target, Morgan said."
Police report: Running back LeGarrette Blount led attack on Bucs fan
December 6
St. Petersburg Times
 
"The victim of a severe beating says Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount was "the leader" of the assault and directed the two men who attacked him, according to a Tampa Police report. Blount refused to cooperate with police investigating the possible felony battery, which took place in the parking garage of his apartment complex. Blount, 25, was not charged in the September 11 incident, nor was he accused of any direct violence. Reached by the St. Petersburg Times by phone Tuesday afternoon, Blount refused to comment except to say, "Ah, man.""
Buccaneers QB Josh Freeman optimistic he'll play against Jacksonville Jaguars
December 6
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Bucs QB Josh Freeman, who missed his first game in two years Sunday because of a right shoulder injury, is on track to return to practice Wednesday and is optimistic he'll play against the Jaguars next Sunday. Freeman said the plan is to rehab for a couple days with hopes of resuming throwing in Wednesday's practice. He was limited last week to some soft throws after injuring the shoulder on the final play of a loss to the Titans on Nov. 27. Coach Raheem Morris remained hopeful Freeman would return Wednesday, but acknowledged the team will be cautious with its franchise quarterback. "You don't want to hurt your quarterback any further," Morris said. "You want to be smart with him and"
When coaches get fired this year, who will replace them?
December 4
Pro Football Talk
 columnist Mike Florio
"Nearly a third of all NFL head-coaching jobs could become vacant after the 2011 season. In addition to the Jaguars, teams that could (emphasis "could") make a change presently include, in no particular order other than the order in which I scan through the league's eight divisions, the Dolphins, Colts, Chiefs, Chargers, Giants, Eagles, Vikings, Buccaneers, and Rams. So who will replace these coaches? Beyond Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, and Jeff Fisher, there aren't many (any) obvious candidates. Let's consider the three categories from which head coaches typically emerge: former NFL head coaches, current NFL assistant coaches, and college head coaches. Former NFL head coaches: In the hopes"
QB Freeman's status a game-time decision
December 3
Tampa Tribune
 
"Although Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman continues to be limited in practice, his injured right shoulder showed progress Friday. His availability for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium will be a game-time decision, coach Raheem Morris said. Freeman hurt his shoulder on the final offensive play of Sunday's 23-17 loss at Tennessee after he bobbled a snap on fourth down. He threw lightly on Friday and backup Josh Johnson continued to take most of the reps heading into Sunday's home matchup. "We'll take it right up to the moment of truth,'' Morris said of Freeman, who hasn't missed a start since becoming Tampa Bay's No. 1 quarterback midway"
Looking ahead to top needs for 2012
December 3
Tampa Tribune
 
"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' hopes of winning the NFC South division title or just making the playoffs are fading fast. At 4-7, the Bucs could finish the 2011 season with a winning record, but even that is starting to look like a long shot. They've reached the stage then where thoughts turn to 2012. With that in mind, let's take a look at the five areas that seem most problematic and likely will need attention during the offseason. Outside linebacker When the rookie middle linebacker, who didn't see even see a playbook until a couple days before training camp, is your best and most consistent linebacker, you have issues. The Bucs counted on outside linebackers Quincy Black and Geno Hayes to"