What if 2018 Bucs post winning season but miss the playoffs?

[DanTurksGhost]

If the 2018 Bucs post a winning season, let's say 9-7, but end up missing the playoffs yet again. Do you think they should stick with Koetter or make a move in a different direction? Now of course I know some of that depends on exactly HOW they look in getting to 9-7, but let's take that out of it for now since there's a long way to go before we can assess that aspect of the season. Just based on record and yet another year without getting into the postseason, would you be in favor of giving Koetter yet another year or would you rather them dismiss him and give someone else a shot?

[mdb1958]

When the fans want a playoff team but dont want the team to draft to build the defense you hang around last place in the division. Its the teams fault, but if you want facts 5 of McCoys 8 years here have been in the cellar of the NFCS.

If this team identifies players in this draft that they believe can change that distinction. I say go for it even if you use some picks designated for next year. Its either that or you shake things up and go in a different direction. As I have already hinted around, that too may be easier said than done.

Carolina has been the defensive leader for a while, then Atl took steps to build up followed by New Orleans and we are hanging last yet to do it. I may not be stat factual, but more in line with the thinking of balance to become winners.

[Zarniwoop]

They could always print Super Bowl champs t-shirts anyway

[PrimeMinister]

They could always print Super Bowl champs t-shirts anyway

Well we are in Florida.

[acmillis]

If the 2018 Bucs post a winning season, let's say 9-7, but end up missing the playoffs yet again. Do you think they should stick with Koetter or make a move in a different direction? Now of course I know some of that depends on exactly HOW they look in getting to 9-7, but let's take that out of it for now since there's a long way to go before we can assess that aspect of the season. Just based on record and yet another year without getting into the postseason, would you be in favor of giving Koetter yet another year or would you rather them dismiss him and give someone else a shot?

Two winning seasons out of three...when is the last time we did that with the same coach?!?!? Oh... a decade ago? Yes, you keep DK at that point. The Devil you know is better than the one you don't IMO.

[Teitan]

If the 2018 Bucs post a winning season, let's say 9-7, but end up missing the playoffs yet again. Do you think they should stick with Koetter or make a move in a different direction? Now of course I know some of that depends on exactly HOW they look in getting to 9-7, but let's take that out of it for now since there's a long way to go before we can assess that aspect of the season. Just based on record and yet another year without getting into the postseason, would you be in favor of giving Koetter yet another year or would you rather them dismiss him and give someone else a shot?

Two winning seasons out of three...when is the last time we did that?!?!? Yes, you keep DK at that point. The Devil you know is better than the one you don't IMO.

No, we obviously trade our draft to Oakland

[Jason Bourne]

You keep Dirk , it means the Team is getting better. Building through the draft and having some stability and winning 9-10 games is what we are looking for ....On our way to winning 13 games in a season .

[Super K]

If the 2018 Bucs post a winning season, let's say 9-7, but end up missing the playoffs yet again. Do you think they should stick with Koetter or make a move in a different direction? Now of course I know some of that depends on exactly HOW they look in getting to 9-7, but let's take that out of it for now since there's a long way to go before we can assess that aspect of the season. Just based on record and yet another year without getting into the postseason, would you be in favor of giving Koetter yet another year or would you rather them dismiss him and give someone else a shot?

Two winning seasons out of three...when is the last time we did that with the same coach?!?!? Oh... a decade ago? Yes, you keep DK at that point. The Devil you know is better than the one you don't IMO.

Yep...

[Super K]

You keep Dirk , it means the Team is getting better. Building through the draft and having some stability and winning 9-10 games is what we are looking for ....On our way to winning 13 games in a season .

Double yep..

[UbuntuBuc]

If the team has a winning record then coach K should be retained.

[Konatown]

As you said, depends on how we look doing it. But a winning season keeps dirk around, heck 7-9 or 8-8 May do it.

If we can fix our running game and get even an average pass rush, I see us playing meaningful football in December.

[Swashy]

If we post a winning season but don't make the playoffs then the only appropriate response is to immediately re-sign Koetter, spend a 1st round pick on a kicker, waiting til the 7th for a DB and making ZERO attempt at the multiple potential free agent offensive linemen in 2019 and instead focus on re-signing Sweezy.

[DreadNaught]

Like others mentioned that would make 2 winning season out of 3 years, not something this franchise has done very often.

Couple that with the assumption that Jameis Winston continues to progress, which at this point would really just him learning to cut his losses when a play isn't there to be made, and I think it would be foolish to change head coaches after 2018.

Now if we were to fall back to 5-11/6-10 in 2019 than absolutely make a change.

[MarineBuc]

9-7 with next yrs schedule will get DK another year for sure.

Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, Ravens, Steelers and 9ers present a damn daunting task.

[Teitan]

9-7 with next yrs schedule will get DK another year for sure.

Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, Ravens, Steelers and 9ers present a damn daunting task.

Does it?

[real bucs fan]

Firing for the sake of firing is silly. I'm a believer in continuity- until say a dressing room is lost and a change needs to be made. Back to back losing seasons are nailed coffin, but firing Dirk after a winning season? What does that do for the franchise?

[Deuce]

9-7 with next yrs schedule will get DK another year for sure.

Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, Ravens, Steelers and 9ers present a damn daunting task.

We're gonna freak out about the schedule already? That's already bad enough at the beginning of the season.

Eagles could have caught lightning in a bottle this year. We'll see about next.
The Giants will have a new coach and possibly new QB.
The Redskins may not have Cousins.
The Ravens have no offense, we'll see if their D is amazing again.
Big Ben could retire.
The 49ers were one of the worst teams this year. Plus teams will have tape on Jimmy G.

Not saying any of these will happen but let's not freak out yet. One year does not equal the next in the NFL. Think about the end of 2016, fans of some teams probably looked at the next year's schedule and said "aw crap, we face the Bucs next year!"

[mdb1958]

Hey all we need is a fantasy football running back and were there...

[mdb1958]

While I'm feeling mean and nasty, havnt all of ya'lls super backs tasted the playoff dust - as in bye bye...

I guess Fournette and Kamara got some 2 yard average runs, so there is that to hang your hat on.

[MarineBuc]

9-7 with next yrs schedule will get DK another year for sure.

Eagles, Cowboys, Giants, Redskins, Ravens, Steelers and 9ers present a damn daunting task.

We're gonna freak out about the schedule already? That's already bad enough at the beginning of the season.

Eagles could have caught lightning in a bottle this year. We'll see about next. Wentz is/was a legit MVP Candidate...should be completely healthy for next seasonThe Giants will have a new coach and possibly new QB.
The Redskins may not have Cousins.
The Ravens have no offense, we'll see if their D is amazing again.
Big Ben could retire. Horseshit
The 49ers were one of the worst teams this year. Plus teams will have tape on Jimmy G. Jimmy G is 5-0 as a starter and has brought a spark to that team
Not saying any of these will happen but let's not freak out yet. One year does not equal the next in the NFL. Think about the end of 2016, fans of some teams probably looked at the next year's schedule and said "aw crap, we face the Bucs next year!"

Freak out? A bit overstated...just pointing out that the schedule is what it is...I get it, success this year doesn't equal success next year. It's silly to not recognize a "difficult" schedule...because at the end of the day...there are not any "easy" games in the NFL.

[beardmcdoug]

what if we go 8-8

[Buc2]

What if we go 12-4 and shock the world?

[Buc You]

What if we go 12-4 and shock the world?

Then Koetter should be fired.

[Bootz2004]

What if we go 12-4 and shock the world?

12-4 wouldn't shock me next year. Especially if we address the pass rush.

[Phantom Phenom]

what if we go 16-0 and shock the world

First undefeated season since 72 Dolphins

[Nano]

What if we go 0-16

[Bootz2004]

What if we go 0-16

throw the whole team away

[NYBF]

what if we go 16-0 and shock the world

First undefeated season since 72 Dolphins

umm...

[Kress]

18-0. Pencil it in.

[Deja Entendu]

What if we go 12-4 and shock the world?

12-4 wouldn't shock me next year. Especially if we address the pass rush.

Me either. My expectations are 10+ wins, anything less will be a disappointment for me -- including 9-7 and missing the playoffs.

In my opinion, we shouldn't just be building on what we did this year, but working to realize the failed potential of this year AND building on that (namely with a pass rush).

To answer the OP, even though I'd be disappointed at 9-7, I don't think I'd fire Koetter. As has been stated, though it's almost entirely dependent on HOW we got to 9-7.