Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fire Head Coach Raheem Morris after Two Seasons

by Neal Coolong on Jan 2, 2012 12:07 PM EST in NFL News

The Buccaneers have announced the firing of head coach Raheem Morris at the end of his second season with the team.

Morris led the Bucs to a surprising 10-6 record last season, before imploding over the team's next 16 games.

He was the team's defensive coordinator as well, and oversaw a unit that ranked last in the NFL for scoring defense at 30.9 points a game. That's nearly three points lower than the second-to-last team, Minnesota.

After a strong rookie season, expectations were high for QB Josh Freeman. He fell apart in his sophomore year, throwing 22 interceptions to just 16 touchdowns, and was 26th in the NFL with a passer rating of 74.1.

The Bucs were six games worse in 2011 than they were in 2010.

ESPN reported veteran coach Jeff Fisher was seen at the Buccaneers' hotel Saturday. While his son plays for Auburn, who was in town for a bowl game, it could simply be a coincidence. It's food for thought though, considering Morris was hired at a very low salary for an NFL coach because former coach Jon Gruden was still on their books for $5 million. With Gruden's contract now expired, and Morris's contract not being worth much, relatively, they would have the money available to make a run at Fisher.

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ha

This is his 3rd season there guys lol. Great research

by Jfon on Jan 2, 2012 12:11 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

It is true.....

As a season ticket holder of the Bucs, I can tell you he has been there for 3 years now. His first year he was 3-13, last year he was 10-6 and this year he was 4-12.

This team should have been on the uprise this year. They have many talented defensive players, a good RB (although he can’t pick up blitzes or catch a ball), and a good QB who did take a few steps back this year.

I would be surprised if Fisher isn’t in the mix to be their next coach. I also think if Cowher would come out of retirement, it would be for a young team with all the piees Tampa has in place.

by imike29 on Jan 2, 2012 12:40 PM EST reply actions

I don’t have a problem with Morris coming in as an assistant. I am sure he can coach up some one in that defense.

by StinkBomb on Jan 2, 2012 1:07 PM EST reply actions

if this turns out to be the last year for LeBeau and Butler gets bumped up…..i could see it i guess.

by fbrrocket on Jan 2, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions

He coaches Tampa 2 not a 3-4

We now have a great DB coach, why add another who does not know the scheme. Make him a scout fine, but not a coach.

by Steeler Nation VA on Jan 2, 2012 3:06 PM EST up reply actions

I Lover Cowher and Like Fisher

and I’d love to see either of them in the NFC. I’d hate to have to root against Cowher and seeing the Titans win under Fisher made me sick. I hate that team.

by 13thieves on Jan 2, 2012 2:41 PM EST reply actions