The worst kept secret in Tampa Bay finally came to reality Sunday evening as the Buccaneers announced that Dirk Koetter would not be back as HC of the Buccaneers in 2019.

Koetter went 19-29 as HC of the Bucs. His best season was his first season in 2015 when he went 9-7 and just missed the playoffs. The last two seasons Koetter has guided the Bucs to consecutive 5-11 finishes and last in the NFC South.

At his season ending press conference Jason Licht had nothing but good things to say about Koetter. Licht commented on the fact that this Bucs offense will go down as the best offense in Bucs history. No other team even comes close.

Koetter also finishes as the third all time winningest coach in Bucs history behind Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden. That tells you how bad this organization has been since its birth in 1976.

Jason Licht owns a 27-53 record as GM and has had just one winning season in his tenure. Licht did take some responsibility for the Bucs woes saying that he has to do a better job of roster management and getting the right players in Tampa for the Bucs to be successful.

There will be no shortage of candidates for the Bucs HC position contrary to what the national media buzz Is.

The Bucs have reportedly asked permission to interview Kansas City Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy for the HC position. That interview would need to be done this week as the Chiefs have a first round bye in the playoffs.

Bruce ArIans is another name that will be on Licht’s radar. Arians has stated that he would only be interested in the Cleveland Browns HC position, but he and Licht worked together for a time in Arizona, and he has worked with Jameis Winston as a youth in quarterback camps.

Arians said today that he would listen to the Bucs if they reached out to him.

Some other names that will be tossed about include Mike McCarthy who was fired in Green Bay in the middle of his 13th season. McCarthy is a bit overrated in my opinion but is credited with the development of Aaron Rodgers.

Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh‘s name has been in the mix for a number of HC positions and Tampa is no different although Harbaugh has said he is not interested in leaving Michigan.

Here are a few other long shot candidates you may hear about. Greg Williams Browns interim coach. Jack Del Rio former NFL coach. John Defilippo Minnesota OC. Vic Fangio the Chicago Bears DC.

Licht did not put a timetable on naming a coach, but I would think one would need to be in place by the time the Senior Bowl and the college all star games are played later this month asthe Bucs get their game plan together for the 2019 draft.

Lots of decisions to be made this off-season in Tampa and Jason Licht will be at the helm making those decisions and shaping the Bucs future for 2019 and beyond