Buccaneers Head Coach Rumors

Here’s a running list of reports and rumors regarding the Buccaneers’ head-coaching search. Be sure to check back for the latest updates.

Interviews:

1. Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy (Interviewed)
2. Vikings DC George Edwards (Interviewed)
3. Former Cardinals HC Bruce Arians (Interviewed)
4. Cowboys passing game coordinator/DBs coach Kris Richard (Interviewed)
5. Notre Dame HC Brian Kelly (Interested?)

Latest:

• Greg Auman could “easily see” the Buccaneers keeping OC Todd Monken in his current position under a defensive-minded head coach. (Greg Auman)
• Ian Rapoport reports that the Buccaneers would not be required to provide compensation to the Cardinals if they hire Bruce Arians as their next head coach. Rapoport mentions that though Arians retired while with the Cardinals, the team declined his option for 2019, meaning Tampa Bay can hire Arians without any obstacles.
• According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, the Buccaneers did not schedule an interview or have any interest in Notre Dame HC Brian Kelly for their head coaching vacancy after initial reports indicated Tampa Bay was interested in him.
• A league source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that the Buccaneers “fully intend to make a big splash with their next hire.” Florio mentions that possible candidates for the Buccaneers’ job could include Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh, Baylor HC Matt Rhule and former Cardinals HC Bruce Arians. Florio even wonders if recently retired Ohio State HC Urban Meyer could consider a return to Florida.
• Albert Breer says that the buzz regarding the Buccaneers’ job is that they’re looking to make a name hire and could be preparing to make a run at prying John Harbaugh away from the Ravens.
• Bruce Arians tells Ian Rapoport that he would listen to the Buccaneers, given that he knows GM Jason Licht:“I know Jason (Licht). So, I would listen,” Arians said.
• Alex Marvez reports that the Buccaneers have “legit interest” in former Cardinals HC Bruce Arians for their head-coaching vacancy. Other potential candidates for the Buccaneers, according to Marvez, include Jack Del Rio and Jim Caldwell.
• Albert Breer reports that the Buccaneers would reportedly like to make a “splashy” hire, which explains why they’ve been linked to Mike McCarthy.
• According to Albert Breer, the Buccaneers’ job is the one Mike McCarthy has been connected most to.