NFC South Rumors: Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers

Buccaneers

Buccaneers HC Dirk Koetter implied during a recent radio interview that this could be his last season with Tampa Bay.

“Thanks to all the Bucs fans out there and hope for the best for the Bucs in the future,” Koetter said, via NFL.com. “Whether I’m here or not, I’m always going to be a Bucs fan.”

• According to Ian Rapoport, the expectation around the league is that the Buccaneers will move on from HC Dirk Koetter after the season.
• Rapoport says that the Buccaneers have already been doing research and making calls about potential candidates for the job.
• However, Rapoport adds that no one knows for sure what ownership will do next week and one source told him that it’s not a guarantee the Bucs will replace Koetter, despite what the public thinks.
• Rapoport admits that it would be a long shot for Koetter, GM Jason Licht and QB Jameis Winston to all be back in Tampa Bay next year.
• Buccaneers OC Todd Monken is expected to be a sought-after offensive coordinator candidate in the coming weeks and could get head-coaching interest as well.

Falcons

• According to Ian Rapoport, Falcons HC Dan Quinn is considered safe in Atlanta, but coordinators Steve Sarkisian and Marquand Manuel are “serious at risk.“
• Rapoport says that Falcons owner Arthur Blank plans to move forward with Quinn and GM Thomas Dimitroff and has a “strong belief in both.”
• The name to watch for the Falcons’ offensive coordinator job, according to Rapoport, is Darrell Bevell.

Panthers

• According to Ian Rapoport, Panthers HC Ron Rivera and GM Marty Hurney are believed to be safe in Carolina.
• Rapoport admits that there could still be some changes to their coaching staff with Steve Wilks being someone to watch if the Cardinals elect to fire him next week.