Optimism was abound in 2014 when the Bucs hired Lovie Smith. A proven 8 year head coach with a Super Bowl appearance and a track record of consistently good defenses. Sadly that optimism quickly faded, and 2-14 was his record as a first year coach. One of the most disappointing things about 2014 was how badly coached this team was. Especially from a experienced Head Coach in the NFL. I heard from analyst that included former Lovie players that "It takes time" but does it really take time? In 2014 Bill O'Brien who has never been a Head Coach in the NFL lead a team who was the worst in the NFL in 2013 to a 9-7 record and almost made the playoffs. Mike Zimmer, a long time NFL assistant who has never been a NFL head coach lead his team with a rookie QB and missing his best player for 15 games to a 7-9 record. Mike Pettine, who has never been a Head Coach in the NFL lead his team to a 7-9 record as a first year coach as well. Showing how well first year coaches did against a season 8 year pro coach with experience just shows how badly this team was coached in 2014. I know Lovie had some unique hurdles to overcome in 2014, and I for one don't believe he tanked the season to draft Winston. But if first year coaches can get better results than Lovie, we are in trouble as a fanbase and franchise. So how are you as a fan judging Lovie this season? He has no excuses when it comes to Offensive coordinator, he's the new defensive play caller and he has full control over the roster.I'll be judging Lovie against first year coaches in ATL, and NY. If he can't get more wins than either of those coaches he's gotta go. When you see other franchises turn aroun their teams so quickly and get instant success from rookies how you justify to bring back a coach that is not getting the results?
