Member-only story

Two Years in Tampa with the Losingest Team in NFL History: A Journey into the Heart of the NFL's Most Tortured Franchise

Israel Bell

·18.6k Followers· Follow

Published in The Yucks: Two Years In Tampa With The Losingest Team In NFL History

5 min read · 2 weeks before

313 View Claps

25 Respond

Save

Listen

The Yucks: Two Years in Tampa with the Losingest Team in NFL History

by Jason Vuic

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16446 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages

In 2012, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired Greg Schiano as their head coach. Schiano was a rising star in the coaching ranks, having led Rutgers to a 10-win season in 2011. But his tenure in Tampa Bay would be a disaster.

Over the next two seasons, the Buccaneers went 11-21, the worst record in the NFL. They were outscored by an average of 10 points per game, and they allowed the most points in the league. Schiano's offense was anemic, and his defense was a sieve.

The Buccaneers' struggles were not just on the field. Schiano was also a controversial figure off the field. He was criticized for his harsh coaching style, and he alienated many of his players.

In 2013, the Buccaneers fired Schiano after just two seasons. He was replaced by Lovie Smith, who led the team to a 6-10 record in 2014.

The Buccaneers' struggles continued in 2015, and they finished the season with a 6-10 record. But there were signs of progress under Smith, and the team appears to be headed in the right direction.

The Bucs' Tumultuous History

The Buccaneers have a long and tortured history. They have only made the playoffs six times in their 42 years of existence, and they have never won a Super Bowl.

The Bucs' struggles can be traced back to their early years. The team was founded in 1976 as an expansion team, and they struggled mightily in their first few seasons. They did not have a winning record until 1983, and they did not make their first playoff appearance until 1987.

The Bucs' fortunes improved in the 1990s, when they made the playoffs four times in five years. But they could never seem to get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl.

The Bucs' struggles continued in the 2000s. They made the playoffs just once in the decade, and they finished with a losing record in nine of the 10 seasons.

The Bucs' fortunes finally turned around in 2010, when they went 10-6 and made the playoffs. But they lost in the first round, and they have not been back to the playoffs since.

The Greg Schiano Era

Greg Schiano was hired as the Buccaneers' head coach in 2012. He was a rising star in the coaching ranks, having led Rutgers to a 10-win season in 2011.

Schiano was known for his tough and disciplined approach. He demanded a lot from his players, and he was not afraid to bench players who did not meet his expectations.

Schiano's approach did not sit well with some of the Buccaneers' players. They felt that he was too harsh, and they resented his micromanaging style.

The Buccaneers' struggles on the field did not help matters. The team went 7-9 in Schiano's first season, and they finished 4-12 in his second season.

In 2013, the Buccaneers fired Schiano after just two seasons. He was replaced by Lovie Smith, who led the team to a 6-10 record in 2014.

The Lovie Smith Era

Lovie Smith was hired as the Buccaneers' head coach in 2014. He was a respected coach with a proven track record. He had led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl appearance in 2006.

Smith's arrival in Tampa Bay brought a sense of optimism. The team had a lot of talent, and Smith was known for getting the most out of his players.

The Buccaneers finished 6-10 in Smith's first season, but there were signs of progress. The team was more competitive, and they played with a lot of heart.

The Buccaneers continued to show improvement in 2015. They finished 6-10 again, but they were in contention for a playoff spot until the final week of the season.

The Buccaneers' future looks bright under Smith. The team has a lot of young talent, and they are headed in the right direction.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a long and tortured history. But the team is finally headed in the right direction under head coach Lovie Smith.

The Buccaneers have a lot of young talent, and they are playing with a lot of heart. The future looks bright in Tampa Bay.

The Yucks: Two Years in Tampa with the Losingest Team in NFL History

by Jason Vuic

4.5 out of 5