So as the Buccaneers try to figure out how they’ll protect their position at the bottom of the NFC South standings after removing defensive coordinator Jim Bates from his job, there’s a curious twist to the decision.
Last week, head coach Raheem Morris specifically credited Bates for suggesting the right defense in a key situation during the team’s near miss against the Dolphins, which resulted in an interception.
Here’s what Morris told WDAE, via JoeBucsFan.com: “You know, we actually called a switch, which is the quarters coverage,
so [Quincy Black] just read the quarterback’s eyes and was able to make a great
play. Really they
tricked the head coach, I’ve got to be honest. I thought, ‘No way. I
thought they would tough it out, grind it out.’ And Jim Bates, my
defensive coordinator said, “Coach, man they might throw it right
here.’ And I said, ‘OK, let’s go with the switch.’ We went with the
switch and they threw the football and a great play by Quincy Black . . .
and set us up for what looked like the go-ahead driving score to end
the game.”
So stay tuned for further explanation from Tampa as to how a guy who seemed to be doing his job fairly well given the quality of the personnel with which he was working apparently wasn’t getting it done.
Did Raheem Morris suddenly become white and ask to be referred to going forward as Jim Morris?
What a life this Jim Morris has had. First, he coaches the local HS baseball team to the district playoffs. Then he makes the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and a movie is made about him. Now, he’s coaching the dreadful Bucs. Will this be a happy ending, too?
Florio, you are a tool. Bates made 1 good call, the coach gave him credit for it & now you bring up pointless information accusing the coach of saying one thing & doing another? This is the worst defense Tampa has had in a decade or more. I don’t think Tampa 2 will save this team, but Bates isn’t doing much (besides the 1 call you pointed out) to help.
Uh… “apparently doing his job well”
I know you cover 32 teams and probably don’t spend a lot of time watching the 0-9 team… but there is no one in Tampa doing their job well right now. Especially the man in charge of the 29th ranked defense, who has given up more than 25 points in 6 straight games…. a feat that hasn’t happened since 1976, mine you.
So what? He guessed right, even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Bottom line, the Bucs are dreadful and someone had to take the blame. Bates is just the first one thrown under the bus. It’s gotta be tough for the Bucs to find themselves back at the bottom of league again. At least it’s a familiar place for them.
Another reason why Raheem Morris, not Jim Morris, will be fired at the end of the season. Wishy washy coach who really does not know what hes doing.
Does anone think that Rah made this decision?
He didn’t make it, he announced it. IMO, that’s the nub of the problem in TB.
“This is the worst defense Tampa has had in a decade or more.”
As well as the least talented…
After the hiring, we heard “Raheem is surrounding himself with great talent at the coaching positions” when Bates and Jagodzinski signed on.
Then right before the season, the Offensive Coord. is fired as being ineffective. Seeing as how well they did after his firing, can you say this new Coord. is better than Jagodzinski would have been?
And I don’t know if you know it or not, but Bates is a very good Defensive Coordinator. He’s proven himself in this league.
Only thing Morris has proven is that he can’t stick with a head coordinator – whether it’s offense OR defense.
As a Bucs fan, I think Raheem should be let go, along with the GM Dominik, and the Bucs should make a run at a more experienced guy. The only problem is that it sets them back another year. They should have made the right decision this past offseason so we could get the growing pains out of the way this year and get closer to being back on track next year. With a new coach, he’ll have to work out the kinks next season.
The Glazers learned almost immediately that Morris was a mistake. Why have we not heard from them? A few more idiotic Rah statements, a mauling by the Falcons, maybe a blowup by Talib, and the owners will step in and make a comment, and the table will be set so that when Morris is fired, the owners will look good doing it.
Morris: One and done. Lesson: Don’t cut your boss’ throat to get his job.
Gruden’s revenge is living well.
I Cast my vote as YES, to firing Raheem!
I have seen High school and colleges better coached. Giving a coach time to develop should only be warranted when that coach is showing growth and positive strides at his development. Morris seems as clueless today as the 1st game. At this pace with him staying HC we are looking at many years before the Bucs even get to an 8-8 season. What a major move backwards the Bucs has done hiring him!
“THEE DUMBA$$” awards in football for this season:
1 – Raheem Morris, head coach (pro)
2 – The Glazer family, owners
3 – The coaches hiring commitees at Noter Dame and Michigan
4 – The talent scouts for USC
5 – Jim Leavitt, head coach (college)
6 – The USF Athletic Director for not firing Leavitt 2 years ago
And laughing every week on his way to the bank – Jon Gruden, the new Irish coach.
In Florio’s mind: 1 correctly called play = doing a good job this year….come on FLORIO!!!!!
Pier588,
You’re the real dumbass…Gruden will never coach the Irish…moron