Coach John McKay, a West Virginia native who coached Southern Cal for 16 seasons before becoming the first coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaeers, will join defensive end Lee Roy Selmon in the franchise’s Ring of Honor.
The team made the announcement today.
“John’s legacy will forever be felt in Tampa,” Buccaneers co-chairman Bryan Glazer said. “He led this franchise from the very beginning and, along with Lee Roy Selmon, set the standard for what it means to be a Buccaneer. John’s wisdom for both football and life, combined with his wit, truly made him an individual anyone would be lucky to encounter.”
The honor will officially be given to McKay, who died in 2001, when the Falcons visit on December 5. McKay’s son, Rich, served as G.M. of the Bucs before joining the Falcons.
John McKay launched the Buccaneers in an era with little or no free agency, and thus no real ability to build a competitive team quickly. Despite going winless in the team’s first season, season four culminated in a berth in the NFC Championship.
Well known for his sense of humor, McKay’s best line came during that 0-14 inaugural campaign. Asked about his team’s execution, McKay said, “I’m in favor of it.”