The Buccaneers filled an opening on their coaching staff Wednesday while creating one at the same time.
Tony Oden was hired to coach the team’s defensive backs and Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that Bob Ligashesky was fired as the team’s special teams coach. It’s the latest of several changes to Greg Schiano’s coaching staff after Schiano’s first season came to a close.
The Buccaneers led the league with three blocked punts this season, but they struggled in other areas. They ranked 30th in the league in kickoff returns, tied for 19th in punt returns and allowed their opponents far more yardage in both areas. Those numbers explain why Ligashesky was relieved of his duties, although it’s a bit surprising that the Bucs waited so long to pull the trigger on the move.
With Ligashesky gone, the Bucs have now parted was with four of their coaches from the 2012 season. We’d say they’re done dropping people at this point, but the timing of this move makes it hard to be certain that Schiano is done tweaking his staff.