As the Buccaneers prepare for a rare prime-time game (and the nation is thankful for that), a local radio station has purchased billboards urging that it be coach Greg Schiano’s last.
The message says “Fire Schiano” against a background of flames.
“The ‘Fire Schiano’ billboard is simply a reflection of the Tampa Bay community’s opinion of the Buccaneers’ Head Coach,” said Michael Sharkey, Program Director of 102.5 The Bone WHPT, in a statement released to PFT. “Our listeners have voiced their opinion that they are tired of a team, that on paper, should have a winning record. This billboard isn’t a message to the Buccaneers as much as it is a message to our listeners that we are right there with them.”
The billboard has been installed, according to the station, in 19 locations.
Coincidentally, tonight’s game against the Panthers comes 52 weeks to the day after the then 2-4 Bucs went to Minnesota on a Thursday night and upended the Vikings, 36-17. This year, they won’t have running back Doug Martin, who had a breakout game on the national stage.
They also don’t have quarterback Josh Freeman, who did enough that night to persuade the Vikings to sign him even after his play dipped down the stretch in 2012 and through the early weeks of 2013.