The Falcons have not yet released offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter from his contract. If/when they do, he’ll likely find interest in his services elsewhere.
Per a league source, the Buccaneers have interest in hiring Koetter to fill the void created when Jeff Tedford developed a heart ailment just before the start of the season.
The Falcons understandably have retained the staff in the event the new coach prefers continuity. While the Falcons were 6-10, the offense has been productive. A defensive-minded head coach may want to keep Koetter and others in place.
Meanwhile, Bucs quarterback Josh McCown has chimed in regarding the vacancy that doomed Tampa Bay’s season, lobbying (sort of) for former Bears coach Marc Trestman, via JoeBucsFan.com.
“I think Marc’s an outstanding coach and a great offensive mind,” McCown said. “In regards to here? Yeah, I would keep that conversation between Lovie and I, but I just think Marc is an outstanding coach and an outstanding person, and has a great sense of offensive football, especially quarterback play. I just know, for me personally, I played the best football of my career under him.
“Just as I’ve been around, like you said, a bunch of different [offensive coordinators] in my career, He’s probably one of the most detailed, as just with our gameplan and stuff like that, I really felt like was on top of it.”
McCown had a great run in 2013 while Jay Cutler was injured, throwing 13 touchdown passes and one interception, and ultimately winning NFC offensive player of the week recognition for a Monday night thrashing of the Cowboys — before being sent back to the bench.
Koetter spent five seasons with the Jaguars before joining the Falcons in 2012. He could also generate some interest from the Raiders, if Jack Del Rio ends up getting the coaching job there. Del Rio brought Koetter to the NFL in 2007, and in their first year together they earned Jacksonville’s most recent playoff berth.