Bucs Eying Mike Sherman

Added on Jan 25, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

A second interview is usually a positive sign for prospective job seekers. Especially in the profession of NFL coaching. Dennis Allen and Joe Philbin both received second interviews and both are now head coaches for the Raiders and Dolphins, respectively. This is good news for Mike Sherman, who is scheduled to be grilled by Bucs’ brass for a second time today.

Tamps Bay promised an “exhaustive search” to find a new head coach and they haven’t swayed from that line of thinking. Oregon coach Chip Kelly, ex-Vikings coach Brad Childress, Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski are just some of the candidates considered. The job was Kelly’s if he wanted it, but he removed himself from the running on Monday.

Sherman was fired by Texas A&M in December after posting a disappointing 25-25 record in four seasons. He is no stranger to NFL coaching having spent six years with the Packers from 2000-2005. Despite a quartet of playoff appearances, his failure to advance past the Divisional Round sealed his fate in Green Bay and he was terminated after going 4-12 in 2005.

Sherman fits the description of what Tampa is looking for. Unlike the youthful Raheem Morris, he is a veteran coach with previous professional experience. The Bucs roster is loaded with young talent, but they lack discipline. Whomever gets the job will be expected to teach fundamentals, although considering Sherman’s struggles at the college level, he might not be the best choice.

Tampa Bay hasn’t qualified for the postseason since 2007. After a 10-6 2010 campaign, the outlook was supposed to be promising going forward. However, a disastrous 4-12 2011 led to Morris being dismissed and a trip back to the drawing board.

Future success could hinge on the development of quarterback Josh Freeman, running back LeGarrette Blount and wide receiver Mike Williams. The trio shined in 2010, but severely regressed, leading some pundits to wonder if they were one-year wonders.

The Bucs are one of two teams, along with Indianapolis, without a head coach.

Source: ESPN.com