If Jon Gruden decides to return to coaching next season, it won't be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The organization reportedly made the decision on Friday afternoon to retain current head coach Dirk Koetter for the 2018 season, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Despite high expectations coming into this season, the Bucs have under performed after posting a 4-11 record with just one regular-season game left.
With the team struggling for much of the year, including a pair of five-game losing streaks, Koetter's status with the team beyond this season has recently come into question. Many believed the team could opt to let Koetter go and move in a different direction. Gruden had been mentioned as a possibility to replace Koetter as it was reported earlier this week that he had been reaching out to potential assistants.
But instead, it will be Koetter that will lead the Bucs in 2018. The report indicated that the team wants to give Koetter another chance since the team was without starting quarterback Jameis Winston as he suffered a shoulder injury that caused him to miss three games and play inconsistently during other games.
The Bucs wrap up their regular season on Sunday at home against the New Orleans Saints.
