Former Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden wasn't able to keep his job following an epic late-season collapse. As it turns out, the team's four-game losing streak to close out the season was only part of the reason he was let go in favor of Raheem Morris. According to Stephen Holder of the St. Petersburg Times, the opinion of the fans played a key role in the decision to replace Gruden. Co-owner Bryan Glazer talked to the press at the Super Bowl media center on Monday and discussed how the Buccaneers came to their decision.
"We talked to a lot of people, but we not only talked to the players, but (also) out in the community getting a feel for the team," Glazer said. "We get opinions and we mix them all together. We just took our time making that decision ... Our fans are our stockholders. They're what we play for -- the people in our stadium and the ones that watch on TV. That's what it's all about: winning and how they feel about the team. If they don't feel good about the team, then there's something wrong. . . I think you all know the sense that's out there. It was time for a change."I have to admit, I'm a little surprised a professional sports franchise took the opinion of the ticket-buying public so seriously that it actually played a role in deciding whether or not the team keeps its head coach. Though, I'm guessing the Glazers have forgotten the timeless words of Buddy Ryan in that, "if you listen to the fans, you'll be sitting up there with them."
Of course, the Glazers, as owners, can't really be fired, so they have nothing to risk by listening to their fans except, well, losing more games. I'm sure Bengals fans are wishing Mike Brown would start listening to them as well.
Immediately after Gruden's exit, a number of criticisms came in from former players, including accusations from Michael Clayton and Jeff Garcia that he would tell players one thing, and then do the opposite. Combine that with a below .500 record and no playoff wins since 2002 and, well, you've got a recipe for a coaching change.
