The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski Thursday, marking the second time that Jagodzinski has been fired in 2009 -- without coaching in a single meaningful game. It's also the second time this week that an NFL offensive coordinator has been fired, following the dismissal of Chan Gailey in Kansas City.Jagodzinski spent the last two seasons as Boston College's head coach, but he was fired early this year after he interviewed for the New York Jets' head coaching job against the wishes of the BC athletic department. He didn't get the Jets job, but new Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris hired Jagodzinski as the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator shortly after.
But now Morris has fired Jagodzinski and replaced him with quarterbacks coach Greg Olson. It is not clear why Morris fired Jagodzinski, but the big story in Tampa Bay's training camp this year has been the quarterback competition between Byron Leftwich and Luke McCown, and there's already speculation that Morris and Jagodzinski butted heads over the decision to start Leftwich.
Jagodzinski released a statement that offered few details.
"I am certainly disappointed but I wish nothing but the best for Raheem Morris and the entire Buccaneer organization," Jagodzinski said. "I was given the chance to remain on staff as the quarterbacks coach, but felt that the timing for such a move was not in the best interest for either side. I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me. Again, I wish nothing but the best for this organization."
Whatever the reason, the Buccaneers will now have to adjust to a new offensive coordaintor just 10 days before the start of the regular season, and Jagodzinski will have to cope with his second firing of the year.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
WOW the bucs are in for a hella of a season, I really hope the owners knew what they were doing when they hired raheem morris.
This guy (Morris) seems about as smart as McDaniels in Denver. I guess it goes to show that just because the owner has money, it doesn't mean he has any sense.
I wish he could tell us how he really feels instead of the corporate answer. I know he can't say it because he wants to coach again but for once you would like to hear a guy that just got canned to step up and say, "the organization is crap and I am glad to be gone."
I was happy to see Morris get a shot at defensive coordinator, but when he was named Head Coach, I worried. Okay, I assumed they (Bucs management) knew what they were doing, so I give the guy a chance! Acquiring Leftwich, who never impressed me, I thought a bad move. Getting rid of Brooks, Garcia & Dunn was dumb, but being a life-long Bucs fan, I swallowed hard and kept the faith. Now I don't know what Jadzinski did wrong or right, but his move at this time, makes me VERY un-easy about the upcoming season! I hope I am wrong, but I fear we Buc fans are in for a looooonnngg season!
Living in Orlando, I've been a Bucs fan for years and this makes me sick. We're going back to the days when we were the laughing stock of the NFL! I have no idea what they're thinking. It's just one bad move after another! Geesh, why don't you go back to the Orange Unis and the androgenous pirate on the helmet. It's going to be a VERY LONG SEASON! I HATE THIS! We'll be lucky to win 5 games. The ONLY saving grace is that as bone head moves go, no matter what we do, it will only come in second to what Denver has done. By the way, if any of you guys play golf, I have a huge tip for you! Check out otomgolf.com. I got this and it's been the best money I've EVER spent! The guy is a genius and he makes you one too! If you've ever wondered how the Tour Pros make it look so easy, this guy tells you and guess what? You can do it too! My FIRST time out with this, I shot 8 under my handicap with 5 birdies. Both records for me by a mile. This is the real deal and the bargain of the CENTURY if you play. Just a head's up. It really works and it's simple! Crazy good.
...and to pile more on, we have the toughest schedule in the league this season without a doubt huuuuuuuuu
who are the bucs, they will go another 0-26 especiaally under this new supposedly head coach of theirs the new detroit lions this year