NFL

Dirk Koetter Named Buccaneers Head Coach

Published

10 years ago

January 15, 2016

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that they have named Dirk Koetter the 11th head coach in franchise history.

“We are excited to announce that Dirk Koetter will lead the Buccaneers as our new head coach,” said Buccaneers Co-Chairman Joel Glazer. ”Dirk has established himself as one of the top offensive coaches in our game while enjoying success at every stop during his college and NFL career. His success with our offense last season, along with his familiarity with our players and our organization, makes Dirk the right man to lead our team moving forward.”

In his first season with Tampa Bay (2015), serving as the team’s offensive coordinator, Koetter helped pilot one of the most successful offenses in the NFL and one of the best in team history. The team set the franchise record for total yards (6,014 – 357.0 per game), while posting the second-most rushing yards (2,162 – 135.1 per game) and second-most passing yards (3,852 – 240.8 per game), along with the fifth-most total points (342 – 21.4 per game). Tampa Bay ranked fifth in the NFL in yards per game (375.9), fifth in rushing yards per game (135.1) and second in the league in rush average (4.75). It marked the first time in franchise history that the Buccaneers have finished in the Top 5 in total offense.

Much of Tampa Bay’s offensive success in 2015 came at the hands of rookie quarterback Jameis Winston, who accounted for 28 total touchdowns (22 passing, six rushing). Koetter also helped guide Winston to 4,042 passing yards, which were the second-most in a single season in team history and the third-most by a rookie in NFL history. Winston’s 22 passing touchdowns were tied for the fourth-most in a single season in team history and the fourth-most by a rookie in NFL history. His six rushing touchdowns and 28 combined touchdowns were the most in a single season by a Buccaneers quarterback, while his 28 total touchdowns were tied for the third-most by a rookie in NFL history.

“When I started this search for a new head coach, the focus was on finding someone that could be a strong leader as well as a consummate teacher, and Dirk is both,” said General Manager Jason Licht. “He brings the passion and drive that will re-energize our organization and help us establish the winning culture that will help us become the championship-caliber team that our fans deserve.”

Prior to Koetter’s arrival, the Buccaneers ranked 29th in rushing and tied for 29th in sacks allowed in 2014. This past season, under Koetter’s guidance, the unit completed an impressive turnaround. Despite starting two rookies on the offensive line, Tampa Bay still managed to block for the NFL’s second-leading rusher (Doug Martin – 1,402 yards) and tied for the fourth-fewest sacks in the league. While Martin was a large part of the team’s success running the ball, he was aided by running back Charles Sims, who totaled 1,090 scrimmage yards (107 rushes for 529 yards, 51 catches for 561 yards). Sims averaged 6.9 yards per touch, the most by any player in the NFL with at least 150 touches since 2011 (Darren Sproles in 2011, 7.6 avg.). Martin and Sims’ combined 2,566 yards from scrimmage were the most by a running back duo in the NFL in 2015 and set a franchise record for backfield teammates.

Koetter also played a key role in revamping the Buccaneers’ passing game. Part of the team’s success passing the ball came from targeting top wide receiver Mike Evans, who caught 74 passes for 1,206 yards. His 1,206 yards are the seventh-most in a single season in team history and stood as the 11th-most in the league last season. Another player who was pivotal in the team’s passing attack, Charles Sims’ 561 receiving yards were the fourth-most by a running back in the NFL in 2015, while his four receiving touchdowns set a franchise record and tied for the second-most in the league by a running back.

Koetter joined the Buccaneers after three seasons working as the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons (2012-14). During his three seasons with Atlanta, the team cumulatively ranked second in the NFL in completion percentage (67.4), third in third-down conversion percentage (44.1), fourth in passing yards (277.2 per game), ninth in passing touchdowns (86), ninth in passer rating (93.9), 10th in points (24.0 per game) and 10th in total yardage (363.5 per game), while posting the second-fewest penalties (243) and penalty yards (2,043), seventh-fewest turnovers (69) and the ninth-lowest interception percentage (2.4) in the league. Koetter was part of the Falcons staff that went 13-3 in 2012 and played in the NFC Championship Game.

Under Koetter, Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan posted the three highest passing yardage seasons in franchise history, as well as three of the four highest completion percentage seasons. In 2012, Ryan set franchise records and personal bests in passing yards (4,719), completion percentage (68.6) and passing touchdowns (32), while recording the second-highest passer rating mark in Falcons history (99.1). Atlanta wide receivers also flourished under Koetter, with Julio Jones setting a franchise record and ranking third in the NFL in receiving yards in 2014 with 1,593 yards. In those three seasons, the Falcons had a different player lead the team in receiving yards each season (Roddy White, 2012; Harry Douglas, 2013; Jones, 2014).

While Koetter was in charge of the Falcons’ offense, he coached three players to Pro Bowl appearances (Julio Jones, 2012, 2014; Tony Gonzalez, 2012-13; Matt Ryan, 2012), with Gonzalez earning first-team All-Pro honors in 2012. In his first season with Koetter in 2012, Gonzalez set a franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end, recording 93 catches for 930 yards – the most he had recorded in either category since 2008. That same season, Jones and White combined for 2,549 receiving yards, the most by a duo in the NFL.

Prior to joining the Falcons, Koetter spent five seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars (2007-11). In his five years with the Jaguars, the team cumulatively ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards (132.0 per game) and sixth in rushing average (4.41). Koetter’s Jacksonville offenses also showed a penchant for taking care of the football, tallying the seventh-fewest turnovers in the league during that time.

Koetter had immediate success in Jacksonville, with his 2007 team setting franchise records in points (25.7 per game, sixth in the NFL) and total offense (357 yards per game, seventh in the NFL). In his first season as the starter, quarterback David Garrard ranked third in the NFL and set a franchise record in passer rating (102.2), throwing a league-low three interceptions, while leading the team to a Wild Card playoff berth and a win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2008, Garrard threw for a career-best 3,620 yards and in 2010 he tossed 23 touchdowns, a career high and a franchise record.

While with the Jaguars, Koetter coached four different players to six Pro Bowl selections, including running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who earned three trips to the Pro Bowl and led the NFL in rushing in 2010 en route to earning an All-Pro selection. Koetter also helped tight end Marcedes Lewis earn a Pro Bowl berth following the 2010 season, when Lewis caught 10 touchdown passes, then tied for the most in a season in Jaguars history.

Before joining the Jaguars, Koetter spent 22 years at the collegiate level, the final six as the head coach at Arizona State (2001-06). In his six seasons with the Sun Devils, Koetter led the team to four bowl games, posting a 40-34 record. Working as both the head coach and offensive coordinator, he helped Arizona State average nearly 30 points per game over six seasons, while ranking in the top 20 in the nation in passing offense in five of his six years. In addition, five of the six Sun Devil teams during Koetter’s tenure produced a 1,000-yard receiver and quarterbacks that threw for 20 or more touchdowns in five of six seasons.

Koetter’s first head coaching opportunity came at Boise State, where he spent three seasons (1998-2000), finishing with a 26-10 record and two consecutive bowl wins. He was a two-time Big West Coach of the Year and two-time conference champion.

A native of Pocatello, Idaho, Koetter played collegiately at Idaho State (1978-81), helping lead his team to a Division I-AA national championship as a senior. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and earned a master’s in athletic administration a year later. After getting his master’s, he became the head coach at Highland (Idaho) High School, where he worked from 1983-84, going 19-4 and winning the 1984 state championship.

In 1985, Koetter worked as the offensive coordinator at San Francisco State and from 1986-88 was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Texas El-Paso. He then served as offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Missouri from 1989-93 and offensive coordinator at Boston College (1994-95) and Oregon (1996-97).

Koetter, 56, and his wife, Kim, have two daughters, Kaylee and Kendra, and two sons, Derek and Davis.

KOETTER AT A GLANCE

YEARS HEAD COACH

1978-81 Idaho State, player Bud Hake, Dave Kragthorpe

1983-84 Highland High School, Head Coach

1985 San Francisco State, Offensive Coordinator Vic Rowen

1986 Texas El-Paso, Quarterbacks Coach Bob Stull

1987-88 Texas-El Paso, OC & QB Coach Bob Stull

1989-93 Missouri, Offensive Coordinator Bob Stull

1994-95 Boston College, Offensive Coordinator Dan Henning

1996-97 Oregon, Offensive Coordinator Mike Bellotti

1998-2000 Boise State, Head Coach

2001-06 Arizona State, Head Coach

2007-11 Jacksonville Jaguars, Offensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio

2012-14 Atlanta Falcons, Offensive Coordinator Mike Smith

2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Offensive Coordinator Lovie Smith

2016 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Head Coach

NOTABLE PLAYERS UNDER DIRK KOETTER

David Garrard

· Pro Bowl Selection (2009)

Tony Gonzalez

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2012, 2013)

· First-team AP All-Pro (2012)

Julio Jones

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2012, 2014)

· First-team AP All-Pro (2014)

Maurice Jones-Drew

· 3x Pro Bowl Selection (2009, 2010, 2011)

· First-team AP All-Pro (2011)

· 2x Sporting News All-Pro (2009, 2010)

· 2x PFWA All-NFL/All-AFC Team (2009, 2011)

· Led NFL in rushing in 2011

Marcedes Lewis

· Pro Bowl Selection (2010)

· Pro Football Focus All-Pro (2010)

Doug Martin

· Pro Bowl Selection (2015)

· First-team AP All-Pro (2015)

Matt Ryan

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2012, 2014)

· NFC Offensive Player of the Month (September 2012)

Fred Taylor

· Pro Bowl Selection (2007)

· Second-team AP All-Pro (2007)

· 2007 FedEx Ground Player of the Year

Jameis Winston

· NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month (November 2015)

· 3x Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week

· FedEx Air Player of the Week

OFFENSIVE MILESTONES UNDER KOETTER

Atlanta Falcons

· Most yards in a single season in franchise history (378.2 per game)

Jacksonville Jaguars

· Most points in a single season in franchise history (25.7 per game)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

· Most yards in a single season in franchise history (375.9 per game)

· Second-most rushing yards in a single season in franchise history (135.1 per game)

· Highest yards per carry in team history (4.82 avg.)

· Fourth-most points in team history (21.4 per game)

QB David Garrard,

· 102.2 passer rating in 2007

o Career-best, franchise record, third-highest in NFL

· 3,620 passing yards in 2008

o Career-best

· 64.5 completion percentage in 2010

o Career-best, franchise record, seventh in NFL

· 23 passing touchdowns in 2010

o Career-best, then-franchise record

TE Tony Gonzalez

· 93 receptions in 2012

o Most by a tight end in franchise history, ninth-most in NFL, second-most by a tight end in NFL

· 930 receiving yards in 2012

o Most by a tight end in franchise history, third-most by a tight end in NFL

· 8 touchdown receptions in 2013 & 2012

o Tied for second-most by a tight end in team history

§ Tied for fourth-most in NFL both seasons

WR Julio Jones

· 104 receptions in 2014

o Tied for fourth-most in franchise history, third-most in NFL

· 1,593 receiving yards in 2014

o Second-most in franchise history, third-most in NFL

· 10 touchdown receptions in 2012

o Tied for ninth-most in franchise history, tied for seventh-most in NFL

TE Maurice Jones-Drew

· 15 rushing touchdowns in 2009

o Career-best, franchise record, second-highest in NFL

· 1,606 rushing yards in 2011

o Career-best, franchise record, most in NFL

TE Marcedes Lewis

10 touchdown receptions in 2010

o Career-best, tied for then-franchise record (most by Jags TE), tied for seventh-most in NFL and tied for most by NFL tight end

RB Doug Martin

· 1,402 rushing yards in 2015

o Second-most in NFL, third-most in team history.

· 1,673 yards from scrimmage in 2015

o Third-most in team history, fourth-most in NFL

QB Matt Ryan

· 68.6 completion percentage in 2012

o Career-best, franchise record, led NFL

§ Also posted the second (2013) and fifth (2014) best completion percentage marks in team history under Koetter

· 4,719 passing yards in 2012

o Career-best, franchise record, fifth in NFL

§ Also posted the second (2014) and fourth (2013) best passing yard marks in team history under Koetter

§ Ranked fourth in 2013 and fifth in 2014 in the NFL in passing yards

· 32 passing touchdowns in 2012

o Career-best, franchise record, fifth-most in NFL

· 99.1 passer rating in 2012

o Career-best, second-most in team history, fifth-highest in NFL

RB Charles Sims

· 4 touchdown receptions in 2015

o Franchise record for running back

WR Reggie Williams

· 10 touchdown receptions in 2007

o Career-best, tied for then-franchise record

QB Jameis Winston

· 4,042 passing yards in 2015

o Second-most in team history, third-most by a rookie in NFL history. 11th-most in NFL

· 22 passing touchdowns in 2015

o Most by a rookie in team history, tied for fourth-most in a single season in team history, fourth-most by a rookie in NFL history

· 6 rushing touchdowns in 2015

o Most by a quarterback in single season in team history, second-most in NFL

· 28 combined touchdowns in 2015

o Franchise-record, tied for third-most by a rookie in NFL history

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Jacksonville

Jaguars Lose to the Bills 27-24 in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs

Published

3 months ago

January 11, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars vs. Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-5) lost to the Buffalo Bills (13-5) 27-24 at EverBank Stadium today in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Jaguars finished with nine more victories than last season, but fans are still disappointed that the miracle season has come to an end.

On Jacksonville’s second drive of the game, QB Trevor Lawrence threw a pass intended for WR Parker Washington that was intercepted by Bills LB Shaq Thompson. A couple of plays later, Bills QB Josh Allen was tacked by Jaguars DE Josh Hines-Allen, and Allen went to the Bills’ blue tent to be evaluated for a concussion, but was cleared to return. On the fourth down, K Matt Prater kicked a 50 yard field goal to put the Bills on the board 3-0, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr. and K Cam Little added the extra point, putting the Jaguars ahead 7-3. On the kickoff, the Jaguars benefited from a fumble by Bills RB Ray Davis that LB Devin Lloyd recovered. The Jaguars were on Buffalo’s 9 yard line when Trevor Lawrence tried to dive for a first down on 4th and 2, but came up a little short on the officials’ review. The Bills took possession and ended up scoring on Josh Allen’s two yard touchdown run, followed by Prater’s XP. The Jaguars managed to get into field goal position just before the half, but Cam Little missed a 54 yard field goal that hit the left upright, ending his streak of 20 consecutive field goals made, including a 67 yarder just last week which set the NFL outdoor record. The Bills were up 10-7 at halftime.

Matt Prater kicked a 47 yard field goal on the Bills’ first drive of the third quarter, extending their lead to 13-7. Cam Little redeemed himself with a 43 yard field goal on the Jaguars’ next drive, to narrow the Jags’ deficit to 13-10, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Trevor Lawrence found Parker Washington in the end zone for a 6 yard touchdown pass, and after Cam Little’s XP, the Jags were ahead 17-13. But Josh Allen’s 15 yard touchdown pass to TE Dalton Kincaid, followed by Matt Prater’s XP, put the Bills up 20-17. The Jags responded with a 14 yard Lawrence touchdown pass to RB Travis Etienne Jr., and a Little XP, to put the Jaguars ahead 24-20. Josh Allen ran into the end zone for another Bills touchdown, followed by Prater’s XP with just over a minute left in the game, putting the Bills up 27-24. Trevor Lawrence threw a pass that was intercepted by Bills S Cole Bishop, effectively ending the season for the Jaguars.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 207 passing yards and 3 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 67 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 107 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 70,250.

Today marked the Jaguars’ 17th playoff game in history. With today’s loss, they are now 5-3 in the Wild Card round, and 4-2 at home in the playoffs. Jacksonville beat the Bills in the 1996 AFC Wild Card round to win their first playoff game in franchise history.

The AFC Divisional Playoff schedule will be announced after the completion of this weekend’s playoff games. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Topple the Titans 41-7

Published

3 months ago

January 4, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars Topple the Titans (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4) beat the Tennessee Titans (3-14) 41-7 at EverBank Stadium today. With today’s victory, Jacksonville won a 13th game for only the second time in franchise history. Head Coach Liam Coen also became the seventh first-year coach in NFL history to win at least 13 games.

The Titans were the first to score, as rookie QB Cam Ward ran 7 yards for a touchdown, followed by the extra point from K Joey Slye. Ward injured his right shoulder on that play and was ruled out for the remainder of the game, and was replaced by QB Brandon Allen. The Jaguars responded on their next drive, with a 23 yard touchdown pass from QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Parker Washington, followed by the XP from K Cam Little, to tie the game at 7-7, which remained the score at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, WR Brian Thomas Jr. left the game after a defensive pass interference, and was evaluated for a concussion. Fortunately, Thomas cleared concussion protocol and returned later in the game. On the next play, Lawrence completed a 7 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, with Little providing the XP. The Titans next drive ended as S Antonio Johnson intercepted a Brandon Allen pass intended for WR Elic Ayomanor, returning it 59 yards for a touchdown, followed by Little’s XP, extending the Jaguars lead to 21-7. Lawrence added another TD pass for 5 yards to TE Quinton Morris, followed by Little’s XP. Little also added a 67 yard field goal as the clock expired heading into halftime, to put the Jaguars ahead 31-7. With those three points, Cam Little also broke the franchise record for most points in a season, which had previously been held by K Mike Hollis with 134 points in 1997.

Late in the third quarter, Cam Little added another field goal, this one for 52 yards, extending the Jaguars lead to 34-7, the only points scored in the quarter.

Early in the 4th quarter, Trevor Lawrence reached more than 4,000 passing yards for the season with a 23 yard pass to Parker Washington. The Jaguars replaced Lawrence with QB Nick Mullens for the remainder of the game, to ensure Trevor would be healthy for the playoffs. Midway through the quarter, Travis Etienne Jr. also surpassed 1400 scrimmage yards for the third season in his career. RB Bhayshul Tuten later added a 5 yard touchdown run, and Little kicked the XP, to put the Jaguars ahead 41-7. After the two minute warning, the Titans attempted, but missed, a 52 yard field goal by Joey Slye. The Jags then ran down the clock to secure their victory.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 255 passing yards and 3 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 32 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 87 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 66,015.

Trevor Lawrence breaks the franchise record for total touchdowns in a single season. (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

Trevor Lawrence also set the Jaguars franchise record for the most single season touchdowns with 38, breaking the previous record of 37 set by Blake Bortles in 2015. Since the beginning of the Jaguars win streak in week 11, Lawrence has led the league with 24 total touchdowns. Lawrence also moved into second place in passing yards in franchise history, exceeding Blake Bortles’ mark of 17,646 yards. First place is held by Mark Brunell with 25,698 yards.

The Jaguars will advance to the AFC Playoffs, which begin next weekend. The schedule will be announced after the completion of week 18 games. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.comfor more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Down the Jets 48-20 in Jacksonville

Published

4 months ago

December 14, 2025

Mike Brodsky

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (10-4) beat the New York Jets (3-11) 48-20 at EverBank Stadium today. Jets QB Brady Cook made the first start of his career. Cook was the first undrafted rookie QB to start for the Jets in 50 years.

On the first drive of the game, QB Trevor Lawrence found WR Brian Thomas Jr. in the end zone for a 4 yard touchdown pass, followed by the extra point from Cam Little, giving the Jaguars an early 7-0 lead. The Jaguars second drive ended with a 15 yard touchdown run by Lawrence, followed by another Little XP, to put the Jags up 14-0. But Brady Cook completed his first career TD pass to WR Adonai Mitchell for 9 yards, followed by the XP by K Nick Folk, to put the Jets on the board. At the end of the first quarter, the Jaguars were ahead 14-7.

Early in the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 16 yard touchdown pass to RB Bhayshul Tuten, and Little added the XP to put the Jags up 21-7. Several minutes later, Jets WR Isaiah Williams appeared to score a touchdown returning Logan Cooke’s punt, but an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty nullified that TD. Several plays later, the Jets settled for a 41 yard Nick Folk field goal, to narrow the Jets deficit to 21-10. Cam Little added a 33 yard field goal for the Jags shortly before the half, extending their lead to 24-10. Just two downs later, CB Montaric Brown intercepted a Brady Cook pass intended for Adonai Mitchell, and the Jags moved the ball down the field, with Lawrence ultimately hitting RB Travis Etienne Jr. in the end zone for a 20 yard touchdown pass, followed by Little’s XP. This completion put Trevor Lawrence ahead of David Garrard for third place on the Jaguars all-time franchise record for passing TDs with 90. The Jaguars went into halftime up 31-10.

Nick Folk kicked a 51 yard field goal on the Jets’ first drive of the third quarter. The Jaguars responded with another touchdown pass by Lawrence to Etienne, this one for 8 yards. After Little’s XP, the Jaguars led 38-13. This was Travis Etienne Jr.’s 30th touchdown of his career. Late in the third, Cam Little added a 22 yard field goal, which was the 50th of his career, making him the youngest player in NFL history to kick 50 field goals. The Jaguars were up 41-13 at the end of the third quarter.

The Jets scored early in the fourth on a 24 yard touchdown run by RB Isaiah Davis, followed by Folk’s XP, to make the score 41-20. Two plays later, the Jaguars added another Lawrence to Etienne touchdown pass, this time for 45 yards, followed by Little’s XP, extending their lead to 48-20. The Jaguars brought QB Nick Mullen in to relieve Lawrence soon after as a precautionary move. Midway through the fourth, the Jets were threatening to score, but Jags LB Ventrell Miller intercepted a Brady Cook pass intended for WR Allen Lazard in the end zone. Late in the fourth, Brady Cook was once again picked off, this time by S Antonio Johnson. The final score remained 48-20.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 330 passing yards and 5 TDs. Trevor Lawrence also led the Jaguars’ rushing with 51 yards and 1 TD. Travis Etienne Jr. was the leading receiver with 73 yards and 3 TDs. Today’s attendance was 60,815.

Trevor Lawrence reached 3,000 passing yards for the fourth time in his five year career. In Jaguars franchise history, only Mark Brunell has had more such seasons, with five.

The Jaguars have two games on the road against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 21 and the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 28, before returning home for the final game of the season against the Tennessee Titans. That game will be held either Jan. 3 or 4, but the date and time have not yet been confirmed. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.