Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 01:46, 28 August 2025

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{{short description|National Football League franchise in Tampa, Florida}}

{{NFL team | name = Tampa Bay Buccaneers

{{Use American English|date=November 2023}}

| logo = Buccanners logo 1997-current.gif

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}

| founded = 1976

{{Infobox NFL team

| city = [[Tampa Bay, Florida]]

| name = Tampa Bay Buccaneers

| colors = Buccaneer Red, Pewter, Black, and Orange

| current = 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season

| coach = [[Jon Gruden]]

| logo = Tampa Bay Buccaneers logo.svg

| owner = [[Malcolm Glazer]]

| wordmark = Tampa Bay Buccaneers wordmark.svg

| general manager = [[Bruce Allen (football)|Bruce Allen]]

| uniform = Tampa Bay Buccaneers Uniforms 2025.png

| mascot = Captain Fear

| founded = {{Start date and age|April 24, 1974}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Facts|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/tampa-bay-buccaneers/team-facts/|website=ProFootballHOF.com|access-date=October 2, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509123416/https://www.profootballhof.com/teams/tampa-bay-buccaneers/team-facts/|url-status=live}}</ref>

| nicknames = The Bucs, Pewter Pirates

| first_season = [[1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1976]]

| stations = WDAE (620 AM), WFUS (103.5 FM), and WAMA (1550 AM)-Spanish

| stadium = [[Raymond James Stadium]],<br />[[Tampa, Florida]]

| announcers = [[Gene Deckerhoff]] (play-by-play), [[Hardy Nickerson]] (color commentary), and T.J. Rives (sideline reporter); Enrique Oliu and Rodolfo Padron (Spanish)

| headquartered = One Buccaneer Place,<br />Tampa, Florida<ref>{{cite web|title=Contact the Bucs|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/team/contact-us|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|access-date=September 6, 2021}}</ref>

| colors = Buccaneer red, pewter, orange, black<!-- Please DO NOT change the color name designations or HTML color codes; they are OFFICIAL, per NFLCommunications.com & https://static.www.nfl.com/league/api/clubs/logos/TB.svg. Also, please DO NOT change the color name for orange to creamsicle. Thank you. --><ref>{{cite press release|title=BUCCANEERS REVEAL NEW UNIFORMS FOR 2020 SEASON|url=https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/upload/buccaneers/pghpmppaqrkh34avsdua.pdf|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com/Media|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 7, 2020|quote=Tampa Bay returns to the traditional deeper, richer red to accompany the modern pewter hue as its primary colors while including orange highlights to honor the team's origin and restoring black as an accent color.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter=BUCCANEERS UNVEIL NEW LOGO AND COLORS (4/8/1997) – HISTORICAL HIGHLIGHTS|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2024/TB.pdf#page=295|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|title=2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Media Guide|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2024/TB.pdf|date=July 29, 2024|access-date=December 23, 2024|quote=The team unveils its eagerly anticipated new logo and color scheme at a noon downtown ceremony. The new logo, consisting of a red pirate flag with a skull and crossed swords, draws instant rave reviews. The team colors are Buccaneer red, pewter, black and orange.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|chapter=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Capsule|chapter-url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2024/2024_Record_and_Fact_Book_incl_Supplemental.pdf#page=225|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|title=2024 Official National Football League Record and Fact Book|url=https://static.www.nfl.com/image/upload/league/apps/league-site/media-guides/2024/2024_Record_and_Fact_Book_incl_Supplemental.pdf|date=July 22, 2024|access-date=December 23, 2024}}</ref><br />{{color box|#A71930}} {{color box|#322F2B}} {{color box|#DC4405}} {{color box|#000000}}

| coach = [[Todd Bowles]]

| owner = Glazer family{{efn|Consisting of [[Bryan Glazer]], Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Edward Glazer, [[Joel Glazer]], [[Avram Glazer]], and Kevin Glazer}}

| chairman = {{ubl|[[Bryan Glazer]]|[[Joel Glazer]]|Edward Glazer}}

| president = Darcie Glazer Kassewitz

| general manager = [[Jason Licht]]

| mascot = [[Captain Fear]]

| song = "Hey! Hey! Tampa Bay!"

| website = {{URL|buccaneers.com}}

| nicknames =

* '''The Bucs'''

| hist_yr = 1976

| NFL_start_yr = 1976

| division_hist =

* [[American Football Conference]] (1976)

** [[AFC West]] (1976)

* '''[[National Football Conference]] (1977-present1977–present)'''

** [[NFC North|NFC Central]] (1977-20011977–2001)

** '''[[NFC South]] (2002-present2002–present)'''

| no_league_champs = 12

| no_sb_champs = 12

| sb_champs = [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002]] ([[Super Bowl XXXVII|XXXVII]]), [[2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2020]] ([[Super Bowl LV|LV]])

| no_conf_champs = 1

| no_div_champsno_conf_champs = 52

| sb_champs = 2002&nbsp;([[Super Bowl XXXVII|XXXVII]])

| conf_champs =

* '''NFC:''' [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002]], [[2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2020]]

*'''NFC:''' 2002

| no_div_champs = 10

| div_champs =

* '''NFC Central:''' [[1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1979]], [[1981 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1981]], [[1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1999]]

* '''NFC South:''' [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002]], [[2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2005]], [[2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2007]], [[2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2021]], [[2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2022]], [[2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2023]], [[2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2024]]

*'''NFC South:''' 2002, 2005

| no_playoff_appearances = 15

| playoff_appearances =

* '''NFL:''' [[1979–80 NFL playoffs|1979]], [[1981–82 NFL playoffs|1981]], [[1982–83 NFL playoffs|1982]], [[1997–98 NFL playoffs|1997]], [[1999–2000 NFL playoffs|1999]], [[2000–01 NFL playoffs|2000]], [[2001–02 NFL playoffs|2001]], [[2002–03 NFL playoffs|2002]], [[2005–06 NFL playoffs|2005]], [[2007–08 NFL playoffs|2007]], [[2020–21 NFL playoffs|2020]], [[2021–22 NFL playoffs|2021]], [[2022–23 NFL playoffs|2022]], [[2023–24 NFL playoffs|2023]], [[2024–25 NFL playoffs|2024]]

| stadium_years =

* [[Houlihan'sTampa Stadium]] ({{nfly|1976-}}–{{nfly|1997}})

* '''[[Raymond James Stadium]] ({{nfly|1998}}–present)'''

**a.k.a. Tampa Stadium (1976-1995)

| team_owners =

*'''[[Raymond James Stadium]] (1998-present)'''

* [[Hugh Culverhouse]] (1974–1994)

* [[Malcolm Glazer]] (1995–2014)

* '''Glazer family (2014–present)'''

}}

The '''Tampa Bay Buccaneers''' (colloquially known as the '''Bucs''') are a professional [[American football]] team based in [[Tampa, Florida]]. The Buccaneers compete in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) as a member of the [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) [[NFC South|South]] division. They joined the NFL in {{nfly|1974}} as an [[expansion team]], along with the [[Seattle Seahawks]], and played their first season in the [[American Football Conference]] (AFC) [[AFC West|West]] division.

Before the {{nfly|1977}} season, Tampa Bay switched conferences and divisions with Seattle, becoming a member of the [[NFC North|NFC Central]] division. The Seahawks eventually rejoined the NFC in 2002, leaving the Buccaneers as the only NFL team not to play in their original conference. As a result of the league's realignment before the {{nfly|2002}} season, the Buccaneers joined three former [[NFC West]] teams to form the NFC South. The team is owned by the [[Malcolm Glazer|Glazer family]] and plays its home games at [[Raymond James Stadium]] in Tampa.

The '''Tampa Bay Buccaneers''' (often abbreviated as the '''Bucs''') are a

professional [[American football]] team based in [[Tampa Bay, Florida]]. They are currently members of the [[NFC South|Southern Division]] of the [[National Football Conference]] (NFC) in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). The team, along with the [[Seattle Seahawks]], joined the NFL as [[1976 NFL season|1976]] [[expansion team]]s. The club is currently owned by [[Malcolm Glazer]] and coached by head coach [[Jon Gruden]].

When the franchise entered the league in 1976, the Buccaneers lost their first 26 games. After a brief winning era in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the team suffered through fourteen consecutive losing seasons. For the past decade, however, they have been a consistent contender, and won [[Super Bowl XXXVII]] at the end of the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]].

The Buccaneers have won two [[Super Bowl]] championships and, along with the [[Baltimore Ravens]], are the only two NFL franchises that are undefeated in multiple Super Bowl appearances. They were regarded as a perennial losing franchise for most of their first two decades due to suffering 26 consecutive losses in their first two seasons (including a [[1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|winless inaugural season]]) and 14 consecutive losing seasons from 1983 to 1996—the most in NFL history—contributing to their [[List of all-time NFL win–loss records|league-worst overall winning percentage]] of {{winpct|318|457|1}}

==Franchise history==

===John McKay and early frustration (1976-1978)===

The Buccaneers joined the NFL as members of the [[AFC West]] in 1976. The following year, they were moved to the [[NFC Central]], while the other 1976 expansion team, the [[Seattle Seahawks]], switched conferences with Tampa Bay and joined the AFC West. This realignment was dictated by the league as part of the 1976 expansion plan, so that both teams could play each other twice and every other NFL franchise once during their first two seasons.

Despite these early struggles, Tampa Bay is the first post-[[AFL–NFL merger|merger]] expansion team to clinch a division title, win a playoff game, and host a conference championship, all of which they accomplished by their fourth season in [[1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1979]]. The team's image improved by the time of their first championship in [[Super Bowl XXXVII|2002]], also the first for any of the six organizations built after the merger,{{efn|name=sb|Although the [[Baltimore Ravens]] are officially recognized as the first post-[[AFL–NFL merger|merger]] franchise to win a [[Super Bowl]], the Ravens are the [[Cleveland Browns relocation controversy|relocated football organization]] formerly enfranchised as the [[Cleveland Browns]] whereas the Buccaneers are the first post-merger franchise to win a Super Bowl without being the organizational continuation of any pre-merger team.}} but they would not win another playoff game until their second Super Bowl championship season in [[Super Bowl LV|2020]]. In [[2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2024]], the team tied the [[New Orleans Saints]] for the most NFC South division titles with seven. The 2024 season also set franchise records with four consecutive division titles (also a record for the NFC South) as well as five consecutive playoff appearances.

The Tampa Bay expansion franchise was originally awarded to Ted McCloskey, a construction company owner from [[Philadelphia]]. It soon became apparent that McCloskey had financial problems, so the NFL found a replacement in [[Hugh Culverhouse]], a wealthy [[tax law|tax attorney]] from [[Jacksonville, Florida|Jacksonville]] well-known in NFL circles for brokering an unprecedented franchise swap between the [[Baltimore Colts]] and [[Los Angeles Rams]]. A name-the-team contest resulted in the nickname "Buccaneers," in honor of the yearly [[Gasparilla Pirate Festival]] in Tampa. The team's first home was Tampa Stadium, which had recently been expanded to seat just over 72,000 fans.

==History==

Longtime [[University of Southern California|USC]] coach [[John McKay (football coach)|John McKay]] was recruited as the team's first head coach. He stressed a five-year building plan that relied on veteran players, quality draft picks, and patience. However, the [[expansion draft]] prior to the entrance of the Bucs and Seahawks into the league was not as generous as it would become for later NFL expansion teams, so the Buccaneers were saddled with aging veterans and castoffs from other teams. Despite McKay's coaching, the Bucs often appeared incompetent, with missed tackles, fumbled snaps, and a frustrating inability to score, and the patience of fans and local media soon wore thin. McKay was also criticized for relying too much on the USC playbook--for example, the "student body right" rushing play--not to mention choosing [[running back]] [[Ricky Bell (running back)|Ricky Bell]] over future NFL Hall of Famer [[Tony Dorsett]] in the 1977 [[NFL Draft]].

{{main|History of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers}}

===Hugh Culverhouse era (1976–1994)===

This frustration, and even anger, that Buccaneer fans targeted at McKay--which prompted the brief popularity of bumper stickers that proclaimed "Throw McKay in the Bay"--stemmed from the team's notorious 26-game regular season losing streak, an NFL record which still stands. The Bucs lost every game in their inaugural season, and lost their first 12 games the following year. The team became the butt of many jokes, especially from [[Johnny Carson]] on ''[[The Tonight Show]]'', but also from the fans themselves, who late into the 1977 season, wore bags on their heads and encouraged the team to "go for 0," as in zero wins. After a particularly dismal effort during the streak, coach McKay gave perhaps the quintessential comment on the team's plight. In a post-game press conference, ''[[Tampa Tribune]]'' sports editor [[Tom McEwen]] asked McKay about the execution of his team's offensive line. McKay responded, "I'm in favor of it." Another choice quotation that summed up his frustration at the time: "We can't win at home, we can't win on the road, so we were going to petition the league for a neutral site."

<!-- [[WP:NFCC]] violation: [[File:John McKay (American football).jpg|thumbnail|[[John McKay (American football)|John McKay]] was the team's first coach from 1976 to 1984.]] -->

==== John McKay years (1976–1984) ====

Just before the end of their sophomore season, the Bucs did finally manage to win their first game&mdash;on the road, defeating the [[New Orleans Saints]], 33-14. The win was highlighted by three [[interception]]s returned for touchdowns, an NFL record at the time. (The team would later equal this feat 25 years later when they defeated the [[Oakland Raiders]] in [[Super Bowl XXXVII]].) After being greeted by 8000 cheering fans when the team arrived back in Tampa late that evening after the game, the Bucs followed up the victory with a win at home over the [[Arizona Cardinals|St. Louis Cardinals]] during the final week of the season.

The Buccaneers joined the NFL as members of the [[AFC West]] in 1976.<ref name="m119">{{cite web | title=Those 1976 Buccaneers know all about losing | website=NFL.com | date=2008-12-26 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/those-1976-buccaneers-know-all-about-losing-09000d5d80da4a52 | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref> The next year, they were moved to the [[NFC North|NFC Central]], while the other 1976 expansion team, the [[Seattle Seahawks]], switched conferences with Tampa Bay and joined the AFC West.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1977 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1977/index.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> This realignment was dictated by the league as part of the 1976 expansion plan, so that both teams could play each other twice and every other NFL franchise once during their first two seasons. Instead of a traditional schedule of playing each division opponent twice, the Buccaneers played every conference team once, plus the Seahawks.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 20, 2005 |title=The Answer Man, Series 2, Vol. 18 |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/the-answer-man-series-2-vol-18-2145514 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224914/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/the-answer-man-series-2-vol-18-2145514 |archive-date=June 30, 2019 |access-date=June 30, 2019 |website=Buccaneers.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC}}</ref>

Tampa Bay went 0–14 in their first season. They were outscored by an average of almost 21 points per game. Only three games ended with the Buccaneers within one possession.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1976 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1976/gamelog/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Until the [[2008 Detroit Lions season|Detroit Lions in 2008]], the 1976 Bucs were the only Super Bowl-era team to go winless in a whole season. Their losing streak caused them to become the butt of late-night television comedians' jokes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bishop |first=Greg |date=2007-12-02 |title=When Bucs Went 0 for the Season |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/02/sports/football/02jets.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Tampa Bay did not win their first game until the 13th week of their [[1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|second season]], starting with a record of 0–26 (though the Bucs had beaten the [[Atlanta Falcons]], 17–3, in a 1976 pre-season game before their first regular season).<ref name="b871">{{cite web | last=Underwood | first=John | title=A THREE-HOUR TIME DIFFERENCE | website=Sports Illustrated Vault | date=1976-08-23 | url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1976/08/23/a-threehour-time-difference | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> The Saints' head coach, [[Hank Stram]], was fired after losing to the Buccaneers.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shapiro |first=Leonard |date=January 29, 1978 |title=Stram Firing Interests Allen |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1978/01/29/stram-firing-interests-allen/cd9b89fc-d64f-46c4-b215-64ac2edea464/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206192616/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1978/01/29/stram-firing-interests-allen/cd9b89fc-d64f-46c4-b215-64ac2edea464/ |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=October 18, 2018 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> Their first win came on December 11, 1977, on the road against the [[New Orleans Saints]] in Week 13. Tampa Bay needed one more week to get their second victory, a home win over the [[St. Louis Cardinals (football)|St. Louis Cardinals]] in the 1977 season finale.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1977 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1977/gamelog/ |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Cardinals also fired their coach, [[Don Coryell]], shortly afterward.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Litsky |first=Frank |date=2001-06-11 |title=John McKay, U.S.C. and Buccaneers Coach, Dies at 77 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/11/sports/john-mckay-usc-and-buccaneers-coach-dies-at-77.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 20 - Cecil Johnson.jpg|thumb|right|In their fourth season, the Buccaneers defeated the Eagles in their first playoff appearance in [[1979–80 NFL playoffs|1979]] after suffering three consecutive losing seasons.]]

The [[1978 NFL season|1978 season]] was another losing campaign, but it was highlighted by the presence of [[rookie]] [[quarterback]] [[Doug Williams (football player)|Doug Williams]]. Despite a season-ending injury in which his jaw had to be wired shut, he showed enough potential to give Bucs fans hope for the future. His leadership and often electrifying play would transform the team much sooner than anyone expected. .

The Buccaneers improved to a 5–11 mark in 1978. The team boasted a strong defensive unit that finished seventh in points allowed. The team was competitive in numerous close games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1978 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1978.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Bucs' situation improved rapidly in the [[1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1979 season]]. With the maturation of quarterback [[Doug Williams (quarterback)|Doug Williams]] and future four-time Pro Bowl tight end [[Jimmie Giles]], the first 1,000-yard rushing season from running back [[Ricky Bell (running back)|Ricky Bell]], and a smothering, league-leading, Star Studded defense led by future NFL [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]] [[Lee Roy Selmon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19791221&id=6fkgAAAAIBAJ&pg=1333,4170040&hl=en|title=The Day – Google News Archive Search|website=news.google.com|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> the Bucs kicked off the season with five consecutive victories, a performance that landed them on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]].''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1979/1001.html|title=SI.com – Sports Illustrated Covers – October 1, 1979|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612064801/http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1979/1001.html|archive-date=June 12, 2007}}</ref>

With four games left in the season, the Bucs needed to win only one of them to make the playoffs. In the first, [[STP (motor oil company)|STP]] was put all over the goal posts in Tampa to prevent the goalposts from being ripped down in the event of a celebration. Four blocked kicks later, the Bucs wasted the oily substance, falling to the [[Minnesota Vikings]] 23–22. STP was wasted again the following week as the Bucs were shut out 14–0 by the [[Chicago Bears]]; and in [[O. J. Simpson]]'s final home game in [[San Francisco]], Tampa Bay lost its third straight attempt to clinch a division title against a 49ers team which came in with a 1–13 record. However, in the season finale at home against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], which was played in the worst downpour in Bucs history, Tampa Bay pulled out a 3–0 victory. Finishing with a 10–6 record, the Bucs had their first winning season in franchise history, and won the Central Division in a tiebreaker over the Bears.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1979.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In an upset, the Bucs defeated the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] 24–17 in the divisional round of the [[1979–80 NFL playoffs|playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1980/0107.html|title=SI.com – Sports Illustrated Covers – January 7, 1980|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612064908/http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1980/0107.html|archive-date=June 12, 2007}}</ref> Because the [[Los Angeles Rams]] defeated the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in the other NFC playoff game, the Bucs hosted the [[NFC Championship Game]] the following week in Tampa. The Bucs lost to the Rams 9–0.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - January 6th, 1980 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198001060tam.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In their fourth season, the Bucs seemed on the verge of fulfilling McKay's five-year plan.<ref name="s979">{{cite web| title=Money, time follow good strategic plans | website=Canton Repository | date=2018-08-12 | url=https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/canton/2018/08/12/money-time-follow-good-strategic/6001193007/ | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> The Buccaneers regressed in 1980 and finished with a 5–10–1 mark.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1980 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1980.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===A brief period of success (1979-1982)===

The Bucs' situation improved rapidly in [[1979 NFL season|1979]]. With the maturation of quarterback Williams, the first 1,000-yard rushing season from running back Ricky Bell, and a smothering, league-leading defense led by future NFL [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]] [[Lee Roy Selmon]], the Bucs kicked off the season with five consecutive victories, a stunning performance that landed them on the cover of ''[[Sports Illustrated]].'' [http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1979/1001.html]

The Buccaneers made the playoffs again by winning their division in the [[1981 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1981 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1981 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1981.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> It came down to a thrilling final game at [[Detroit]]; the winner would take the Central Division crown and the loser would miss the playoffs. The [[Detroit Lions]] had not lost at home all season. Although the Bucs trailed early, an 84-yard touchdown bomb from QB Williams to WR [[Kevin House]] and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by DT [[David Logan (American football)|David Logan]] sealed the win for the Buccaneers.<ref name="z015">{{cite web | last=Raven | first=Benjamin | title=Lions-Buccaneers history: NFC Central foes and playoff heartbreak | website=mlive | date=2024-01-17 | url=https://www.mlive.com/lions/2024/01/reliving-lions-bucs-before-round-2-nfc-central-foes-and-playoff-heartbreak.html#:~:text=1981%20Week%2016%20in%20Pontiac%20%2D%2D%20Buccaneers%2020%2C%20Lions%2017&text=The%20Lions%20lost%2028%2D10,fourth%20tied%20at%2010%20apiece. | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> In the playoffs, the Cowboys defeated the Bucs, 38–0, in the divisional round. The loss remains the largest postseason shutout loss in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys - January 2nd, 1982 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198201020dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

With four games left in the season, the Bucs only needed to win one of them to make the playoffs, and did so in their final contest at home against the [[Kansas City Chiefs]], which was played in the worst downpour in Bucs history. Finishing with a 10-6 record, the Bucs had their first winning season in franchise history, and also won the Central Division in a tiebreaker over the [[Chicago Bears]]. In an upset, the Bucs defeated the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] 24-17 in the divisional round of the [[NFL playoffs, 1979-80|playoffs]][http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1980/0107.html]. Because the [[St. Louis Rams|Los Angeles Rams]] defeated the [[Dallas Cowboys]] in the other NFC playoff game, the Bucs hosted the [[NFC Championship Game]] the following week in Tampa. The Bucs lost to the Rams 9-0, thanks to great defense by the Rams. In only their fourth season, the Bucs seemed on the verge of fulfilling McKay's five-year plan.

The [[1982 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1982 season]] started 0–3 for the Bucs, before a [[1982 NFL Players Strike|player's strike]] shut down the NFL for seven weeks. When the league resumed play, the Bucs were nicknamed the "Cardiac Kids" for winning five of their next six games, all in the final moments, to go 5–4 and qualify for the expanded playoff slate.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1982 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1982.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the first round, the Bucs once again faced the Cowboys at Dallas, losing 30–17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys - January 9th, 1983 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198301090dal.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> As it turned out, this would be the last winning regular season under Culverhouse's ownership.

The Bucs made the playoffs again by winning their division in the [[1981 NFL season|1981 season]] and entering the first round during the [[1982 NFL season|strike-shortened 1982 season]]. The 1981 season came down to a thrilling final game at [[Detroit Lions|Detroit]]. The winner would take the Central Division crown and the loser would miss the playoffs. The Lions had not lost at home all season. Although the Bucs trailed early, an 84-yard touchdown bomb from QB Williams to WR [[Kevin House]] and a fumble recovery for a touchdown by LB [[David Logan]] sealed the shocking win for the Bucs. Unfortunately, the [[Dallas Cowboys]] rewarded the Bucs' efforts with a 38-0 blowout in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Before the 1983 season, Williams bolted to the [[United States Football League]] in a salary dispute.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1983-08-10 |title=New U.S.F.L. Club Acquires Williams |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/08/10/sports/new-usfl-club-acquires-williams.html |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref> The Bucs lost their first nine games of the 1983 season en route to finishing 2–14, the first of 12 consecutive seasons with at least ten losses—an NFL record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1983 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1983.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Included was the drafting of [[Heisman Trophy]] winner [[Bo Jackson]] with the first pick in the [[1986 NFL draft|1986 draft]].<ref name="q754">{{cite magazine | last=Swinton | first=Elizabeth | title=This Day in Sports History: Bo Jackson Drafted First Overall | magazine=Sports Illustrated | date=2020-04-29 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/04/29/this-day-sports-history-bo-jackson-drafted-first-overall | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> Jackson had let it be known that he would never play a down for Hugh Culverhouse at Tampa Bay.<ref name="k210">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press| title=Accepting Free Ride to Tampa Puts a Finish to Bo Jackson's Athletic Career at Auburn | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1986-03-29 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-03-29-sp-1415-story.html | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> Making good on his threat, he opted instead to play baseball for the [[Kansas City Royals]] and would later return for parts of football seasons with the [[Oakland Raiders|Los Angeles Raiders]].<ref name="r228">{{cite web | title=Thirty years ago today, Bo Jackson chose baseball over the NFL | website=FOX Sports | date=2016-06-21 | url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/thirty-years-ago-today-bo-jackson-chose-baseball-over-the-nfl | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bo Jackson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/J/JackBo00.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Along with Williams, who later was a Super Bowl champion QB for Washington, two other Bucs quarterbacks during this era led other teams to Super Bowl wins. [[Steve Young]] won with the 49ers and [[Trent Dilfer]] won with the Baltimore Ravens. In the 1984 season, the team went 6–10 in John McKay's final season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1984 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1984.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="l266">{{cite web | title=Ex-USC and Tampa Bay Football Coach John McKay Dies | website=USC Trojans Athletics | date=2001-06-10 | url=https://usctrojans.com/news/2001/6/10/Ex_USC_and_Tampa_Bay_Football_Coach_John_McKay_Dies.aspx | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref>

The 1982 season started just as poorly for the Bucs, as they went 0-3 before a player's strike shut down the NFL for seven weeks. When the league resumed play, the Bucs were nicknamed the "Cardiac Kids" for winning five of their next six games all in the final moments to go 5-4 and qualify for the expanded playoff slate. In the first round, the Bucs once again faced the Cowboys at home in Dallas, but the Bucs put up a much better fight, actually leading the game at the half. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay lost 30-17.

Former Atlanta Falcons' coach Leeman Bennett was named head coach before the 1985 season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Leeman Bennett Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/BennLe0.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He led the team to consecutive 2–14 finishes in 1985 and 1986.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1985 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1985.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=1986 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1986.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Bennett was fired after the 1986 season.<ref name="v732">{{cite web | title=Bennett fired as Tampa coach | website=UPI | date=1986-12-29 | url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1986/12/29/Bennett-fired-as-Tampa-coach/3439536216400/ | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> Ray Perkins was hired to be the head coach of the Buccaneers before the 1987 season.<ref name="u796">{{cite web |title=Ray Perkins, leaving a college football power to take over the National Football League's losingest franchise, called moving from the University of Alabama to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers "the hardest decision" he has ever made.| website=Los Angeles Times | date=1987-01-01 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-01-01-sp-1566-story.html | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> Perkins coached for the team for almost four seasons, getting fired during 1990 season.<ref name="m979">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press| title=Bucs' Perkins Wins Game but Loses Job : NFL: Tampa Bay fires its coach a day after the club broke a six-game losing streak. His top assistant, Williamson, will take over. | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1990-12-03 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-03-sp-4466-story.html | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> Under Perkins's tenure, the team won no more than five games in a single season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ray Perkins Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/PerkRa0.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Bucs did not return to the playoffs, nor did they have another winning season under Culverhouse's ownership.

Under Culverhouse, the Bucs were one of the NFL's more profitable teams during the 1980s; however, this was largely because he kept the payroll among the lowest in the league, hampering their ability to sign quality players. Attendance also sagged; at one point the Buccaneers went parts of three whole seasons without having a home game televised locally, and when they did it was more attributed to a strong visiting team with a large following in the area, such as the Chicago Bears or [[Green Bay Packers]].

===The worst team in the league (1983-1996)===

Doug Williams was the lowest-paid starting quarterback in the NFL during the 1982 season, and his salary of $120,000 was less than several backups. At the end of the season, Williams asked for a raise to $600,000 per season--a reasonable sum at that time, given Williams' past performance and his market value. However, Culverhouse would not offer more than $400,000 despite McKay's protests. Feeling that Culverhouse was unwilling to pay him a salary befitting his status as an NFL starter, Williams bolted to the [[United States Football League|USFL]], where he played two seasons for the [[Arizona Outlaws|Oklahoma Outlaws]]. Without Williams, the Bucs appeared to be a rudderless team. They started the next season by losing their first nine games, knocking them out of playoff contention. They finished with a 2-14 record, the first of an NFL-record 12 straight seasons with 10 or more losses. Many Bucs fans blamed Williams' departure for this seemingly endless streak of futility, and the fact that Williams later returned to the NFL and led the [[Washington Redskins]] to victory in [[Super Bowl XXII]] only deepened the frustration among Bucs fans.

[[Hardy Nickerson]], a future five-time Pro Bowl linebacker, signed as a free agent from the Pittsburgh Steelers. [[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]], a future Pro Bowl, and Hall of Fame strong safety, was drafted in 1993. In the [[1995 NFL draft]] the Buccaneers drafted two future Hall of Famers: [[Warren Sapp]] and [[Derrick Brooks]]. Pro Bowl Fullback, [[Mike Alstott]], was drafted the next year in the 1996 draft.

It can be argued that the team's lengthy woes were primarily due to how Culverhouse ran the organization. Culverhouse kept the team's payroll among the lowest in the league, which prompted few quality players to sign with the team. The ones who did rarely stayed long. Selmon, the Bucs' first draft pick in [[1976]] and the only Hall of Famer to have earned his credentials primarily in Tampa Bay, was the only real star who had a long tenure with the team. The Bucs also made several missteps in the NFL Draft, the most notorious of which was the team's selection of [[Bo Jackson]] as the #1 overall pick when he openly stated he would never play for them. The Bucs also frequently traded or gave up on quality players who went on to greater success on other teams. The most notable examples are all quarterbacks: Williams; [[Steve Young (athlete)|Steve Young]], who was traded to the [[San Francisco 49ers]] after the Bucs drafted [[Vinny Testaverde]] first overall in the [[1987 NFL Draft|1987 draft]], only to become a [[Super Bowl MVP]] and [[Pro football hall of fame|Hall of Famer]] with San Francisco; and Testaverde, whom the Bucs let walk to the [[Cleveland Browns]] via [[free agency]] in 1992.

===Glazer family era (1995–present)===

The front-office woes affected the team regardless of who was brought in to coach. After McKay stepped down at the end of the 1984 season, [[Leeman Bennett]], who had coached the [[Atlanta Falcons]] to their first-ever playoff win, was hired. After two disastrous 2-14 seasons, he was replaced by former [[New York Giants]] and [[University of Alabama]] head coach [[Ray Perkins]]. Perkins brought back much-needed discipline and "three-a-day" practices, but it proved too much of a good thing. The team was so physically drained by game day that the losses continued to pile up, and Perkins was fired before the end of the 1990 season. Offensive coordinator [[Richard Williamson]] was elevated to head coach, and after his brief success in the final remaining games, he retained his head coaching position for the following year. The momentum didn't last, however, and was fired after the 1991 season.

Despite the profitability of the Buccaneers in the 1980s, Culverhouse's death in 1994 revealed a man close to [[bankruptcy]] despite having a low payroll for his team.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1997-03-02-9703014529-story.html|title = Top Orlando News, Weather, Sports, Entertainment| date=March 2, 1997 }}</ref> His son, [[Miami]] attorney Hugh Culverhouse Jr. soon sued his father's associates (Stephen Story, Jack Donlan, and Fred Cone) who had built the trust account that was meant to manage the elder Culverhouse's business (which involved a $350&nbsp;million estate) after having his wife sign a post-nuptial agreement. At any rate, a settlement was soon reached that gave control of the trust to Culverhouse Jr., who sold the team for $192&nbsp;million. Interested parties included [[New York Yankees]] owner [[George Steinbrenner]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.joebucsfan.com/2010/07/remembering-steinbrenner/|title=Remembering Steinbrenner|date=July 13, 2010}}</ref> and [[Baltimore Orioles]] owner [[Peter Angelos]], the latter of whom publicly declared he would move the team to [[Baltimore]], as the city did not have an NFL franchise at that time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1994-12-19-1994353093-story.html|work=The Baltimore Sun|title = Angelos could strike deal soon, Bucs say|last1=Morgan|first1=Jon| date=December 19, 1994 }}</ref>

However, in a last-minute surprise, real estate magnate [[Malcolm Glazer]] outbid both of them for $192&nbsp;million, the highest sale price for a professional sports franchise up to that point.<ref name="w250">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=Buccaneers Are Sold to Florida Financier : NFL: Estimated $192 million is most ever paid for pro franchise. Team will stay in Tampa. | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1995-01-17 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-01-17-sp-20962-story.html | access-date=2024-08-14}}</ref> Glazer immediately placed his sons [[Bryan Glazer|Bryan]], [[Edward Glazer|Edward]], and [[Joel Glazer|Joel]] in charge of the team's financial affairs. He stated that he had every intention of keeping the team in Tampa, but informed area citizens its current stadium deal would not support the record paid amount and that a new stadium would be required. The Glazers convinced [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough County]] voters to raise sales taxes to fund the construction of what would become [[Raymond James Stadium]].

It wasn't until the hiring of [[Sam Wyche]] that Bucs fans had reason for optimism. Wyche had coached the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] to a Super Bowl appearance, one which the team could have won if not for a fourth quarter comeback engineered by 49ers QB [[Joe Montana]]. Unfortunately, Wyche did not have immediate success in Tampa, and even his bold "five-dash-two" (indicating five wins and two losses) declaration in his final season with the Bucs proved premature. However, Wyche deserves credit for drafting three key players who would later prove to be the core of the team's renewed success on defense--[[Warren Sapp]], [[Derrick Brooks]] and [[John Lynch (NFL)|John Lynch]].

==== Tony Dungy years (1996–2001) ====

Things only really began to change, however, after Culverhouse died of [[lung cancer]] in 1994.

The Glazers' deep pockets and serious commitment to fielding a winning team–in Tampa Bay–finally allowed the Bucs to become competitive. The team's performance dramatically improved when the Glazers hired Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator [[Tony Dungy]] as head coach.<ref name="c422">{{cite web | title=PRO FOOTBALL;Dungy Named Coach For Bucs | website=The New York Times | date=1996-01-23 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/01/23/sports/pro-football-dungy-named-coach-for-bucs.html | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref> Additionally, the team jettisoned the old uniform designs in favor of a modern look.

During [[1996 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Dungy's first season in 1996]], the team continued to struggle, starting the season 1–8. But in the second half of the season, they finished 5–2, primarily due to the performance of a defense ranked seventh in the NFL led by Hardy Nickerson and the maturing of Sam Wyche's draftees Brooks, Lynch, and Sapp.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1996.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Dungy, with his even-tempered personality, quickly brought balance and morale to the team, and his [[Football coverage shells#Cover 2|Cover 2]] defensive scheme, sharpened to perfection by [[defensive coordinator]] [[Monte Kiffin]] and linebackers coach [[Lovie Smith]], became the foundation for Tampa Bay's future success.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tony Dungy to Join Buccaneers Ring of Honor|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/tony-dungy-to-join-buccaneers-ring-of-honor-20639092|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=May 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190509145609/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/tony-dungy-to-join-buccaneers-ring-of-honor-20639092|url-status=live}}</ref> Their version of Cover 2 was so successful that it became known as the [[Tampa 2]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Varley|first=Teresa|title=Tony Dungy credits Chuck Noll with his defensive philosophy|url=http://news.steelers.com/article/73586/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Steelers.com|date=January 31, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209171311/http://news.steelers.com/article/73586/|archive-date=February 9, 2007|access-date=June 30, 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> It has been brought to the [[Chicago Bears]] by Smith, Detroit Lions by Rod Marinelli, Kansas City Chiefs by [[Herman Edwards]] and to the [[Indianapolis Colts]] by Dungy himself, and copied by several other teams.

===New ownership, Tony Dungy, and a return to contention (1996-2001)===

Despite the profitability of the Buccaneers in the 1980s, Culverhouse's death revealed a team close to [[bankruptcy]], which surprised many observers. His son, [[Miami]] attorney Hugh Culverhouse, Jr., practically forced the trustees of his father's estate to sell the team, which cast doubt on the future of the franchise in Tampa. Interested parties included [[New York Yankees]] owner [[George Steinbrenner]] and [[Baltimore Orioles]] owner [[Peter Angelos]], the latter of whom publicly declared he would move the team to [[Baltimore]], as the city did not have an NFL franchise at that time. However, in a last-minute surprise, [[Malcolm Glazer]] outbid both of them for $192 million, the highest sale price for a professional sports franchise up to that point. Glazer immediately placed his sons [[Bryan Glazer|Bryan]], [[Edward Glazer|Edward]], and [[Joel Glazer|Joel]] in charge of the team's financial affairs, and the family's deep pockets and serious commitment to fielding a winning team--in Tampa--allowed the Bucs to finally become competitive. The team's performance dramatically improved when the Glazers hired [[Minnesota Vikings]] defensive coordinator [[Tony Dungy]] as head coach, jettisoned the old uniform designs (see below), and convinced [[Hillsborough County, Florida|Hillsborough County]] voters to raise sales taxes to partially fund the construction of [[Raymond James Stadium]].

The team started the [[1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1997 season]] 5–0, picking up where they left off the previous year, and this quick start once again landed them on the cover of ''Sports Illustrated'' twice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1997/0908.html|title=SI.com – Sports Illustrated Covers – September 8, 1997|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212122458/http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1997/0908.html|archive-date=February 12, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1997/0929.html|title=SI.com – September 29, 1997|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212122508/http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1997/0929.html|archive-date=February 12, 2007}}</ref> The Bucs went 10–6 for their first winning season and playoff appearance since 1982, as a wild-card team.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1997.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> In the Bucs' final home game at [[Houlihan's Stadium]] (formerly Tampa Stadium), the team defeated the Lions 20–10. They lost at [[Lambeau Field]] to the eventual NFC champion Packers 21–7 in the Divisional Round.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Green Bay Packers - January 4th, 1998 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199801040gnb.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Still, there was reason for optimism, and the expectations were high for the following season.

During Dungy's first season in 1996, the team continued to struggle, starting the season 1-8. But in the second half of the season they finished 5-2, primarily due to the performance of a defense ranked seventh in the NFL led by [[Hardy Nickerson]] and the maturing of Wyche's draftees Brooks, Lynch and Sapp. Dungy, a devout Christian with an even-tempered personality, quickly brought balance and morale to the team, and his [[Cover 2]] defensive scheme, sharpened to perfection by [[defensive coordinator]] [[Monte Kiffin]], became the foundation for Tampa Bay's future success, not to mention a blueprint copied by other teams in the NFL, including the [[Chicago Bears]] and the [[St. Louis Rams]].

The [[1998 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1998 season]], the first to be played in the newly constructed Raymond James Stadium,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://raymondjamesstadium.com/stadium-history/|title=Stadium History – Raymond James Stadium|website=raymondjamesstadium.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408011802/http://raymondjamesstadium.com/stadium-history/|url-status=live}}</ref> saw the Bucs lose several close games en route to a disappointing 8–8 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1998 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1998.htm |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Bucs had to play the first six football games of the year (including preseason) on the road, as the new stadium was not quite finished.

====The 1997 season: Back to the playoffs====

Everything finally came together in [[1997]]. The team started the season 5-0, picking up where they left off the previous year, and this quick start once again landed them on the cover of ''Sports Illustrated''--not once, but twice. [http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1997/0908.html] [http://dynamic.si.cnn.com/si_online/covers/issues/1997/0929.html] The Bucs went 10-6 for their first winning season and playoff appearance since 1982, as a wild-card team. In the Bucs' final home game at [[Houlihan's Stadium]] (formerly Tampa Stadium), the team defeated the [[Detroit Lions]] 20-10. Unfortunately, they lost at [[Lambeau Field]] to the eventual NFC Champion [[Green Bay Packers]] 21-7. Still, there was reason for optimism, and the expectations were high for the following season.

The 1998 season, the first to be played in the newly-constructed [[Raymond1999 JamesTampa Stadium]], saw the Bucs lose several close games en route to aBay disappointing 8-8 record. TheBuccaneers season|1999 season]] sawbrought much better fortunesfortune. On the strength of the NFL's number one3 overall defense and a surprising performance by rookie QBquarterback [[Shaun King (American football)|Shaun King]], the Bucs finished the season with an 11-511–5 record and won their third NFC Central Division Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/1999.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> They edgedbeat the [[Washington Redskins]] 14-1314–13 in the Divisional round, before losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion [[St. Louis Rams]] in an unusuallya low-scoring NFC Championship Game, 1111–6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round -6 Washington Redskins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - January 15th, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200001150tam.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=NFC Championship - Tampa Bay Buccaneers at St. Louis Rams - January 23rd, 2000 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200001230ram.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Bucs' loss was controversial, highlighted by the unusual reversal of a pass from King to WRwide receiver [[Bert Emanuel]], which ended the Bucs' chances at continuing their last-minute drive for a possible win. In league meetings laterafter thatthe yearseason, the NFL later changed the rules regarding what constituted an [[incomplete pass]],.<ref>{{cite whichweb|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2000/03/28/meetings_celebrations_ap/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120731052158/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/news/2000/03/28/meetings_celebrations_ap/|url-status=dead|title=CNNSI.com was– aNFL backhandedFootball admission– thatNFL thecompetition reversalcommittee wasadvises incorrectreducing…|date=July 31, 2012|archive-date=July 31, 2012|website=archive.is|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref>

While the Bucs played well in [[2000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2000]] and [[2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2001]] and made the playoffs in each season, they were unable to fulfill their primary goal of a Super Bowl victory.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2000 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2000.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2001 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2001.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The wild card spots that Tampa Bay earned forced them to go on the road for their postseason opener in each year, and both road games took them into frigid Philadelphia to play the Eagles. The Buccaneers historically have struggled in games played with a temperature of less than {{convert|32|F|C}} (as late as 1999, they had never won a game with a temperature played under 40 degrees<ref name="Cold Snap">{{Cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/cold-snap-2180655|title = Cold Snap}}</ref>) and the latter loss to the Eagles was the sixth time that Tampa Bay had lost a postseason game on the road (out of six played).<ref name="x813">{{cite web | title=Postseason history proves Bucs can flourish in frigid weather |author-last=Knight|author-first=Joey| website=Tampa Bay Times | date=2021-01-19 | url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2021/01/19/postseason-history-proves-bucs-can-flourish-in-frigid-weather/ | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="o437">{{cite web | last=Auman| first=Greg| title=In Green Bay, in December? More on the Bucs in cold weather | website=Tampa Bay Times | date=2017-04-21 | url=https://www.tampabay.com/in-green-bay-in-december-more-on-the-bucs-in-cold-weather/2321129/ | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="Cold Snap"/>

====Offensive woes====

In spite of Dungy's success at coaching Tampa Bay into a winner, one of the consistent critcisms from the media and from fans--and later, from players including [[Warren Sapp]]--was that the defense was expected to shoulder too much of the responsibility for winning games. Beyond fullback [[Mike Alstott]] and running back [[Warrick Dunn]]--who served as a one-two punch ground attack--and [[wide receiver]] [[Keyshawn Johnson]], the team was otherwise underwhelming on offense. Despite the ongoing criticism, Dungy remained staunchly loyal to his coaching staff, but at the conclusion of the 1999 season, [[general manager]] [[Rich McKay]] forced Dungy to fire [[offensive coordinator]] [[Mike Shula]]. He was replaced by former [[Minnesota Vikings]] and [[Tennessee Titans]] offensive coordinator [[Les Steckel]] in 2000, and the result was the Bucs' highest-scoring season ever, another 10-6 record, and another trip to the playoffs as a wild card. Unfortunately, despite his transformation of the team's offense, Steckel's [[drill sergeant]] approach to coaching (he was a [[colonel]] in the [[United States Marine Corps|Marines]]) was a poor fit for the franchise. He was fired at the end of the season, after the Bucs lost 21-3 to the [[Philadelphia Eagles]].

==== Jon Gruden years (2002–2008) ====

Rather than choose from the pool of strong offensive coordinators available at the end of the 2000 campaign (including former Redskins coach [[Norv Turner]]), Dungy decided to elevate his receivers coach [[Clyde Christiensen]] to the position. It can be argued that this controversial decision was the final nail in the coffin for Dungy's tenure. Although the team achieved a 9-7 winning record in 2001, they barely made it into the playoffs as the lowest-seeded wild card. To add insult to injury, the Bucs were once again blown out by the Eagles--this time, 31-9.

[[File:Jon Gruden2.jpg|thumbnail|[[Jon Gruden]] coached the Buccaneers to a [[Super Bowl]] win in 2002.]]

Dungy was fired by the Buccaneers after a 31–9 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wildcard Round of 2001<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Bucs-fire-coach-Tony-Dungy/16651011067698/|title=Bucs fire coach Tony Dungy|website=UPI|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=October 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025190127/https://www.upi.com/Bucs-fire-coach-Tony-Dungy/16651011067698/|url-status=live}}</ref> and soon thereafter hired as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/23/sports/pro-football-dungy-will-sign-contract-with-colts.html|title=PRO FOOTBALL; Dungy Will Sign Contract With Colts|newspaper=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=January 23, 2002|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215120436/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/23/sports/pro-football-dungy-will-sign-contract-with-colts.html|url-status=live}}</ref> while the Bucs mounted a search for his replacement that would include numerous names and rejections.<ref name="k229">{{cite web | last=Laine | first=Jenna | title='A trade that shook the NFL': How Bucs' Jon Gruden gamble paid off with a Super Bowl | website=ESPN.com | date=2017-12-18 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/19569/a-trade-that-shook-the-nfl-how-bucs-jon-gruden-gamble-paid-off-with-a-super-bowl | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref> Several potential candidates were offered the job, including [[University of Florida]] head coach (and former Buccaneers quarterback) [[Steve Spurrier]], former [[New York Giants]] head coach [[Bill Parcells]], and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator [[Marvin Lewis]]. Spurrier jumped to the Redskins when he was offered the most lucrative salary package ever offered to an NFL head coach, and Parcells eventually passed on the Bucs' offer—the second time he had done so in the history of the franchise. Bucs' general manager Rich McKay threw his support behind Lewis. The Glazer brothers were so displeased with the selection of yet another defensive-minded coach that they overruled McKay and took control of the candidate search themselves. They made it clear that their top choice was [[Jon Gruden]]; however, he was still under contract with the Oakland Raiders.

While talks with the Raiders were secretly underway, the Glazers publicly pursued another respected offensive mind, [[San Francisco 49ers]] head coach [[Steve Mariucci]]. Just when initial reports indicated that Mariucci had agreed to become both the Bucs' head coach and their general manager, Raiders owner [[Al Davis]] agreed to release Gruden to Tampa Bay.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/19/sports/pro-football-buccaneers-get-gruden-but-pay-a-steep-price.html|title=PRO FOOTBALL; Buccaneers Get Gruden, But Pay a Steep Price|first=Buster|last=Olney|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 19, 2002|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215140711/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/19/sports/pro-football-buccaneers-get-gruden-but-pay-a-steep-price.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Frustrated with the team's inability to reach the Super Bowl despite a league-dominating defense, Malcolm Glazer fired Dungy the following day--a decision that created more controversy among devoted players and fans. Despite whatever weaknesses that may have been ascribed to him, Dungy was highly respected around the league as a man of solid character and a coach to whom players were fiercely loyal. Dungy later went on to become the head coach of the Colts.

The Glazers' shrewd move eventually paid off in acquiring Gruden, but it was costly. The team hired Gruden away from the Raiders on February 20, 2002, but the price was four [[Draft (sports)|draft]] picks, including the Bucs' first and second-round picks in 2002, their first-round pick in 2003, and their second-round selection in 2004, along with $8&nbsp;million in cash.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/24/sports/pro-football-raiders-get-a-pirate-s-booty-for-gruden.html|title=PRO FOOTBALL; Raiders Get a Pirate's Booty for Gruden|first=Mike|last=Freeman|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 24, 2002|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215145648/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/24/sports/pro-football-raiders-get-a-pirate-s-booty-for-gruden.html|url-status=live}}</ref> (The league as a result prohibited any further trading of draft picks for coaches.) Gruden was frustrated by the limitation of his coaching authority by Davis and was more than pleased to return to Tampa Bay. His parents lived in [[Carrollwood, Florida|Carrollwood]], and he had spent part of his childhood in Tampa in the early 1980s when his father was a running backs coach and later a scout for the Bucs.<ref>Mills, Roger. "It will feel like coming home for Gruden". St. Petersburg Times. February 19, 2002</ref>

===Jon Gruden, the Super Bowl, and beyond (2002-present)===

Dungy was soon hired as the head coach of the [[Indianapolis Colts]], while the Bucs mounted a prolonged and much-maligned search for his replacement. Several potential candidates were offered the job, including [[University of Florida]] head coach [[Steve Spurrier]], former [[New York Giants]] head coach [[Bill Parcells]] and [[Washington Redskins]] defensive coordinator [[Marvin Lewis]]. Spurrier jumped to the Redskins when he was offered the most lucrative salary package ever offered to an NFL head coach, and Parcells eventually passed on the Bucs' offer--the second time he had done so in the history of the franchise. Bucs general manager Rich McKay threw his support behind Lewis. The Glazer brothers were so displeased with the selection of a yet another defensive-minded coach that they overruled McKay and took control of the candidate search themselves. They made it clear that their top choice was [[Jon Gruden]]. The problem was that he was still under contract to the [[Oakland Raiders]].

Upon his arrival in Tampa, Gruden immediately went to work, retooling a sluggish offense, changing over 50% of the starting offense. With a new Tailback, Wide Receiver, Two Tight Ends, Left Tackle, and Left Guard, Gruden put his stamp on the teams offense to remove the "Dungy's Team" label. The league's sweeping realignment sent the Bucs to the new NFC South Division, along with the Falcons, [[Carolina Panthers]] and New Orleans Saints.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/25/sports/sports-of-the-times-keep-the-realigned-nfl-realistic.html|title=Sports of The Times; Keep the Realigned N.F.L. Realistic|first=Dave|last=Anderson|newspaper=The New York Times|date=March 25, 2001|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215145141/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/25/sports/sports-of-the-times-keep-the-realigned-nfl-realistic.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

While talks with the Raiders were secretly underway, the Glazers publicly pursued another respected offensive mind, [[San Francisco 49ers]] head coach [[Steve Mariucci]]. Just when initial reports indicated that Mariucci had agreed to become both the Bucs' head coach and general manager, Raiders owner [[Al Davis]] agreed to release Jon Gruden to Tampa Bay. Observers suggested that the Glazers' offer to Mariucci was merely a clever bargaining tactic: since Davis' large ego is well-documented, it was very likely he wouldn't allow such a blockbuster trade to take place so near his turf. If the tactic didn't work, then the Bucs would still get the type of head coach the Glazers desired.

===== Super Bowl XXXVII champions (2002) =====

The Glazers' shrewd move eventually paid off in acquiring Gruden, but it cost the team dearly. The team hired Gruden away from the Raiders on [[February 20]], [[2002]], but the price was four [[Draft (sports)|draft]] picks, including the Bucs' first and second round picks in 2002, their first round pick in 2003, and their second round selection in 2004, along with $8 million in cash. Gruden, who was frustrated by the limitation of his coaching authority by Davis, was more than pleased to return to Tampa Bay, as his parents lived nearby, and he had spent part of his childhood in Tampa in the early 1980s when his father had worked as a Bucs running back coach and director of player personnel.

[[File:Tampabaybucs2002flag.JPG|thumb|The Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII champions flag]]

Led by the league's top defense, the [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002 season]] was the Buccaneers' most successful to date. Linebacker Derrick Brooks was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year with a tendency to make big plays.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Derrick-Brooks|title=Derrick Brooks – American football player|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215133526/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Derrick-Brooks|url-status=live}}</ref> They won the NFC South title with the team's best ever record, 12–4, and scored more points in two playoff wins over the 49ers and Eagles than in Bucs playoff history combined. The [[Philadelphia Eagles]] were a thorn in Tampa Bay's side, having eliminated the Bucs in each of the last two seasons' wild card games. Tampa Bay entered the game as heavy underdogs and fell behind early. However, the Bucs persevered and took a ten-point lead into the fourth quarter. [[Ronde Barber]] sealed the win in dramatic fashion with a late interception return for a touchdown, and a 27–10 victory.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=January 19, 2018 |title=Happy 15th anniversary to the greatest play in Bucs history: Ronde Barber shuts down the Vet |url=https://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/01/19/happy-15th-anniversary-to-the-greatest-play-in-bucs-history-ronde-barber-shuts-down-the-vet/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206083429/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/2018/01/19/happy-15th-anniversary-to-the-greatest-play-in-bucs-history-ronde-barber-shuts-down-the-vet/ |archive-date=February 6, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref> The Bucs then went on to rout Gruden's former team, the Raiders, who had the league's number one offense, by a score of 48–21 in [[Super Bowl XXXVII]], nicknamed 'The Pirate Bowl'.<ref name="d291">{{cite web | last=Olney | first=Buster | title=Buccaneers Dominate Raiders to Win Super Bowl | website=The New York Times | date=2003-01-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/27/sports/buccaneers-dominate-raiders-to-win-super-bowl.html | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref>

Soon after the Super Bowl victory, a growing number of press reports indicated Gruden's lack of patience with general manager McKay, a major architect of the Bucs' rebuilding effort over the previous ten years. McKay, like Gruden, had long-established ties to the [[Tampa Bay area]]. However, during the [[2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2003 season]], the Gruden-McKay relationship deteriorated as the Bucs struggled on the field. In November, [[Keyshawn Johnson]] was deactivated by the team ten games into the season for his conduct, which included sideline arguments with Bucs coaches and players.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/11/20/spurrier-will-call-plays-jackson-will-help/0fe1807d-9864-41ee-bb68-5f6b48b40848/ct=on |newspaper=[[The Washington Post]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102094821/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/2003/11/20/spurrier-will-call-plays-jackson-will-help/0fe1807d-9864-41ee-bb68-5f6b48b40848/ |access-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-date=January 2, 2019 |title=Spurrier Will Call Plays, Jackson Will Help – the Washington Post }}</ref> Johnson was eventually traded to the Dallas Cowboys for wide receiver [[Joey Galloway]], who later in his career played for the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Redskins.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paolantonio |first=Sal |date=April 5, 2004 |title=Paolantonio: Out with the old ... |url=http://www.espn.in/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=1776011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412091759/http://www.espn.in/nfl/columns/story?columnist=paolantonio_sal&id=1776011 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN}}</ref>

====The 2002 season: Super Bowl champions====

Upon his arrival in Tampa, Gruden immediately went to work, acquiring former [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] WR [[Keenan McCardell]], and RB [[Michael Pittman]] from the [[Arizona Cardinals]]. The Bucs needed to improve their sluggish offense, as the league's sweeping realignment sent the Bucs to the new NFC South Division, along with the [[Atlanta Falcons]], [[Carolina Panthers]] and [[New Orleans Saints]].

In December, the Glazers allowed McKay to leave the Bucs before the end of the regular season, and he promptly joined the Falcons as president and general manager.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Dwight |date=December 21, 2003 |title=McKay leaves town a Falcon |url=https://www.ocala.com/article/20031221/News/604239220 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=Ocala.com}}</ref> Thus, McKay watched his first game as a Falcons executive sitting next to owner [[Arthur Blank]] in a Raymond James Stadium skybox. The Falcons defeated the Bucs 30–28. The Bucs suffered a sluggish start and finished the season 7–9. With the Raiders' dismal 4–12 performance, neither Super Bowl team reached the playoffs that year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2003 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2003/index.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The offensive retooling worked, and combined with the league's top defense, the 2002 campaign was the Buccaneers' most successful season to date. They won the NFC South title with a 12-4 record--the team's best ever--then defeated the [[San Francisco 49ers]] in what became coach [[Steve Mariucci]]'s last game with that franchise. In a surprising upset, the Bucs won their first NFC championship on the road against the Eagles in the last NFL game ever played at [[Veterans Stadium]]. [[Cornerback]] [[Ronde Barber]] capped off the win by intercepting a [[Donovan McNabb]] pass and returning it 92 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Philadelphia fans could only watch in stunned silence.

For 2004, [[Bruce Allen (American football)|Bruce Allen]] was hired as general manager.<ref name="q403">{{cite web |agency=Associated Press | title=Buccaneers Hire Allen as Their GM | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2004-01-10 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jan-10-sp-nflrep10-story.html | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref> After Allen's arrival, both John Lynch and Warren Sapp were released, stunning many Buccaneer fans.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 11, 2004 |title=Lynch leaves Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1756924 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412064835/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=1756924 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The distracted Buccaneers began the [[2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2004 season]] with a 1–5 record, their worst start under Gruden. The fading accuracy of [[placekicker|kicker]] [[Martín Gramática]] did not help matters, as the team lost many close games en route to a 5–11 record.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 1, 2004 |title=Buccaneers release kicker Gramatica |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-12-01-0412010365-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174353/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2004-12-01-0412010365-story.html |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref>

The Bucs went on to rout Gruden's former team, the [[Oakland Raiders]], by a score of 48-21 in [[Super Bowl XXXVII]]. Gruden's familiarity with the Raiders' players and playbook paid off, as [[John Lynch (NFL)|John Lynch]] and other Bucs players recognized some of Oakland's formations and plays at crucial points in the game.[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/peter_king/news/2003/02/03/mmqb/] The Bucs became the first team to win the Super Bowl without any picks in the first two rounds of the previous spring's [[NFL Draft]], having traded these picks to the [[Oakland Raiders]] for the rights to acquire Gruden. Gruden became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl.

In the [[2005 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2005 season]], the Buccaneers celebrated their 30th season in the league, and returned to their winning ways. The Bucs selected [[Cadillac Williams|Carnell "Cadillac" Williams]] in the first round of the 2005 draft, and the rookie would provide a running game the Buccaneers had not possessed since the days of [[James Wilder Sr.]] in the 1980s. Williams would later go on to receive the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2279923|title=Top NFL rookies: RB Williams|date=January 4, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829072705/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2279923|url-status=live}}</ref> After starting 5–1, the team entered a midseason slump hampered by a season-ending injury to starting QB [[Brian Griese]]. Replacement starter [[Chris Simms]] struggled early,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pasquarelli |first=Len |date=March 11, 2006 |title=Bucs release Griese, but may re-sign the QB soon |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2363286 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412064913/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2363286 |archive-date=April 12, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> but came into his own, leading the team to a last-minute win over the Redskins. The Bucs won the NFC South Division finishing 11–5. The season ended abruptly, however, with a 17–10 loss in the Wild Card round, in a rematch with Washington that saw receiver [[Edell Shepherd]] drop the potential game-winning catch in the endzone.<ref>{{cite news|last=Carpenter|first=Les|title='I'll Hold It Tighter Next Time'|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/07/AR2006010701504.html|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|date=January 8, 2006|access-date=March 21, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=March 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322015213/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/07/AR2006010701504.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Front-office tensions====

Soon after the Super Bowl victory, a growing number of press reports indicated Gruden's lack of patience with general manager McKay. McKay was a major architect of the Bucs rebuilding effort over the previous ten years, and he, like Gruden, had long-established ties to the [[Tampa Bay area]]. However, during the 2003 season, the Gruden-McKay relationship deteriorated as the Bucs struggled on the field. In November, Keyshawn Johnson was deactivated by the team ten games into the season for his conduct, which included sideline arguments with Bucs coaches and players. Johnson was eventually traded to the [[Dallas Cowboys]] for wide receiver [[Joey Galloway]].

[[File:President George W. Bush talks with members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.jpg|thumb|left|President [[George W. Bush]] visiting the Bucs at practice]]

Johnson's unusual deactivation was a definitive sign that Gruden had indeed gained control. In December, the Glazers allowed McKay to leave the Bucs before the end of the regular season, and he promptly joined the Falcons as president and general manager. Thus, McKay watched his first game as a Falcons executive sitting next to owner [[Arthur Blank]] in a Raymond James Stadium skybox. The Falcons defeated the Bucs 30-28, another sign of how the season had spiraled downward. Despite opening the season with a Monday night win over the Eagles in Philadelphia's new stadium, [[Lincoln Financial Field]], the Bucs finished the season 7-9. Combined with the Raiders' dismal 4-12 performance, neither Super Bowl team reached the playoffs that year.

After winning the division in 2005, the Bucs suffered through an abysmal [[2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2006 season]]. The season was plagued by injuries, with starters such as guard [[Dan Buenning]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Buenning Latest Starter to IR|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buenning-latest-starter-to-ir-2187711|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=February 4, 2019|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224912/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buenning-latest-starter-to-ir-2187711|url-status=live}}</ref> wide receiver [[Michael Clayton (football player)|Michael Clayton]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2687441|title=Knee injury lands Bucs receiver Clayton on IR|date=December 5, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419202315/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2687441|url-status=live}}</ref> running back Cadillac Williams, defensive end [[Simeon Rice]], cornerback [[Brian Kelly (cornerback)|Brian Kelly]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Tampa-Bay-CB-Kelly-to-miss-rest-of-season/17151161799284/|title=Tampa Bay CB Kelly to miss rest of season|website=UPI|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224555/https://www.upi.com/Tampa-Bay-CB-Kelly-to-miss-rest-of-season/17151161799284/|url-status=live}}</ref> and quarterback Chris Simms all being placed on injured reserve at some point in the season.<ref name="ESPN">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2601555|title=Buccaneers QB Simms has spleen removed|date=September 25, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420012507/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2601555|url-status=live}}</ref> The season also saw a lot of rookies starting for the Bucs, such as quarterback [[Bruce Gradkowski]],<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/2528695|title=Bucs sign sixth-round pick Gradkowski|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122457/http://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/nfl/id/2528695|url-status=live}}</ref> tackle [[Jeremy Trueblood]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5180128|title=Starting tackle Trueblood signs Bucs' tender|date=May 11, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419195616/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5180128|url-status=live}}</ref> and guard [[Davin Joseph]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-release-davin-joseph/2169324|title=Bucs release Davin Joseph|date=March 9, 2014|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420031535/https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-release-davin-joseph/2169324|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:060818-F-5179R-172.jpg|thumb|Fan favorite fullback [[Mike Alstott]]]]

Before the 2004 training camp, personnel issues and the salary cap became primary concerns. Gruden successfully lobbied the Glazers to hire his former general manager from Oakland, [[Bruce Allen (football)|Bruce Allen]]. After Allen's arrival in the Bucs' front office, the team announced that it would not resign two of their best defensive players--John Lynch and Warren Sapp--before the regular season even started. Both of their contracts were expiring, and younger players could fill their positions. Lynch was released after medical exams indicated ongoing injury problems. Many Bucs fans were stunned by the move, as Lynch was a very popular player whose aggressive, intelligent play earned him several [[Pro Bowl]] appearances. He was also well-regarded for his philanthropic work in the Tampa Bay area. Lynch was quickly signed by the [[Denver Broncos]], where he had consecutive injury-free Pro Bowl seasons. Sapp signed with the Oakland Raiders, where he played in a limited role in 2004, and sat out much of the 2005 season with injuries. Since wide receiver Keenan McCardell refused to play until he was given a better contract or traded, he was sent to the [[San Diego Chargers]] for draft compensation.

The Bucs started off the season 0–3, with Simms throwing one touchdown to 7 interceptions. In the third game of the season, a last-minute loss to the Panthers, Simms's [[spleen]] was ruptured, and he was placed on injured reserve for the balance of the season.<ref name="ESPN"/> After their bye week, the Bucs elected to start Gradkowski, a sixth-round pick from Toledo.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/07/wheres_bruce_gradkowski_catchi.html|title=Where's Bruce Gradkowski? Catching up with the Cleveland Browns starting quarterbacks since 1999|first1=Bill|last1=L|last2=is|last3=clevel|last4=.com|website=cleveland.com|date=July 19, 2014|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108224739/https://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/07/wheres_bruce_gradkowski_catchi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After nearly beating the Saints, Gradkowski led the team to last-minute wins over the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] and Philadelphia Eagles. The success was short-lived, however, and the Bucs lost five of the next six games. [[Tim Rattay]] replaced Gradkowski as quarterback late in the season, and the team finished 4–12.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2701389|title=Bucs to start Rattay at quarterback against Browns|date=December 18, 2006|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419202439/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2701389|url-status=live}}</ref> The aged defense, with 5 starters who had played there for a decade or more, was ranked 17th overall, the first time a Tampa defense was not ranked in the top ten since 1996.

After the disappointing 2006 season, the Buccaneers for the first time in several seasons had money to spend in free agency. They brought in quarterback [[Jeff Garcia]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786694|title=Bucs trade for Plummer, who says he's retiring|date=March 3, 2007|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419200751/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2786694|url-status=live}}</ref> offensive tackle [[Luke Petitgout]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2789931|title=Buccaneers find starting left tackle, add Petitgout|date=March 6, 2007|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019}}</ref> defensive end [[Kevin Carter (American football)|Kevin Carter]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Bucs Welcome Back Carter|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-welcome-back-carter-2187517|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=March 24, 2008|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224912/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-welcome-back-carter-2187517|url-status=live}}</ref> and linebacker [[Cato June]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2802252|title=Standout linebacker June headed to Tampa Bay|date=March 17, 2007|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419195638/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2802252|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 28, 2007, the Buccaneers drafted [[Clemson University|Clemson]] defensive end [[Gaines Adams]] with the 4th overall pick in the [[2007 NFL draft|NFL draft]]. After the draft the Buccaneers picked up tight end [[Jerramy Stevens]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5722905|title=Buccaneers' Stevens arrested on drug charges|date=October 24, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420012502/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5722905|url-status=live}}</ref> and defensive tackle [[Ryan Sims]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5844099|title=Buccaneers release nine-year-veteran DT Sims|date=November 24, 2010|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419195157/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5844099|url-status=live}}</ref>

The distracted Bucs began the 2004 season with a 1-5 record, their worst start since Gruden arrived. The fading accuracy of [[placekicker|kicker]] [[Martin Gramatica]] didn't help matters, as the team lost many close games en route to a 5-11 record, making the Bucs the first NFL team to follow up a Super Bowl championship with back-to-back losing seasons. The lone highlights of 2004 were the high-quality play of rookie wide receiver [[Michael Clayton]] and the return of Doug Williams, who joined the Bucs front office as a personnel executive.

The off-season changes resulted in the Buccaneers winning the NFC South title in the [[2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2007 season]], finishing with a 9–7 record, and the 4th seed in the conference. The division crown was the second one in three seasons under Gruden. In the Wild Card round of the playoffs held on January 6, 2008, the Buccaneers lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Giants by a final score of 24–14.

====The 2005 season: Another division crown====

[[File:20070916 Cato June's first interception as a Buccaneer.jpg|thumb|2007 was the last time the Buccaneers made the playoffs until 2020.]]

This past season, the Bucs returned to their winning ways. The Buccaneers selected [[Carnell Williams|Carnell "Cadillac" Williams]] in the first round of the 2005 draft, and the rookie would provide a running game the Buccaneers hadn't possessed since the days of [[James Wilder]] in the 1980s. Williams set the NFL record for most yards rushing in his first three games with 474, and was named as the AP's 2005 Offensive Rookie of the Year. His shoes and gloves from the third game of the season are now on display in the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]].

During the 2008 offseason, the Bucs re-signed head coach Gruden and general manager Allen through the 2011 season. They also acquired former players [[Warrick Dunn]], who had spent the last 6 seasons with the Falcons, and Brian Griese, who was the starting quarterback for the team in 2005 until a knee injury sidelined him for the remainder of the year. Chris Simms was finally released, having not played in a game since his injury in 2006. The [[2008 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Bucs got off to a great start in 2008]], with a 9–3 record going into the final month of the season, tied for first place in the division, with a chance at the top seed in the conference. On December 2, it was announced that defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin would be leaving the team after the season's end, for the same job at the [[Tennessee Volunteers football|University of Tennessee]], serving under his son [[Lane Kiffin]], who had just been named the new head coach at the school. After the announcement, the Buccaneers would lose their final four games of the season to finish 9–7 for the second consecutive season. Unlike 2007, it was not enough to secure the division championship, nor a playoff appearance.

[[Image:Th_2pts.jpg|frame|right|The replay of the controversial 2-Point Conversion was deemed inconclusive]]

With their 2005 campaign marking the Buccaneers' 30th Season in the NFL, the team won their first four games before entering a midseason slump hampered by a season-ending injury to starting QB [[Brian Griese]] during a win over the [[Miami Dolphins]]. Replacement starter [[Chris Simms]] struggled early as the Bucs lost games to the [[San Francisco 49ers]] and [[Carolina Panthers]], but Simms came into his own when he led the team to a last-minute win over the [[Washington Redskins]] in a 36-35 thriller to break that slump. In a gutsy move, Gruden went for the win with a [[two-point conversion]] plunge by [[fullback]] [[Mike Alstott]]. A booth review of that play was inconclusive, and Redskins coach [[Joe Gibbs]] stated after the game his belief that Alstott had not scored.

[[Raheem Morris]] was named the replacement for Monte Kiffin as defensive coordinator in December 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3792983|title=Bucs make Morris Kiffin's successor|date=December 25, 2008|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420125053/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3792983|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later, after the huge collapse that ended the 2008 season, the Buccaneers fired Jon Gruden and swiftly elevated Morris to the head coach position.<ref>{{cite web|date=January 17, 2009|title=Buccaneers Hire Morris as Head Coach, Replacing Fired Gruden|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-01-17/buccaneers-hire-morris-as-head-coach-replacing-fired-gruden|access-date=February 4, 2019|website=Bloomberg.com|archive-date=November 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181110000209/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2009-01-17/buccaneers-hire-morris-as-head-coach-replacing-fired-gruden|url-status=live}}</ref> Bruce Allen was also let go, with [[Mark Dominik]] named his successor as general manager. Several veterans were released including Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway, and Jeff Garcia.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3933807|title=Brooks, Dunn done in Tampa Bay|date=February 25, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420124909/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3933807|url-status=live}}</ref> The new staff traded for tight end [[Kellen Winslow Jr.]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4047667|title=Winslow signs largest TE deal in history|date=April 6, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420104457/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4047667|url-status=live}}</ref> signed quarterback [[Byron Leftwich]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4062212|title=Buccaneers add veteran QB Leftwich|date=April 12, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420125112/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4062212|url-status=live}}</ref> and drafted [[Josh Freeman]] with the 17th overall pick.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4367944|title=QB Freeman signs deal with Tampa Bay|date=July 31, 2009|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420124933/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4367944|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Bucs followed up with important wins over their NFC South division rivals, sweeping both the [[New Orleans Saints]] and [[Atlanta Falcons]], as well as defeating the Panthers in a rare victory at Carolina. Even with a tough loss against the [[Chicago Bears]] and a humiliating [[shutout]] against the [[New England Patriots]], the Bucs finished 11-5 and won the NFC South by virtue of a tie-breaker over the Panthers. Unfortunately, the Bucs' 30th Anniversary season would end on a sour note, as they lost 17-10 at home to the Redskins in the wild-card round. A late Bucs touchdown could have tied the game, but the play was ruled incomplete when a [[instant replay|booth review]] upheld the [[referee]]'s decision.

====Raheem Morris====

The Bucs sent three veteran players to the 2006 Pro Bowl, including cornerback [[Ronde Barber]] and [[punter]] [[Josh Bidwell]]. [[Outside linebacker]] [[Derrick Brooks]] was named the Pro Bowl MVP, with a 59-yard interception return for a touchdown.

The [[2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2009 squad]] started out 0–7, behind Leftwich and later [[Josh Johnson (quarterback)|Josh Johnson]]. After their bye week, the team elevated Freeman to starting quarterback,<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 28, 2009 |title=Bucs turn to Freeman as QB |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4602474 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420124848/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4602474 |archive-date=April 20, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> resulting in the team's first win of the season. The team finished 3–13, the worst record since 1991.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2009.htm |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Bucs' [[2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2010 season]] surprised many, producing the greatest single-season turnaround in franchise history, going 10–6.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cummings |first=Roy |date=January 8, 2011 |title=Bucs reward Morris for turnaround season |url=http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/bucs-reward-morris-for-turnaround-season |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110202432/http://www.tboblogs.com/index.php/sports/comments/bucs-reward-morris-for-turnaround-season |archive-date=January 10, 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |website=[[Tampa Tribune]]}}</ref> This was largely behind the stellar performances of Freeman,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Josh Freeman 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FreeJo00/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=January 3, 2011 |title=Freeman's season 9th all-time in TD/INT ratio; Dominik: "He is a franchise quarterback" |url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/content/freemans-season-9th-all-time-tdint-ratio-dominik-he-franchise-quarterback |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110107093420/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/bucs/content/freemans-season-9th-all-time-tdint-ratio-dominik-he-franchise-quarterback |archive-date=January 7, 2011 |access-date=February 4, 2011 |website=[[St. Petersburg Times]]}}</ref> rookie receiver [[Mike Williams (wide receiver, born 1987)|Mike Williams]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mike Williams 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WillMi04/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="On The Record">{{cite news|title=On the Record|url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/On-the-Record/db19b9a2-bba1-438c-a76f-873b107f0aa2|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=January 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118202913/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/On-the-Record/db19b9a2-bba1-438c-a76f-873b107f0aa2|archive-date=January 18, 2011|access-date=September 23, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[LeGarrette Blount]].<ref name="On The Record" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=LeGarrette Blount 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BlouLe00/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Despite the effort, the team narrowly missed the playoffs, losing out on the [[wild card (sports)|wild card]] tiebreaker to the eventual [[Super Bowl XLV]] champion Green Bay Packers.<ref name="thesportsgeeks1">{{Cite web |date=January 3, 2011 |title=Winning the Games You're Scheduled to Play |url=http://thesportsgeeks.com/2011/01/03/winning-the-games-youre-scheduled-to-play-an-analysis-of-the-2010-nfl-strength-of-schedule |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425162756/http://thesportsgeeks.com/2011/01/03/winning-the-games-youre-scheduled-to-play-an-analysis-of-the-2010-nfl-strength-of-schedule/ |archive-date=April 25, 2012 |access-date=November 14, 2011 |website=TheSportsGeeks.com}}</ref>

====2006====

{{see|2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season}}

After winning the division in 2005, the Bucs suffered through an abysmal 2006 season. The season was plagued by injuries, with starters such as G [[Dan Buenning]], WR [[Michael Clayton]], RB [[Carnell Williams]], DE [[Simeon Rice]], CB [[Brian Kelly]], and QB [[Chris Simms]] all being placed on injured reserve at some point in the season. The season also saw a lot of rookies starting for the Bucs, such as QB [[Bruce Gradkowski]], T [[Jeremy Trueblood]], and G [[Davin Joseph]]. The league schedule was also unfriendly to the Bucs, scheduling them for 3 games (two of them away games) within 11 days of each other. There was more to the lost season than just injuries however, as most of the players put on injured reserve had been done so after the teams 0-3 start, and offensive shutouts in the first two games in which no touchdowns were scored by the Buccaneers. The departure of several key defensive coaches and assistants didn't bode well with players, who complained to some in the media of not being able to hear coaches in team meetings. Inconsistent and unorganized are how some players referred to one of the newcomers, who most players had a hard time making the transition to from long time favorites [[Rod Marinelli]] and others. Some believe the problems in 2006 were rooted in recent years mistakes, lack of salary cap room to bring in high impact free agents, lack of top 50 draft picks over the last 5 or 6 years due to trades, and maybe even a failure to properly assess talent resulting in a lack of contribution from second day draft picks in recent history.

Tampa Bay began the [[2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2011 season]] with high hopes, adding several key defensive players through the draft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2011_draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> After a 4–2 start, however, the Buccaneers collapsed, dropping ten consecutive games to finish 4–12.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2011.htm |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The day after a 45–24 loss to the Falcons in their final game of the season, the team fired Morris, offensive coordinator [[Greg Olson (American football)|Greg Olson]] and the rest of his corresponding staff.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers fire head coach Raheem Morris|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-fire-head-coach-raheem-morris/1208797/|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=May 26, 2014|date=January 2, 2012|archive-date=May 27, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140527221726/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-fire-head-coach-raheem-morris/1208797|url-status=live}}</ref> During the Morris era, the lack of on-the-field success, along with several contributing factors, including the [[Great Recession|recession]], saw attendance slip, precipitating local television blackouts for the first time since the mid-1990s. All eight regular-season home games were blacked out in 2010, and 5 of 7 were blacked out in 2011 (one "home" game was played in London).[[File:JaguarsBucs2011.JPG|thumb|The Bucs vs. the [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] in 2011]]

The Bucs started off the season 0-3, with QB [[Chris Simms]] throwing only 1 touchdown to 7 interceptions. In the third game of the season, a last-minute loss to the [[Carolina Panthers]], Simms's spleen was ruptured, and he was placed on injured reserve for the rest of the season. After their bye week, the Bucs elected to start rookie quarterback [[Bruce Gradkowski]], a 6th round pick from Toledo.

====Greg Schiano====

Gradkowski started off performing decently. People who in hindsight claim the Bucs should have started the more experienced [[Tim Rattay]] forget the Bucs nearly upset the [[New Orleans Saints]], and then went on to win two narrow victories: one, against the [[Cincinnati Bengals]], winning on an overturned call resulting in a touchdown; and another against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]], thanks to [[Matt Bryant]]'s 62-yard field goal. After these victories, though, Gradkowski's performance declined. After a 3-17 loss to the [[New York Giants]] in heavy winds, the Bucs proceeded to lose 5 of their next 6 games, leading them to a record of 3-10 (0-6 in their division). In the loss to the [[Atlanta Falcons]], Gradkowski was replaced in the 4th quarter by Rattay.

About three weeks after firing Raheem Morris, the Buccaneers hired [[Greg Schiano]] from [[Rutgers Scarlet Knights football|Rutgers]] as the new head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=January 26, 2012 |title=Bucs hire Greg Schiano as coach |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7505668 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207102738/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7505668 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> During his introductory conference he stated "There will be Buccaneer men, and there will be a Buccaneer Way." The phrase "The Buccaneer Way" became a slogan among fans and local media, describing the new regime and attitude. The team filled out the coaching staff with new faces, including [[Mike Sullivan (American football coach)|Mike Sullivan]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Youngmisuk |first=Ohm |date=February 11, 2012 |title=Mike Sullivan is new Bucs' OC |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7563899 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122402/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7563899 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> [[Bill Sheridan]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-hire-bill-sheridan-as-defensive-coordinator/1215921/|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers hire Bill Sheridan as defensive coordinator|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=February 11, 2021|archive-date=March 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308154327/https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/tampa-bay-buccaneers-hire-bill-sheridan-as-defensive-coordinator/1215921/|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Butch Davis]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/7572191|title=Bucs officially hire Butch Davis|date=February 13, 2012|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204174353/http://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/7572191|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, [[Dave Wannstedt]] was also added as special teams coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8906311|title=Source: Bucs hire Dave Wannstedt|date=February 1, 2013|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=December 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207045859/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/8906311|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first day of free agency, the club signed top prospects [[Vincent Jackson]] and [[Carl Nicks (American football)|Carl Nicks]], as well as [[Eric Wright (cornerback, born 1985)|Eric Wright]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7684603|title=Bucs sign Carl Nicks, Eric Wright|date=March 14, 2012|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122459/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7684603|url-status=live}}</ref> The $140&nbsp;million committed to the team during that 24-hour period is the largest investment the Glazer family has put into the team going back almost a decade.

The team finished the [[2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2012 season]] at 7–9, notably ranking first in rushing defense.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2012.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Furthermore, the rushing offense was highlighted by the breakout performance of [[Doug Martin (running back)|Doug Martin]]. After two seasons of game-day local television blackouts, the improved team began seeing increased attendance and attention, and some blackouts lifted. 6 games were blacked out in 2012. For the three-year period of 2010–2012, the Bucs led the NFL in local television blackouts with 19 (Cincinnati was second with 11). Schiano's strict and regimented coaching style, however, drew criticism at the end of a game against the Giants, ordering his defense to continue to aggressively tackle the offense as Giants quarterback [[Eli Manning]] was taking a knee to end the game. Afterwards, Schiano was met at midfield by an irate [[Tom Coughlin]], who did not appreciate the Bucs' aggressiveness.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/sports/football/greg-schiano-buccaneers-coach-defends-final-play-of-loss-to-giants.html|title=Greg Schiano, Buccaneers Coach, Defends Final Play of Loss to Giants|last=Pedulla|first=Tom|date=September 17, 2012|work=The New York Times|access-date=March 22, 2018|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=March 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323154658/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/18/sports/football/greg-schiano-buccaneers-coach-defends-final-play-of-loss-to-giants.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the first half of the Bucs' next game, against the [[Chicago Bears]], Gradkowski was again replaced by Rattay, who led the team from a 24-3 deficit to a score of 31-31, with three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. However, the Bucs then lost the game in overtime, 34-31. Rattay was then named the new starting quarterback for the last two games for the season. The Bucs finished their season with a 4-12 record, tied for third worst in the NFL.

Coming into the [[2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2013 season]], fans and analysts had better than average expectations for Tampa Bay. They were expected to improve their record, and potentially make a playoffs run. The predictions proved unfounded, as numerous issues on and off the field saw the team collapse. The team dealt with several players, including [[Lawrence Tynes]], Carl Nicks,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.si.com/2015/04/21/lawrence-tynes-mrsa-lawsuit-tampa-bay-buccaneers|title=Lawrence Tynes' Nightmare|newspaper=Sports Illustrated|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215135312/https://www.si.com/2015/04/21/lawrence-tynes-mrsa-lawsuit-tampa-bay-buccaneers|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Johnthan Banks]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/johnthan-banks-third-bucs-player-with-mrsa-infection-0ap2000000260608|title=Johnthan Banks third Bucs player with MRSA infection|website=NFL.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515022840/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000260608/article/johnthan-banks-third-bucs-player-with-mrsa-infection|url-status=live}}</ref> contracting antibiotic-resistant [[MRSA]] infections, which led to a 2015 lawsuit by Tynes that settled in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Johnthan Banks third Bucs player with MRSA infection|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/johnthan-banks-third-bucs-player-with-mrsa-infection-0ap2000000260608|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=October 11, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627005848/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000260608/article/johnthan-banks-third-bucs-player-with-mrsa-infection|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Lawrence|first=Andrew|title=Lawrence Tynes' Nightmare|url=https://www.si.com/2015/04/21/lawrence-tynes-mrsa-lawsuit-tampa-bay-buccaneers|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=April 21, 2015|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627034255/https://www.si.com/2015/04/21/lawrence-tynes-mrsa-lawsuit-tampa-bay-buccaneers|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Buccaneers, former kicker Lawrence Tynes reach settlement in MRSA lawsuit|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18738780/buccaneers-former-kicker-lawrence-tynes-reach-settlement-mrsa-lawsuit|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures, LLC|website=ESPN.com|date=February 22, 2017|access-date=May 3, 2018|archive-date=May 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180504012243/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18738780/buccaneers-former-kicker-lawrence-tynes-reach-settlement-mrsa-lawsuit|url-status=live}}</ref> During training camp, a reported rift began to divide Schiano and quarterback Josh Freeman. After an 0–3 start, Freeman was benched, and ultimately released. This was after Freeman reportedly missed several team meetings, along with the team's annual photograph.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wesseling|first=Chris|title=Josh Freeman apologizes for missed Buccaneers photo|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-freeman-apologizes-for-missed-buccaneers-photo-0ap1000000243221|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=September 12, 2013|access-date=September 23, 2018|language=en|archive-date=October 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181004163601/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000243221/article/josh-freeman-apologizes-for-missed-buccaneers-photo|url-status=live}}</ref> Schiano started rookie [[Mike Glennon]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bradenton.com/sports/article34590210.html|title=Tampa Bay Bucs bench quarterback Josh Freeman and replace him with rookie Mike Glennon|website=bradenton|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215114604/https://www.bradenton.com/sports/article34590210.html|url-status=live}}</ref> but the team continued to lose. The fans' confidence of Schiano began to decay rapidly, and after a 0–8 start, the team got its first win of the season on a Monday night against Miami. A brief win streak saw improvements with Glennon at quarterback, and [[Bobby Rainey]] took over at running back with stellar numbers after [[Doug Martin (running back)|Doug Martin]] went down with a shoulder injury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9859586|title=Bucs still evaluating Doug Martin|date=October 21, 2013|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122424/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9859586|url-status=live}}</ref> There were no blackouts in 2013, as the Glazers bought up the necessary tickets for two of the games to get to the 85% threshold needed to prevent local blackouts.

The Bucs will only send two players to the 2007 Pro Bowl, cornerback [[Ronde Barber]] and Tightend/Longsnapper [[Dave Moore]] (A "Need" player according to Saints coach [[Sean Payton]]).

Despite some individual improvements, and some impressive performances by members of the defense, the team dropped the last three games of the season, and finished 4–12. The team ranked last or near the bottom in almost every offensive category. On December 30, 2013, Schiano and general manager [[Mark Dominik]] were fired.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24391908/report-greg-schiano-and-gm-mark-dominik-fired-by-buccaneers|title=Greg Schiano and GM Mark Dominik fired by Buccaneers|work=[[CBS Sports]]|date=December 30, 2013|access-date=December 30, 2013|archive-date=December 31, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231025110/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24391908/report-greg-schiano-and-gm-mark-dominik-fired-by-buccaneers|url-status=live}}</ref>

In addition, the 2006 season may possibly be the last season for middle linebacker [[Shelton Quarles]], defensive end [[Simeon Rice]], Offensive Tackle [[Kenyatta Walker]], and most importantly, fullback and fan favorite [[Mike Alstott]].

==Team==Lovie facilitiesSmith====

[[File:Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading squad.jpg|thumb|Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading squad, 2014.]]

In 1975, the Buccaneers built a small practice complex with offices near [[Tampa International Airport]] called One Buccaneer Place. As other NFL teams upgraded their facilities, Bucs players and coaches stepped up their complaints about the aircraft noise, cramped offices, small locker rooms and run-down condition of One Buc Place. Even head coach Jon Gruden has sarcastically referred to the facility as "The Woodshed." For much of the team's existence, the Bucs held training camp on the [[University of Tampa]] campus. However, in recent years, the Bucs have held training camp in Orlando at the expansive and better-equipped [[Disney's Wide World of Sports]] facilities at [[Walt Disney World]].

On January 1, 2014, Lovie Smith was hired as the new head coach of the Buccaneers, replacing Greg Schiano.<ref name="ESPN.au">{{Cite web |last1=Schefter |first1=Adam |last2=Clayton |first2=John |last3=Yasinskas |first3=Pat |last4=Goessling |first4=Ben |date=January 2, 2014 |title=Sources: Bucs to hire Lovie Smith |url=https://www.espn.com.au/nfl/story/_/id/10229285 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207145911/http://www.espn.com.au/nfl/story/_/id/10229285 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Smith had previously spent 5 seasons with the Buccaneers from 1996 to 2001 coaching the linebackers under Tony Dungy.<ref name="ESPN.au" /> During his first news conference with the Bucs, Smith talked about restoring the quality of the team from the late 1990s and early 2000s: "There was a certain brand of football you expected from us," Smith said. "You know we would be relentless. There was a brand of football that you got from us each week at Raymond James Stadium. It was hard for opponents to come in and win. We have gotten away from that a little bit, and it's time ... for us to become a relevant team again."<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2014 |title=Lovie Smith expects to transform Buccaneers into winners |url=http://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/lovie-smith-expects-to-transform-buccaneers-into-winners-010614 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329025332/https://www.foxsports.com/florida/story/lovie-smith-expects-to-transform-buccaneers-into-winners-010614 |archive-date=March 29, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=FOX Sports}}</ref>

On January 21, 2014, [[Jason Licht]] was hired as the new general manager, replacing Mark Dominik.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=January 21, 2014 |title=Buccaneers hire Arizona's Jason Licht as new general manager |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/buccaneers-hire-arizonas-jason-licht-as-new-general-manager/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422074929/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/buccaneers-hire-arizonas-jason-licht-as-new-general-manager/ |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com}}</ref> He was officially introduced at One Buc Place on January 23, 2014. In his first news conference, Licht talked about his philosophy: "Our philosophy is going to be to build through the draft. That's where we find our stars. That's where we find the next generation. But also in the short term and long term we're going to supplement our roster through free agency but we're going to look for value. We're going to spend wisely."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Brown|first1=Rick|title=Licht: Building Through the Draft and Free Agency|url=http://bucsscene.blogs.theledger.com/14780/licht-building-through-the-draft-and-free-agency/|website=TheLedger.com|access-date=June 23, 2014|date=January 23, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910021320/http://bucsscene.blogs.theledger.com/14780/licht-building-through-the-draft-and-free-agency/|archive-date=September 10, 2015}}</ref>

In August 2006, the Bucs unveiled their new, and long-awaited, training facility, which had been under construction for the better part of a year. Conveniently located across the street from [[Raymond James Stadium]] on the former site of [[Tampa Bay Center]], a large mall that the Glazers purchased in 2002 and later demolished in 2005, this state-of-the-art complex is now the largest for any team in the NFL. Featuring expansive new offices and meeting rooms, two natural grass practice fields, a theatre designed for both team meetings and press conferences, an expanded weight training room, a giant kitchen, a rehabilitation center with three separate pools and a locker room twice the size of the existing one at One Buc Place, the Glazers told building contractors that "money was no object" in the construction of the facility.[http://tampabay.bizjournals.com/tampabay/stories/2006/07/24/story9.html?i=50452&b=1153713600^1318904] To that end, plasma televisions are featured throughout--primarily in the offices of the coaching staff--and head coach Jon Gruden's corner office even features a shower with a view of the practice fields. The building is capped off with a giant five-story glass and steel football as a key design element. A third practice field, featuring artificial turf, will be added in the future.

After signing veteran free agent [[Josh McCown]] and many more free agents,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=March 12, 2014 |title=Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers strike contract |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/josh-mccown-tampa-bay-buccaneers-strike-contract-0ap2000000333369 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122143114/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000333369/article/josh-mccown-tampa-bay-buccaneers-strike-contract |archive-date=November 22, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> many analysts predicted that the Buccaneers could be the surprise team of the year and possibly make a playoff run. Those predictions soon went away after the Bucs began the season 0–3, including a 56–14 blowout against the Falcons on ''[[Thursday Night Football]]''. McCown was injured in that game,<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web |last=McManamon |first=Pat |date=May 29, 2015 |title=Josh McCown's 2014 numbers, throwing with a damaged thumb |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/13961 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122455/http://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/13961 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and second-year quarterback Mike Glennon was named the starter. His first start of the 2014 season ended with the Bucs earning their first victory of the season in Pittsburgh against the Steelers 27–24. The Bucs lost the next 4 games, including two overtime losses against the Saints and the Vikings, one blowout against the Ravens, and a 5-point loss against the [[Cleveland Browns]]. Going into week 10 at 1–8, McCown returned as the starter. Mathematically, the Bucs were still in playoff contention only being 3 games out of first place in the division. McCown's first game back ended with a 27–17 loss to the Falcons but won the following week in a 27–7 blowout against struggling Washington.<ref name="ReferenceB" /> The Bucs would lose the next three games and were officially knocked out of playoff contention in week 14. The Bucs finished 2–14, winning 2 fewer games than the previous season and secured the first-overall draft pick for the [[2015 NFL draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2015/04/30/jameis-winston-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-draft/26644925/|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Jameis Winston with top pick of NFL draft|website=USA TODAY|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422095238/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2015/04/30/jameis-winston-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-draft/26644925/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Practices at the currently-unnamed facility will remain closed to the public, although the existing mall parking on the west side of the property is still available for use on game days. The facility is sometimes reffered to locals as ''New One Buc Place''.

Despite the team's record, first-round draft pick wide receiver [[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22704970|title=Sources: Bucs' Mike Evans gets $55M guaranteed in new 5-year, $82.5 million deal|date=March 9, 2018|website=ESPN.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122422/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22704970|url-status=live}}</ref> had more than 1,000 receiving yards,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeevans/2543468/careerstats|title=Mike Evans: Career Stats at NFL.com|website=[[NFL.com]]|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219142001/http://www.nfl.com/player/mikeevans/2543468/careerstats|url-status=live}}</ref> and he became the youngest NFL player to record more than 200 receiving yards in a single game.<ref name="eu.usatoday.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/11/24/rookie-wide-receivers-odell-beckham-mike-evans-sammy-watkins/70060428/|title=Odell Beckham, Mike Evans lead eye-popping class of NFL rookie WRs|website=USA TODAY|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=April 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422200354/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/11/24/rookie-wide-receivers-odell-beckham-mike-evans-sammy-watkins/70060428/|url-status=live}}</ref> Vincent Jackson also had more than 1,000 yards receiving,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/player/vincentjackson/2506400/careerstats|title=Vincent Jackson: Career Stats at NFL.com|website=[[NFL.com]]|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219142031/http://www.nfl.com/player/vincentjackson/2506400/careerstats|url-status=live}}</ref> which represented Tampa Bay's first pair of 1,000 yard receivers in a season.<ref name="eu.usatoday.com"/> Second-year CB Johnthan Banks led the team with 4 interceptions and has 50 tackles.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BankJo00.htm|title=Johnthan Banks Stats|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224032448/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BankJo00.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Danny Lansanah flourished in the Tampa 2 system with 81 tackles, 1.5 QB sacks, and 3 interceptions, with 2 of those interceptions returned for touchdowns for the 2014 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LansDa00.htm|title=Danny Lansanah Stats|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113182824/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LansDa00.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Jacquies Smith, who was signed from Buffalo after waiving rookie DE Scott Solomon a month into the season, had 17 combined tackles, 13 solo tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble in only 8 starts for 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jacquies Smith Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitJa01.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113182832/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/S/SmitJa01.htm |archive-date=November 13, 2018 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Uniforms, colors and logos==

[[Image:Bucco Bruce.gif|thumb|left|150px|Bucs logo (1976-1996), nicknamed "Bucco Bruce" [http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?lo=1041]]]

[[Image:Bucs 2.gif|thumb|right|150px|Bucs logo (1997-current), nicknamed "Skulls and Swords" above script [http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?lo=1044]]]

[[Image:Buccanners logo 1997-current.gif|thumb|right|150px|Bucs helmet logo (1997-current), nicknamed "Skulls and Swords" [http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?lo=1046]]]

[[Image:Bucs set sail.gif|thumb|right|150px|Bucs alternate logo (1997-current), with "Skulls and Swords" aboard pirate ship [http://www.sportslogos.net/logo.php?lo=1049]]]

When the team began play in 1976, Culverhouse initially picked team colors of red, green, orange and white. However, the shade of green was too close to that used by the Miami Dolphins. A medium shade of orange was substituted for green, and the garish "[[Creamsicle]]" home uniform of orange jerseys with white numbers and pants was the result.The white numbers were later outlined with red. Even in the Bucs' brief glory days in the late 1970s and early 1980s, their uniforms made them the butt of jokes throughout the league.

In December 2014, a report surfaced that the Buccaneers used homeless people to sell beer and did not pay them.<ref>{{cite news|last=Burke|first=Timothy|title=Buccaneers Will Stop Using Unpaid Homeless People to Sell Beer|url=http://deadspin.com/buccaneers-will-stop-using-unpaid-homeless-people-to-se-1668457240|publisher=Deadspin|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=September 18, 2016|archive-date=September 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160918161617/http://deadspin.com/buccaneers-will-stop-using-unpaid-homeless-people-to-se-1668457240|url-status=live}}</ref>

Long-time [[Tampa Tribune]] cartoonist [[Lamar Sparkman]] designed the first team logo. Faced with the difficulty of designing a logo that didn't look too much like that of the other "pirates" in the league, the Raiders, Sparkman came up with a pirate in a plumed hat and a [[cutlass]] in his mouth. The pirate appeared to be winking. He came to be known as "Buccaneer Bruce" or "Bucco Bruce". Sports writer/commentator [[Nick Bakay]] once noted it "struck fear in the hearts of no one." When the Bucs changed to their new uniforms in 1997, the Bucco Bruce mascot was to be made to walk the plank of a [[Gasparilla]] pirate ship in Tampa Bay, but a last-minute pardon from Florida governor [[Lawton Chiles]] stayed the execution.

After the conclusion of the 2014 season, Tampa Bay hired [[Ben Steele]] to become the team's new offensive quality control coach as well as former Falcons offensive coordinator [[Dirk Koetter]] to be their new offensive coordinator after parting ways with QB coach and interim offensive coordinator [[Marcus Arroyo]]. Having a 2–14 record, tied for the worst record in the NFL in 2014, Tampa Bay gained the first-overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. They also made some headlines when they released quarterback Josh McCown on February 11, 2015, to save $5.25&nbsp;million in cap space.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=February 11, 2015 |title=Buccaneers release quarterback Josh McCown |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-release-quarterback-josh-mccown-0ap3000000470106 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216112946/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000470106/article/buccaneers-release-quarterback-josh-mccown |archive-date=February 16, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> With the first overall pick in the NFL draft, the Buccaneers selected [[Jameis Winston]] from Florida State.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{Cite web |last=Graziano |first=Dan |date=July 13, 2018 |title=Given another chance, would Bucs draft Jameis Winston again? |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24087961 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207145635/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24087961 |archive-date=December 7, 2018 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> Throughout the off-season, there was much debate whether the Buccaneers should pick Winston or Oregon quarterback [[Marcus Mariota]].<ref name="ReferenceC" />

In 1992, the Bucs introduced orange pants to be worn with the white jerseys. Prior to the team's season finale in 1995 against the [[Detroit Lions]], lame-duck coach [[Sam Wyche]] suggested that the Bucs wear the orange pants with their orange jerseys, but the idea was vetoed by, among others, Pro Bowl linebacker [[Hardy Nickerson]].

On January 6, 2016, Smith was fired by the Buccaneers after posting a record of 8–24 in his two seasons, including a 6–10 record in the 2015 season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/sports/football/lovie-smith-tampa-bay-buccaneers-fire-coach.html|title=Buccaneers, in a Surprise, Fire Coach Lovie Smith|newspaper=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=January 6, 2016|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113025525/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/07/sports/football/lovie-smith-tampa-bay-buccaneers-fire-coach.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

For the 1997 season, the Glazers worked with the NFL to develop a more marketable and intimidating look in order to improve the team's image, and success on the field coincidentally followed this change. The Bucs changed their team colors to dark red, black, and pewter with white and orange striping. "Bucco Bruce" was replaced by a red flag displaying a white pirate skull and crossed [[sabre]]s. The flag was mounted on another sabre. The "Buccaneers" team name was written in a new font, ''Totally Gothic'', and was either red with shadows of gray, or red and white. Orange was used on the uniform to maintain a visual link to the old logo. The football in the new logo is orange, and orange stripes appear on the pants and numerals. [[Chris Berman]] nicknamed them "the pirates of the pewter pants," a play on the Gilbert and Sullivan opera ''[[The Pirates of Penzance]]''.

====Dirk Koetter====

The team's uniform was also redesigned in 1997 to include a combination of either red or white jerseys, and either pewter or white pants. In 2003, the Bucs introduced a practice jersey that featured orange piping. In 2004, a pewter practice jersey was used, with numerals in the romulan falcon font. Since the change in 1997, the Buccaneers have never worn the old uniform again, even during league-sponsored "throwback" weekends.

On January 15, 2016, Dirk Koetter was promoted from offensive coordinator to become the new head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.<ref>{{cite news|last=Hanzus|first=Dan|title=Buccaneers promote OC Dirk Koetter to head coach|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-promote-oc-dirk-koetter-to-head-coach-0ap3000000622328|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=January 14, 2016|access-date=October 4, 2016|archive-date=January 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160116102233/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000622328/article/buccaneers-promote-oc-dirk-koetter-to-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Scott|title=Dirk Koetter Named Buccaneers Head Coach|url=http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Dirk-Koetter-Named-Buccaneers-Head-Coach/7247fcc8-e86e-468a-9c52-a3dc832f121d|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=January 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160117165520/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Dirk-Koetter-Named-Buccaneers-Head-Coach/7247fcc8-e86e-468a-9c52-a3dc832f121d|archive-date=January 17, 2016|access-date=September 23, 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> In [[2016 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2016]], Koetter won his first game as head coach, but the team's record slipped to 3–5 by week 9 after a 43–28 loss to Atlanta on ''Thursday Night Football''. The Buccaneers rattled off five straight victories, their longest winning streak since 2002. They earned upset victories over the heavily favored Chiefs and Seahawks, but snapped the streak with late-season losses to both Dallas and New Orleans. The Buccaneers ended with a 9–7 record, but lost the NFC's sixth seed to the Lions due to tiebreakers.<ref name="b506">{{cite web | last=Laine | first=Jenna | title=Buccaneers miss playoffs, but winning record marks reason for optimism | website=ESPN.com | date=2017-01-01 | url=https://www.espn.com/blog/tampa-bay-buccaneers/post/_/id/15849/buccaneers-miss-playoffs-but-winning-mark-reason-for-optimism | access-date=2024-08-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2016.htm |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

On March 9, 2017, the Buccaneers signed former Washington Redskins wide receiver [[DeSean Jackson]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keim |first=John |date=March 9, 2017 |title=DeSean Jackson signs with Buccaneers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18861630 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204123953/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18861630 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> defensive tackle [[Chris Baker (defensive lineman)|Chris Baker]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=February 20, 2018 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers release DT Chris Baker |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-release-dt-chris-baker-0ap3000000916820 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209064402/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000916820/article/tampa-bay-buccaneers-release-dt-chris-baker |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> former Cowboys safety [[J. J. Wilcox]] (traded to Pittsburgh Steelers),<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 3, 2017 |title=Steelers trade for Wilcox |url=https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-trade-for-wilcox-19310860?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204122515/https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-trade-for-wilcox-19310860?campaign=sf:fanshare:facebook |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=Steelers.com}}</ref> former New York Jets kicker [[Nick Folk]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=March 18, 2017 |title=Longtime kicker Nick Folk signs with Buccaneers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18939111 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204123949/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18939111 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |access-date=February 4, 2019 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref> and veteran quarterback [[Ryan Fitzpatrick]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/sports/football/ryan-fitzpatrick-tampa-bay-buccaneers.html|title=Ryan Fitzpatrick Signs With Tampa Bay Buccaneers|first=Victor|last=Mather|newspaper=The New York Times|date=May 19, 2017|access-date=February 4, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113171419/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/sports/football/ryan-fitzpatrick-tampa-bay-buccaneers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The season got off to a 2–6 start with poor performance, especially in the kicking game. After a loss to the Lions in week 14, they were mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Tampa Bay finished [[2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|the season]] 5–11.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2017.htm |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> This was their tenth consecutive season without a playoff appearance.<ref name="k067">{{cite web | title=Decade of disappointment: Bucs, Jags to end playoff drought? | website=USA TODAY | date=2017-08-16 | url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2017/08/16/decade-of-disappointment-bucs-jags-to-end-playoff-drought/104669804/ | access-date=2024-08-16}}</ref> Also, the Bucs finished last in the NFC South for the seventh time in nine seasons.

The Bucs sometimes wore their red jerseys and white jerseys with white pants. Although they still occasionally wear them with the white jerseys, the red-white look has not appeared since 2002. The Bucs became one of the first teams to wear dark pants with the dark jersey when they wear the pewter pants with the red jersey. Since 2002, most teams with dark pants have paired those with the dark jersey in at least one game.

The Buccaneers began the [[2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2018 season]] 2–0, their first 2–0 start since 2010. Journeyman quarterback [[Ryan Fitzpatrick]] started the first two games while [[Jameis Winston]] was serving a three-game suspension.<ref name="z019">{{cite web|last=Laine|first=Jenna|title=Bucs QB Winston suspended 3 games by NFL|website=ESPN.com|date=2018-06-28|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/23936785/tampa-bay-buccaneers-quarterback-jameis-winston-suspended|access-date=2024-08-16}}</ref> Fitzpatrick threw for over 400 yards and four touchdowns in both games, against the Saints (the eventual NFC South winner) and the Eagles (the defending [[Super Bowl LII|Super Bowl champions]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/FitzRy00/gamelog/2018/|access-date=2024-08-16|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|language=en}}</ref> On Monday night in Week 3 against the Steelers, Fitzpatrick became the first player in NFL history to throw for 400+ yards in three consecutive games.<ref name="j294">{{cite web|last=Zucker|first=Joseph | title=Ryan Fitzpatrick 1st in NFL History to Throw for 400 Yards in 3 Straight Games | website=Bleacher Report|date=2018-09-24|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2797475-ryan-fitzpatrick-1st-in-nfl-history-to-throw-for-400-yards-in-3-straight-games|access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref> However, he also threw three interceptions, and Tampa Bay lost the game 30–27. Fitzpatrick remained the starter for Week 4 against the Bears. He struggled and was benched after halftime in favor of Winston.<ref name="c684">{{cite magazine|last=Rollins|first=Khadrice|title=Winston replaces Fitzpatrick for second half vs. Bears|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=2018-09-30|url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/09/30/jameis-winston-ryan-fitzpatrick-buccaneers-bears-second-half-quarterback|access-date=2024-08-16}}</ref> Winston was named the starter for Week 6,<ref name="c307">{{cite web|last=Weaver|first=Tim|title=Buccaneers: Jameis Winston will start Week 6 vs. Falcons|website=Falcons Wire|publisher=USA Today|date=2018-10-01|url=https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2018/10/01/buccaneers-jameis-winston-will-start-week-6-vs-falcons/|access-date=2024-08-16}}</ref> but was averaging at least two interceptions per game. After week 6's loss to the Falcons, defensive coordinator [[Mike Smith (American football coach)|Mike Smith]] was fired and linebackers coach [[Mark Duffner]] was named interim defensive coordinator.<ref name="n273">{{cite web|last=Laine|first=Jenna|title=Buccaneers fire defensive coordinator Smith|website=ESPN.com|date=2018-10-15 | url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/24990373/buccaneers-fire-defensive-coordinator-mike-smith|access-date=2024-08-16}}</ref> Both Winston and Fitzpatrick took snaps under center as the season wore on, and at 5–7 they were still mathematically alive for the postseason. However, they dropped their last four games to finish 5–11. After a second consecutive last-place season, Koetter was fired.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25649986/dirk-koetter-tampa-bay-buccaneers-head-coach|title=Dirk Koetter out as Bucs coach after going 5–11 in 3rd season|last=Laine|first=Jenna |date=December 30, 2018|website=[[ESPN]]|access-date=December 30, 2018 |archive-date=December 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231092648/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25649986/dirk-koetter-tampa-bay-buccaneers-head-coach|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2018.htm |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|language=en}}</ref>

Like many other NFL teams located in [[subtropical climate]]s, the Bucs traditionally wear their white jerseys at home during the first half of the season &mdash; forcing opponents to suffer in the darker colors during the hot summers and [[autumn]]s in Tampa. Additionally, the visitors' bench of [[Raymond James Stadium]] is located on the east side of the stadium, which is in direct sunlight for 1:00 games. The west sideline is in the shade.

==== Bruce Arians years (2019–2021) ====

The Bucs' 1997 uniform change prompted a 2003 lawsuit by the Raiders, who claimed that the NFL and the Buccaneers had infringed upon key [[trademark]] elements of the Raiders' brand, including the Raiders' pirate logo. In the same suit, the Raiders challenged the [[Carolina Panthers]]' color scheme, which included silver and black. The Raiders wanted the courts to bar the Buccaneers and Panthers from wearing their uniforms while playing in California. However, since the lawsuit was filed in a state California court, the lawsuit was tossed out because only federal courts have jurisdiction on [[intellectual property]] issues. [http://www.sptimes.com/2003/04/22/Sports/Bucs_free_to_use_pira.shtml] The Raiders have yet to appeal the ruling.

[[File:Third Photos 107 (50833140586).jpg|thumb|[[Bruce Arians]] and [[Tom Brady]] in the 2020 Wild Card game against the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Football Team]]]]

After the termination of Dirk Koetter, the Buccaneers named [[Bruce Arians]] as the 12th head coach in franchise history on January 8, 2019. Arians had been retired from coaching for a year, having spent the 2018 season in the broadcast booth.<ref name="l042">{{cite web | last=Patra | first=Kevin | title=Former coach Bruce Arians to join CBS' broadcast booth | website=NFL.com | date=2018-05-03 | url=https://www.nfl.com/news/former-coach-bruce-arians-to-join-cbs-broadcast-booth-0ap3000000931222 | access-date=2024-08-16}}</ref> Because Arians was still under contract with the [[Arizona Cardinals]] through the end of the 2019 season, Tampa Bay agreed to give the Cardinals a sixth-round pick in the [[2019 NFL draft]] for the rights to Arians, as well as receiving Arizona's seventh-round pick in the same draft. On the same day it was reported the Bucs would also bring Byron Leftwich, who had served under Arians in Arizona, as offensive coordinator.<ref name=Arians>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25715886/tampa-bay-buccaneers-finalizing-deal-make-bruce-arians-new-head-coach |title=Source: Bucs, Cardinals swap picks as part of Bruce Arians deal |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=January 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=January 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190109023140/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25715886/tampa-bay-buccaneers-finalizing-deal-make-bruce-arians-new-head-coach |url-status=live }}</ref> The next day the Buccaneers announced the hiring of former Jets head coach [[Todd Bowles]] as defensive coordinator.<ref name=Bowles>{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/todd-bowles-joins-buccaneers-coaching-staff-as-dc-0ap3000001009279 |title=Todd Bowles joins Buccaneers coaching staff as DC |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=January 9, 2019 |website=NFL.com |access-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-date=January 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110153814/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001009279/article/todd-bowles-joins-buccaneers-coaching-staff-as-dc |url-status=live }}</ref>

In [[2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2019]], Tampa Bay finished with a 7–9 record.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2019.htm|access-date=2024-08-15|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The team finished the season with the best run defense in the league and top 10 in total offense.<ref name="i985">{{cite web|title=Top Takeaways from the 2019 Bucs Season|website=Buccaneers.com|date=2020-01-03|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/top-takeaways-from-the-2019-bucs-season#:~:text=They%20also%20finished%20with%20a,passes%20defensed%20of%20any%20team|access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref> [[Jameis Winston]], in the final year of his five-year contract, set franchise records with 5,109 passing yards and 33 touchdown passes. He became the eighth quarterback in NFL history to eclipse 5,000 yards in a single season.<ref>{{Cite web|title=NFL Passing Yards Single-Season Leaders|url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/pass_yds_single_season.htm|access-date=2024-08-15|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Single-Season Passing Leaders |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/single-season-passing.htm|access-date=2024-08-15|website=Pro-Football-Reference.com|language=en}}</ref> However he had a league-leading 30 interceptions. He set a mark as the first quarterback in league history to throw 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in the same season.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 29, 2019|title=Jones' INT return in OT lifts Falcons over Bucs 28–22|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128034|access-date=December 30, 2020 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230233936/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128034 |url-status=live}}</ref> His final pass attempt as a Buccaneers player was a [[pick-six]] in overtime to lose against Atlanta in Week 17. Winston was not re-signed by Tampa Bay, and he was subsequently picked up by the Saints during the 2020 offseason.<ref name="l836">{{cite web|last=Triplett|first=Mike|title=Jameis: Saints a 'Harvard education' in QB school|website=ESPN.com|date=2020-04-28|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29109761/qb-jameis-winston-reaches-one-year-deal-saints|access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref>

==Trivia==

===== Super Bowl LV champions (2020) =====

* The Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer, is also the owner of the world's richest sports club, [[Manchester United]], a soccer/football team in England.

The Buccaneers made arguably the biggest acquisition of the 2020 offseason when they acquired veteran quarterback [[Tom Brady]], widely considered the greatest to ever play the position.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18628154/tom-brady-goat-super-bowl-li-nfl-2017-new-england-patriots |title=Let all debate end: Tom Brady is the GOAT |last=Van Valkenburg |first=Kevin |date=February 6, 2017 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=January 29, 2019 |archive-date=January 27, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127084720/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/18628154/tom-brady-goat-super-bowl-li-nfl-2017-new-england-patriots |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.denverpost.com/2015/02/02/tom-brady-greatest-qb-of-all-time-its-now-safe-to-make-that-argument/ |title=Tom Brady greatest QB of all time? It's now safe to make that argument |last=Hochman |first=Benjamin |date=February 2, 2015 |website=Denver Post |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808235459/http://www.denverpost.com/2015/02/02/tom-brady-greatest-qb-of-all-time-its-now-safe-to-make-that-argument/ |archive-date=August 8, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Freeman |first=Mike |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Brady Takes Throne as QB GOAT |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2350283-tom-brady-cements-his-legacy-as-greatest-quarterback-of-all-time#articles/2350283-tom-brady-cements-his-legacy-as-greatest-quarterback-of-all-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707073756/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2350283-tom-brady-cements-his-legacy-as-greatest-quarterback-of-all-time#articles/2350283-tom-brady-cements-his-legacy-as-greatest-quarterback-of-all-time |archive-date=July 7, 2016 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |website=Bleacher Report}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/tom-bradys-statistical-place-in-the-pantheon-of-nfl-qbs/|title=Tom Brady's (Statistical) Place In The Pantheon Of NFL QBs|last=Paine|first=Neil|date=February 6, 2015|website=FiveThirtyEight|access-date=June 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160608045414/http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/tom-bradys-statistical-place-in-the-pantheon-of-nfl-qbs/|archive-date=June 8, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Elliot |date=October 20, 2016 |title=Tom Brady, Joe Montana head top 10 quarterbacks in NFL history |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tom-brady-joe-montana-head-top-10-quarterbacks-in-nfl-history-0ap3000000724524 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021132959/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000724524/article/tom-brady-joe-montana-head-top-10-quarterbacks-in-nfl-history |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |access-date=October 20, 2016 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/super-bowl/la-sp-super-bowl-rams-patriots-plaschke-20190203-story.html |title=Super Bowl 2019: Dazed and confused, Goff shows his age in Atlanta |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |date=February 3, 2019 |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-date=February 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204095045/https://www.latimes.com/sports/super-bowl/la-sp-super-bowl-rams-patriots-plaschke-20190203-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The offensive engine of the [[New England Patriots]]' sports [[Brady–Belichick era|dynasty]] from 2001 to 2019, Brady announced that he would not be re-signing with the Patriots after 20 seasons<ref>{{cite web |last1=Middlehurst-Schwartz |first1=Michael |title=Tom Brady announces he won't re-sign with New England Patriots in historic NFL move |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2020/03/17/tom-brady-wont-resign-new-england-patriots-nfl-free-agency/5066224002/ |website=USA TODAY |access-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320133030/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/patriots/2020/03/17/tom-brady-wont-resign-new-england-patriots-nfl-free-agency/5066224002/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and joined the Buccaneers for 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=March 20, 2020 |title='Hungry' Brady officially signs with Buccaneers |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28930366/tom-brady-says-signing-buccaneers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320133029/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/28930366/tom-brady-says-signing-buccaneers |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |website=ESPN.com}}</ref>

[[File:NFL 2020 - Playoffs - Washington vs. Buccaneers 223 (50833097576).jpg|thumb|right|upright|Quarterback [[Tom Brady]] left the [[New England Patriots|Patriots]] after 20 seasons to play with the Buccaneers.]]

Later in the offseason, tight end and Brady's New England teammate [[Rob Gronkowski]] announced that he was coming out of retirement to return to the NFL. On the same day, the Patriots made an agreement to trade Gronkowski to the Buccaneers, along with a seventh-round pick in exchange for a compensatory fourth-round pick in the [[2020 NFL draft]]. Gronkowski would finish the regular season with 45 receptions, 623 receiving yards, and 7 receiving touchdowns in 16 games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rob Gronkowski Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321111015/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GronRo00.htm |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

* The Bucs are the first [[AFL-NFL Merger|post-merger]] expansion team to win a division title, win a playoff game, and to host and play in a conference championship game. This was accomplished during the [[NFL playoffs, 1979-80|1979 season]].

On September 6, 2020, the Buccaneers signed running back [[Leonard Fournette]], who had been waived the previous week by the Jacksonville Jaguars.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Scott|date=September 7, 2020|title=Leonard Fournette Joins Bucs' High-Powered Offense|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/leonard-fournette-signed-bucs-2020-roster-move|url-status=live|website=Buccaneers.com|access-date=February 26, 2021|archive-date=January 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117224603/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/leonard-fournette-signed-bucs-2020-roster-move}}</ref>

* The Bucs are the second [[expansion team]] created since the [[AFL-NFL Merger]] to win a [[Super Bowl XXXVII|Super Bowl]], following the [[Baltimore Ravens]]' victory in [[Super Bowl XXXV]].<!--The Ravens are officially considered a 1996 expansion team, based on the agreement between former owner [[Art Modell]], Cleveland, Baltimore, and the NFL-->

On October 27, 2020, [[free agent]] [[wide receiver]] [[Antonio Brown]] signed a one-year contract with the Buccaneers. The move reunited Brown with Arians, who was his first offensive coordinator on the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]], and Brady, whom he played one game alongside of for the Patriots. Brown made his first appearance with the Bucs in week 9 and would finish the regular season with 45 receptions, 483 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns in eight games.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Antonio Brown Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140218092837/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/BrowAn04.htm |archive-date=February 18, 2014 |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

* So far, The Bucs are currently the only NFC team to win a [[Super Bowl]] in the 21st century.

In Week 15, the Buccaneers overcame a 17–0 deficit against the [[2020 Atlanta Falcons season|Atlanta Falcons]], to win 31–27 at [[Mercedes-Benz Stadium]] in [[Atlanta Georgia|Atlanta, Georgia]].<ref name="v626">{{cite web | last=Ciccotelli | first=Jenna | title=Tom Brady: Bucs Showed 'Great Poise' in Overcoming 17-Point Deficit vs. Falcons | website=Bleacher Report | date=2020-12-20 | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2923313-tom-brady-bucs-showed-great-poise-in-overcoming-17-point-deficit-vs-falcons | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref>

* The 1976 Bucs, who lost all 14 games, are the only NFL team in the modern era to experience a winless regular season. Several teams have lost fifteen games since the NFL moved to a 16-game regular season in 1978, but all of them have picked up one win apiece.

In the [[2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2020 season]], Tampa Bay clinched their first playoff berth since 2007 after a 47–7 victory against the Lions in Week 16.<ref name="s619">{{cite web | last=Auman | first=Greg | title=Playoffs! Bucs rout Lions for first berth in 13 years | website=New York Times | date=2020-12-27 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2285455/2020/12/26/playoffs-at-last-bucs-rout-lions-47-7-for-first-berth-in-13-years/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> By the end of the 2020 regular season, Brady had set the Buccaneers record for passing touchdowns with 40.<ref name="q426">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Scott | title=Tom Brady, Post-40, Goes 40-40 | website=Buccaneers.com | date=2022-01-03 | url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-week-17-new-york-jets-tom-brady-post-40-goes-40-40-data-crunch#:~:text=Tom%20Brady%20had%2040%20touchdown,season%20at%20the%20helm%20and%E2%80%A6 | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> In the same game, receiver Mike Evans set the NFL record for consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career with 7 straight 1,000 yard seasons.<ref name="h187">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Scott | title=10 x 1,000! Mike Evans Makes History Again | website=Buccaneers.com| date=2023-12-04 | url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/mike-evans-1000-yards-10-seasons-bucs-nfl-record-2023#:~:text=This%20marks%20the%2013th%20time,plus%20yards%20in%20a%20game.&text=Evans%20extended%20his%20career%2Dopening,one%20more%20than%20Randy%20Moss. | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref>

* The Bucs are the first team to win a Super Bowl in each of the following circumstances:

** after having lost at home on opening day (the Bucs lost to the [[New Orleans Saints]] in overtime)

** after having gained less than 100 yards rushing per game during the regular season

** after having been eliminated in the wild-card round of the prior season's playoffs

** having three interceptions returned for touchdowns

In the playoffs, the Buccaneers defeated the [[Washington Commanders|Washington Football Team]] 31–23 in the wild card round, their first postseason victory since winning Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002. In the divisional round, they defeated the Saints 30–20 to advance to the NFC Championship Game for the fourth time in franchise history, and first since the 2002 season. They then defeated the Packers to advance to [[Super Bowl LV]] for the franchise's second appearance in the league championship, facing the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bucs defeated the Chiefs to win their second Super Bowl title by a score of 31–9. Coincidentally, Raymond James Stadium was named as the host stadium of Super Bowl LV in 2017 when it was determined that [[SoFi Stadium]], which had been awarded the game the year before its construction had begun, would not be completed in time to be eligible under league requirements to host.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Super Bowl LV relocated to Tampa; L.A. will host SB LVI|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/super-bowl-lv-relocated-to-tampa-l-a-will-host-sb-lvi-0ap3000000810644|first=Austin|last=Knoblauch|work=NFL.com|date=May 23, 2017|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=February 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229100942/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000810644/article/super-bowl-lv-relocated-to-tampa-la-to-host-sb-lvi|url-status=live}}</ref> Thus, the Buccaneers became the first team in NFL history to play in and win a Super Bowl that was held at its home stadium.<ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Buccaneers will be first team to play in Super Bowl at home stadium|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-become-first-team-that-will-host-super-bowl-at-home-stadium|website=NFL.com|date=January 24, 2021|access-date=March 30, 2021|language=en-US}}</ref>

* The Bucs are one of two [[Florida]]-based teams to win the [[Super Bowl]]. The [[Miami Dolphins]] won the [[Super Bowl VII|1972]] and [[Super Bowl VIII|1973]] titles, but lost in three other Super Bowls ([[Super Bowl VI|VI]], [[Super Bowl XVII|XVII]], [[Super Bowl XIX|XIX]]). The [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] have never appeared in the Super Bowl, having lost in the 1996 and 1999 AFC championship games.

In the 2021 offseason, the Buccaneers re-signed all 22 of their starters from the 2020 Super Bowl championship season, in addition to re-signing Fournette and former Bengals running back [[Giovani Bernard]]. The Buccaneers are the first team in the salary cap era (1994), and fourth team all-time, to re-sign all 22 starters from their Super Bowl team, while every other team's roster changed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 5, 2021 |title=The Buccaneers Will Return All 22 Super Bowl Starters in 2021 |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/the-buccaneers-will-return-all-22-super-bowl-starters-in-2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418152902/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/the-buccaneers-will-return-all-22-super-bowl-starters-in-2021 |archive-date=April 18, 2021 |access-date=April 18, 2021 |website=Buccaneers.com}}</ref>

* The Bucs have a history of fielding strong defensive teams. Since the implementation by then head coach Tony Dungy of the "[[Cover 2]]" defense in 1996, the Bucs' defense continuously ranked as one of the top ten defenses in the NFL, scoring the number-one position in 2002. The Bucs reclaimed the number-one spot once again in 2005. They ranked in the top ten for ten years, slipping in 2006 as many of the defensive starters were plagued by injury. Due to the long-term success of the Buccaneers in running the Cover 2 defense, it has now also become known as the "Tampa 2".

After the 2021 regular season, in which they posted a 13–4 record and secured the #2 seed in the NFC playoffs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2021/index.htm |access-date=2024-07-31 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The team defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 31–15 in the Wild Card Round.<ref name="r496">{{cite web | agency=Associated Press | title=NFL playoffs: Tom Brady and Buccaneers dominate in win over Eagles | website=Los Angeles Times | date=2022-01-16 | url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/story/2022-01-16/nfl-playoffs-tom-brady-buccaneers-eagles | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The Buccaneers' title defense came to an end with a 30–27 last-second loss to the eventual [[Super Bowl LVI]] champion [[2021 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] in the Divisional Round.<ref name="y373">{{cite web | last=Goodall | first=Fred | title=Gay's 30-yard FG lifts Rams over Brady, Buccaneers 30–27 | website=AP News | date=2022-01-24 | url=https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-rams-tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-sports-los-angeles-c5103f35733ffe5e8b1cfe170eff9d90 | access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

* The Bucs are the only team in the NFL without a [[American football strategy#kickoff strategy|kickoff return]] for a [[touchdown]] during the regular season. Before the start of the 2006 football season, the number of regular season kickoff returns stood at 1,764. The Bucs have scored touchdowns on five kickoff returns during [[exhibition game|preseason games]], however.

==== Todd Bowles years (2022–present) ====

* The Bucs had never won a game in which the [[temperature]] at kickoff was below 40°F (4°C) until the last week of the 2002 regular season, when they beat the [[Chicago Bears]] at [[Memorial Stadium (Champaign)|Memorial Stadium]] in [[Champaign, Illinois]]. The Bucs had lost the previous 20 games held under those conditions.

On February 1, 2022, quarterback [[Tom Brady]] announced his retirement from the league.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Brady officially announces retirement after 'thrilling ride' with Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33192441/tampa-bay-buccaneers-tom-brady-officially-announces-retirement|website=ESPN.com|access-date=1 February 2022|language=en|date=1 February 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Brady|first=Tom|date=February 1, 2022|title=❤️|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CZcDCOOr-v4/|website=[[Instagram]]}}</ref> Brady had one season remaining on his contract with the Buccaneers. However, on March 13, after only forty days, he reversed his decision, and announced he would return for the 2022 season.<ref>{{cite web |title=Tom Brady says he's returning as Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB next season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33495804/tom-brady-says-returning-tampa-bay-buccaneers-qb-next-season |website=ESPN.com |access-date=March 14, 2022 |date=March 13, 2022|author=Laine, Jenna}}</ref> On March 30, a couple weeks after Brady's announcement, head coach [[Bruce Arians]] announced his second retirement from coaching and shifted to Senior Football Consultant. Defensive coordinator and former [[New York Jets|Jets]] head coach [[Todd Bowles]] was immediately named his replacement.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Bruce Arians steps down as Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach; Todd Bowles picked to be successor |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/03/30/bruce-arians-steps-down-bucs-nfl-fmia-peter-king/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331005409/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/03/30/bruce-arians-steps-down-bucs-nfl-fmia-peter-king/|archive-date=March 31, 2022|access-date=March 31, 2022 |website=NBC Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=Buccaneers|title=Congratulations, Coach Bowles!|url=https://twitter.com/Buccaneers/status/1509329036618903555|date=March 30, 2022|number=1509329036618903555}}</ref>

Despite signing former All-Pro receiver [[Julio Jones]], former Pro-Bowlers [[Akiem Hicks]] and [[Keanu Neal]], and Brady's former teammates [[Shaq Mason]] and [[Logan Ryan]], the Buccaneers struggled under Bowles in his [[2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|first season as head coach]]. They finished 8–9, but still won the NFC South division title, the fifth sub .500 team since the merger to make the playoffs. They lost at home to the Cowboys in the [[2022–23 NFL playoffs#NFC: Dallas Cowboys 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14|Wild Card Round]].<ref name="n365">{{Cite web|last=Stroud|first=Rick|date=2023-01-10|title=Bucs join familiar club of playoff teams with a losing record|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2023/01/10/bucs-wildcard-playoffs-losing-record-seahawks-panthers/|access-date=2024-07-31|website=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref><ref name="b753">{{cite web|last=Ryle|first=Tom|title=Reliving the Cowboys domination of the Bucs|website=Blogging The Boys|date=2023-01-16|url=https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2023/1/16/23558152/cowboys-buccaneers-wild-card-playoff-game-31-14-dallas-dominate-advance-division-49ers#:~:text=Cowboys%20dominate%20Buccaneers%2031%2D14,and%20finally%20beat%20Tom%20Brady.|access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> On February 1, 2023, Brady announced his retirement, this time "for good".<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Martínez |first1=A |last2=Goldman |first2=Tom |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Tom Brady announces his retirement from the NFL (again) |work=[[NPR]] |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/02/01/1153437359/tom-brady-announces-his-retirement-from-the-nfl-again |access-date=November 8, 2023}}</ref>

* The Bucs lost 27 consecutive games played in outdoor stadiums on artificial surfaces such as [[AstroTurf]] and [[FieldTurf]]. This streak began after a victory over the [[Cincinnati Bengals]] at [[Cinergy Field|Riverfront Stadium]] in the 1980 season opener, and finally ended when the team defeated the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] at [[Veterans Stadium]] in the Bucs' first game of the 1995 season.

In [[2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2023]], Tampa Bay hired Seahawks quarterbacks coach [[Dave Canales]] to be their offensive coordinator and signed [[Heisman Trophy]] winner [[Baker Mayfield]] to a one-year, $8.5 million contract to be the team's next starting quarterback.<ref name="p247">{{cite web|last=Edholm|first=Eric|title=Buccaneers signing QB Baker Mayfield to one-year deal|website=NFL.com|date=2023-03-15|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-signing-qb-baker-mayfield-to-one-year-deal#:~:text=1%20overall%20pick%20Baker%20Mayfield,million%20signing%20bonus%2C%20Pelissero%20added|access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref><ref name="s861">{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Scott|title=Dave Canales Named Bucs' New Offensive Coordinator|website=Buccaneers.com|date=2023-02-17|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/dave-canales-hired-tampa-bay-bucs-offensive-coordinator-2023|access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The Buccaneers won the NFC South with a 9–8 record, their third consecutive division crown.<ref name="q836">{{cite web|last=Gordon|first=Grant|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers clinch third straight NFC South title|website=NFL.com|date=2024-01-07|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-clinch-third-straight-nfc-south-title#:~:text=The%20Tampa%20Bay%20Buccaneers%20secured,to%20the%20New%20Orleans%20Saints.|access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> They defeated Philadelphia in the [[2023–24 NFL playoffs#NFC: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 32, Philadelphia Eagles 9|Wild Card Round]] 32–9.<ref name="g957">{{cite web|last=Goodall|first=Fred|title=Mayfield throws for 337 yards and 3 TDs to lead Buccaneers to 32–9 NFC wild-card rout of Eagles|website=AP News|date=2024-01-16|url=https://apnews.com/article/eagles-buccaneers-score-mayfield-7af0cddcd3eec07b19a47cc437110b05|access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref> The Buccaneers saw their season end in the [[2023–24 NFL playoffs#NFC: Detroit Lions 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23|Divisional Round]] with a 31–23 loss to the Detroit Lions.<ref name="e607">{{cite web|last=Tripi|first=Bob|title=Buccaneers defense falters in second half of 31–23 loss to Lions in NFC divisional round|website=AP News|date=2024-01-22|url=https://apnews.com/article/tampa-bay-buccaneers-nfl-playoffs-d08c334d7631af633696899fb52720be|access-date=2024-07-31}}</ref>

* The Bucs' twenty-game road losing streak against AFC teams finally ended with a 17-10 victory over the [[Denver Broncos]] on [[December 26]], [[1993]].

During the [[2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2024]] offseason, [[Baker Mayfield]] signed a three-year contract extension with the Buccaneers to remain the starting quarterback.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Smith|first=Scott|date=March 11, 2024 |title=More Time to Bake! Baker Mayfield Agrees to New Deal with Bucs |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/baker-mayfield-agrees-new-deal-bucs|access-date=March 10, 2024|website=Tampa Bay Buccaneers}}</ref> [[Dave Canales]] departed to take the head coaching job at [[Carolina Panthers|Carolina]], and was replaced at the offensive coordinator position by [[Liam Coen]]. The Buccaneers finished the regular season 10–7, and won the NFC South for a franchise-best fourth consecutive season. This also tied the record for most consecutive NFC South titles, with four, and total NFC South titles, with seven; furthermore, this marked the fifth consecutive playoff appearance for the team, both a franchise and division record. Mayfield threw 41 touchdown passes, and the Tampa Bay offense ranked third in the league. Despite missing three games due to a hamstring injury, wide receiver [[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]] finished the regular season with 1,004 receiving yards. Evans tied the NFL record held by [[Jerry Rice]] for the most consecutive seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards (11), as well as extend his own current record for most such seasons consecutively from the start of a career.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=January 5, 2025 |title=Bucs rally to win NFC South; late catch gives Evans 1K yards |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43299753/bucs-rally-win-nfc-south-late-catch-gives-evans-1k-yards |access-date=January 5, 2025 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> In the [[2024–25 NFL playoffs|NFL playoffs]], they were upset by the [[2024 Washington Commanders season|Washington Commanders]] by a field goal, 20–23.

* The Bucs had a history of poor draft-day decisions during the 1980s. One of the most egregious examples took place during the 1982 draft, when the team was torn between drafting defensive end [[Booker Reese]] or offensive linesman [[Sean Farrell]] during the first round. The team's decision makers in Tampa instructed their contact at the [[New York City]] draft headquarters to write out draft cards for both players, and to wait for the 15 minutes of selection time until they decided which to take. The Bucs' scout in New York City understood only part of the telephoned instructions, filled out a selection card for Farrell and handed it in. Horrified, the team traded away their next year's first round draft pick to the [[Chicago Bears]] so they could take Chicago's next available pick to use on Reese. Farrell turned out to be a solid player. Reese failed to learn the team's defense, suffered from off-field problems with addiction, and was eventually traded for a 12th round pick.

==Defense==

* The Bucs created an official cheerleading squad in their first season, called the "Swash-Buc-Lers." In 1999, they were renamed as the "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders." [http://www.buccaneers.com/cheerleaders/cheermain.aspx]

{{Unreferenced section|date=December 2021}}

Throughout their history, the Buccaneers have been known for their suffocating defense. It started with the drafting of Hall of Fame defensive end Lee Roy Selmon with their first pick ever in 1976. Three Buccaneer players have been named the [[AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award|AP Defensive Player of the Year]], and the team has led the league in total defense on three occasions, including the 2002 championship season. The team's defense was instrumental in their 2020 playoff run which led to their second Super Bowl title. All five of the Buccaneers Hall of Fame inductees are defensive players or coaches.

===1978–1982===

* The Bucs defeated the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] in both the final pro-football game played at [[Veteran's Stadium]], the Eagles' old facility, as well as the first regular season NFL game played in the Eagles' new facility, [[Lincoln Financial Field]]. The former was accomplished in the 2002 [[NFC Championship Game]] and the latter on the first [[Monday Night Football]] game of the 2003 season. Coincidentally, both games were won by 17 points.

Led by Selmon, Linebackers [[Dewey Selmon]], [[Richard Wood (American football)|Richard Wood]], [[Dave Lewis (linebacker)|Dave Lewis]], and [[Mike Washington]], [[Mark Cotney]], and [[Cedric Brown]] in the secondary, the early years Buccaneers quickly earned an identity as a defensive team. Their 3–4 defense peaked in 1979 when they led the league in total defense, points allowed, and first downs allowed. Lee Roy Selmon was voted NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but they eventually fell 10 points short of the Super Bowl as the offense held them back in the NFC Championship game in a 9–0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Although 1980 was a down year, the unit made pass defense adjustments and returned in 1981 to finish No. 1 in Touchdowns allowed; giving up only 10 touchdowns all season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1981 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1981/opp.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===1997–2008: The Tampa 2===

*[[Matt Bryant]]'s 62 yard field goal against the Eagles in [[2006]] tied him for the third longest field goal in [[NFL]] history.

The team drafted franchise cornerstones Franchise Player & highest paid on the team Chidi Ahanotu, and John Lynch in 1993, and Warren Sapp and Derrick Brooks in 1995 to go along with All-Pro linebacker Hardy Nickerson. That was followed by the hiring of innovative defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin in 1996. The new-look Buccaneers set the stage for one of the greatest defensive runs in NFL history. From 1997 to 2008, the Buccaneers defense finished in the league's top ten every year but one, including eight top-5 finishes, and two top-ranked efforts. Kiffin along with head coach Tony Dungy created the "Tampa 2" defense, a modified version of the established Cover 2 scheme.

Kiffin's defenses were known as gang tacklers with tremendous team speed with a front four that could pressure the quarterback consistently, fast sideline-to-sideline linebackers, and a hard-hitting secondary that caused turnovers. Many teams have copied the Tampa 2, but none have come close to the success the Buccaneers experienced led by numerous Pro Bowlers and Hall of Famers. The Tampa Bay defense featured future Hall of Famers: Derrick Brooks, John Lynch, Warren Sapp, Ronde Barber, and Pro Bowlers, Hardy Nickerson, Simeon Rice, [[Shelton Quarles]], [[Donnie Abraham]], and Super Bowl XXXVII MVP [[Dexter Jackson (safety)|Dexter Jackson]]. Sapp and Nickerson were named to the [[National Football League 1990s All-Decade Team|1990s All-Decade 2nd Team]] while the [[National Football League 2000s All-Decade Team|2000s All-Decade Team]] featured Sapp and Brooks as 1st Team players and Ronde Barber on the 2nd Team.

*The [[Tampa Bay Curse]] has not yet been broken. No team that has lost to Tampa Bay in the regular season has gone on to win the Super Bowl.

====2002 defense====

*There are now five head coaches (including himself) in the NFL who were part of [[Tony Dungy]]'s coaching staff during his tenure with the Buccaneers. The other four are:

[[File:Tampabaybucsplayersreunion.JPG|thumb|175px|Players from the 2002 team along with head coach Jon Gruden]]

The [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002 Buccaneers defense]] is widely regarded as one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, rivaled only by the [[1976 Pittsburgh Steelers season|1976 Steelers]], [[1985 Chicago Bears season|1985 Bears]], [[1986 New York Giants season|1986 Giants]], [[2000 Baltimore Ravens season|2000 Ravens]] and [[Legion of Boom (Seattle Seahawks)|2010's Seattle Seahawks]].<ref name="q144">{{cite web | last=Philipse | first=Sander | title=The 2002 Buccaneers are still the best pass defense ever | website=Bucs Nation | date=2017-06-20 | url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2017/6/20/15838410/the-2002-buccaneers-are-still-the-best-pass-defense-ever | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="g538">{{cite web | title=The Countdown Continues: 20 Most Impressive Stats of 2002 | website=Buccaneers.com| date=2012-12-06 | url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/the-countdown-continues-20-most-impressive-stats-of-2002-9024744 | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> In the regular season, Tampa Bay led the league in total defense (252.8 ypg), points allowed (196), first downs allowed (14.8 pg), passing (155.6 ypg), interceptions (31), interceptions returned for touchdowns (5), opponent passer rating (48.4), and shutouts (2). They also finished third in opponent rushing average (3.8 ypc), and sixth in sacks (43).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2002/opp.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Derrick Brooks was awarded AP Defensive Player of the Year as the defense led the way to a 12–4 regular season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Awards Voting |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/awards_2002.htm |access-date=2024-08-15 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The team was even better in the postseason allowing only a combined 37 points in three games – all against top ten offenses. In those three playoff games, they intercepted 9 passes – returning 4 for touchdowns – and collected 11 sacks.

In Super Bowl XXXVII, the Buccaneers delivered one of the most impressive defensive performances in Super Bowl history. Playing against the #1 offense in the league led by league MVP [[Rich Gannon]], the defense actually outscored the Raiders offense, allowing 2 offensive touchdowns while returning 3 interceptions for touchdowns. The defense set two records in the 48–21 blowout, one for most interceptions in a Super Bowl (5), and one for most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a Super Bowl (3).<ref name="h926">{{cite web | last=Winter | first=Evan | title=Untouchable: Tampa Bay's unbeatable Super Bowl records | website=Bucs Nation | date=2018-06-30 | url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2018/6/30/17512180/untouchable-tampa-bays-unbeatable-super-bowl-records-bucs-buccaneers-nfl-raiders-nfc-south | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> Defensive back [[Dwight Smith (American football)|Dwight Smith]] became the only player in Super Bowl history to record multiple interceptions returned for touchdowns in a Super Bowl, while fellow defensive back Dexter Jackson was awarded [[Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award|Super Bowl MVP]] for his two interceptions in the game.<ref name="t801">{{cite web | last=Wilner | first=Barry | title=Bucs complete journey from laughingstocks to Super Bowl champions | website=Houma Today | date=2003-01-27 | url=https://www.houmatoday.com/story/news/2003/01/27/bucs-complete-journey-from-laughingstocks-to-super-bowl-champions/26806033007/ | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref><ref name="w304">{{cite web | last=Bock | first=Hal | title=Jackson earns honor of Super Bowl MVP | website=Ocala StarBanner | date=2003-01-27 | url=https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2003/01/27/jackson-earns-honor-of-super-bowl-mvp/31273012007/ | access-date=2024-08-15}}</ref> In 19 total games in 2002, the Buccaneers recorded 40 interceptions, 53 sacks, and 9 defensive touchdowns.

** [[Lovie Smith]] (formerly linebackers coach, now head coach of the [[Chicago Bears]])

** [[Herm Edwards]] (formerly assistant head coach, now head coach of the [[Kansas City Chiefs]])

** [[Rod Marinelli]] (formerly defensive line coach, now head coach of the [[Detroit Lions]])

** [[Mike Tomlin]] (formerly defensive backs coach, now head coach of the [[Pittsburgh Steelers]])

===2019–present: Todd Bowles' 3–4 defense===

==Season-by-season records==

When Arians was hired by the Bucs, he appointed former [[New York Jets]] head coach Todd Bowles to be the team's defensive coordinator. That same offseason, the team drafted linebacker [[Devin White]] with the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft, after signing outside linebacker [[Shaquil Barrett]] to a one-year, $4&nbsp;million contract, and defensive end [[Ndamukong Suh]] for one year, $10&nbsp;million. With these acquisitions, along with linebackers [[Lavonte David]], [[Carl Nassib]], [[Jason Pierre-Paul]], nose tackles [[Vita Vea]] and [[Beau Allen]] and defensive end [[William Gholston]], Bowles implemented the [[3–4 defense|3–4 defensive scheme]], with a heavy emphasis on blitzing. David and White were the teams' leaders, Barrett led the team, and the league, in sacks with 19.5, and the 2019 Buccaneers finished No. 1 in the league in run defense. The team's defense improved next season after Suh, Barrett, and Pierre-Paul were re-signed and [[Antoine Winfield Jr.]] was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft. The Buccaneers defense was a massive part of the teams' turn-around in 2020, finishing 1st in run defense, 7th in pass defense and 8th in total defense. The Buccaneers pass defense improved 29th to 7th, thanks in part to their young secondary, led by [[Carlton Davis]], [[Sean Murphy-Bunting]], [[Jordan Whitehead]], Winfield Jr., [[Ross Cockrell]], [[Herb Miller]] and [[Mike Edwards (safety)|Mike Edwards]]. Nicknamed, the "Grave Diggers", they forced two interceptions, including a pick-six by [[Jamel Dean]], four sacks and gave up no touchdowns against 2020 NFL MVP [[Aaron Rodgers]] in Week 6, forced three interceptions against future Hall of famer [[Drew Brees]], and five sacks and another interception against Rodgers in the NFC Championship Game. In Super Bowl LV, against the league's No. 1 offense led by 2018 NFL MVP [[Patrick Mahomes]], the Buccaneers held Kansas City to season lows in points and red zone attempts, with 9 points, all from field goals, 22 first downs, and 0–3 red zone attempts. They forced two interceptions, three sacks, 29 pressures, and five quarterback hits, and a 49.9 passer rating during the game. In 19 total games in 2020, the Buccaneers recorded 18 interceptions, 58 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, and 12 fumble recoveries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2020.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

{{Start NFL SBS}}

==Facilities==

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The Buccaneers played their home games at [[Tampa Stadium]] until 1998, when they moved to [[Raymond James Stadium]] in Tampa.

In 1975, the Buccaneers built a small practice complex with offices near [[Tampa International Airport]] called One Buccaneer Place—often shorted to "One Buc Place". The team used the unspectacular facility through 2005. It sat across the street from [[International Plaza and Bay Street]], and backed up to the runways of the airport. It was located about two miles away from Tampa Stadium. As other NFL clubs began replacing and upgrading their respective facilities, Buccaneers players and coaches stepped up their complaints about the constant aircraft noise, cramped offices, small locker rooms, infestations, and decrepit condition of One Buc Place. Then-head coach Jon Gruden sarcastically referred to the facility as "The Woodshed"; some of the coaches' offices were converted broom [[closet]]s.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/18/news_pf/Bucs/Time_to_say_goodbye.shtml|title=Time to say goodbye|publisher=St. Pete Times|first=Rick|last=Stroud|date=August 18, 2006|access-date=October 2, 2017|archive-date=August 29, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060829000208/http://www.sptimes.com/2006/08/18/news_pf/Bucs/Time_to_say_goodbye.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> The frequent summertime rain sent the team to practice in a nearby parking garage. Some players and staff claim to have come down with illnesses from spending too much time in the building. For much of the team's existence, the Buccaneers held [[Training camp (National Football League)|training camp]] on the [[University of Tampa]] campus, then at the expansive and better-equipped [[ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex|Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex]] near Orlando (2002–2008).

[[File:Raymond James Stadium03.jpg|thumb|175px|The pirate ship at Raymond James Stadium]]

In August 2006, the Buccaneers unveiled a $30&nbsp;million training facility located across the street from Raymond James Stadium (on the former site of [[Tampa Bay Center]]). The state-of-the-art {{convert|145000|sqft|adj=on}} facility on {{convert|33|acre}} is one of the largest in the NFL. It includes offices and meeting rooms, three natural grass practice fields, a theater for meetings and press conferences, an expanded weight room, a fully equipped kitchen and dining room, a rehabilitation center with three pools and a locker room twice the size of the former ___location. The building has a five-story glass and steel football. In 2009, the team began holding [[Training camp (National Football League)|training camp]] at this new complex.

In September 2007, statues of important figures from the Buccaneers 2002 championship season were moved into the lobby area in an exhibit called "Moment of Victory". The life-size statues included players Mike Alstott, Ronde Barber, Derrick Brooks, [[Brad Johnson (American football)|Brad Johnson]], John Lynch, Shelton Quarles, Simeon Rice, Warren Sapp, and head coach Jon Gruden. The statues are modeled after images from the sideline towards the end of Super Bowl XXXVII.<ref>{{cite news|last=Stroud|first=Rick|title=Bucs' moment of victory is permanently set|url=http://www.sptimes.com/2007/09/18/Bucs/_Bucs__moment_of_vict.shtml|newspaper=Tampa Bay Times|date=September 18, 2007|access-date=September 18, 2016|archive-date=September 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924225303/http://www.sptimes.com/2007/09/18/Bucs/_Bucs__moment_of_vict.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref>

An adjacent climate-controlled indoor practice facility with an artificial turf field was added in 2017.

Initially, the facility might have been unnamed, but for over a decade, it simply was referred to as "One Buc Place", the same name as the old building. In 2018, the facility was named AdventHealth Training Facility, as part of a ten-year naming rights deal with [[AdventHealth]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pewterreport.com/bucs-team-up-with-advent-health-on-new-facility-naming-rights/|title=Bucs Team Up With AdventHealth On New Facility Naming Rights|publisher=Pewter Reports|first=Mark|last=Cook|date=August 27, 2018|access-date=August 29, 2018|archive-date=August 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829175411/https://www.pewterreport.com/bucs-team-up-with-advent-health-on-new-facility-naming-rights/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Logos and uniforms==

===Logos===

Since their inception in 1976, the Buccaneers have gone through two distinct logo/uniform eras. From 1976 to 1996, the team used orange, red, and white uniforms with a "Bucco Bruce" logo. Since 1997, the team has used red and pewter uniforms, with a "skull and swords" logo.

The original "Bucco Bruce" logo has seen three distinct versions. The original version was the most distinctive; both in color and design. The logo was refreshed in 1992 with the most obvious differences being the design of the face, specifically the open eye, the design on the dagger, and the usage of white near the neck of the first design. The 2009 throwback uniforms used a cleaned up and crisper version of the 1976–1991 logo. From 1997 onwards, the Buccaneers' newer "skulls and swords" logo has gone through three iterations. The first was somewhat smaller on the helmet, and featured a more conventionally-shaped skull. The second edition was larger on the helmet, had a different shade of red, and a different design for the shape and face of the skull. The current version is mostly the same as the second, with only minor changes, including a smaller size on the helmet.

===1976===

[[File:Tampa Bay Buccaneers Uniforms 1976-1996.png|thumb|right|480px|There were four different versions of uniforms between 1976 and 1996.]]

Shortly after the franchise was awarded, in February 1975 the team name of "Buccaneers" was selected, along with proposed team colors of green, orange and white. The name was said to be reminiscent of [[José Gaspar]] and the [[Buccaneer]]s of the [[Caribbean Sea]], and the color orange representing the Florida [[citrus]] industry. Almost immediately, the nickname "Bucs" became popular, but the alternative "Bay Bucs" failed to gain traction.<ref name="TTpg23">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67933926/|title=Bay Bucs picked as NFL Tampa name|newspaper=The Tampa Times|page=23|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 17, 1975|access-date=January 18, 2021}}{{Open access}}</ref>

A few months later, however, green was dropped from the color scheme. The artists' renditions were too similar to the [[Aqua (color)|aqua]] used by the [[Miami Dolphins]], as well as the green shades used by the [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami Hurricanes]] and [[Florida A&M Rattlers football|Florida A&M]]. While they desired to keep the primary color orange, which provided a popular visual link to the [[Florida Gators football|Gators]], Hurricanes, and Florida A&M, they sought to further distinguish themselves. The color red as an accent color was substituted, as a gesture to the former [[Tampa Spartans football|Tampa Spartans]] and loosely, to the [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State Seminoles]]. The orange/red/white combination was now a composite of all major college teams in the state at the time.<ref name="TTRIBpg55">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67936806/|title=Dashing Bucs Hoist Their Colors|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|page=55|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 15, 1975|access-date=January 18, 2021}}{{Open access}}</ref> Officially speaking, the club's colors during this time period were Florida orange, red, and white.<ref name="auto">{{cite news|title=Linking Decades: Bucs Throw Back to '76|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/linking-decades-bucs-throw-back-to-76-2175249|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=July 31, 2009|access-date=December 15, 2020|archive-date=September 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923030546/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/linking-decades-bucs-throw-back-to-76-2175249|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Please do not remove this URL reference. Thank you. -->

Long-time ''[[Tampa Tribune]]'' cartoonist and [[Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla]] member Lamar Sparkman designed the first team logo.<ref>Gershman, Rick. "101 Gasparilla". St. Petersburg Times. January 28, 2005</ref><ref name="Sentinel-04081997a"/> Faced with the challenge of designing a logo that did not closely resemble that of the other "[[Pirates in popular culture#Pirates in sports|pirates]]" in the league, the Raiders, Sparkman came up with a [[moustache]]d pirate wearing a [[Plume (feather)|plumed]] [[slouch hat]], with a large hoop [[earring]] in his left ear and clutching a [[dagger]] in his teeth.<ref name="TTRIBpg55"/> The pirate appeared to be winking. Sparkman decided to portray the character not as a "hairy-legged slob", but more of gallant, swashbuckling, and rakish, "classy" type. The eye wink was used rather than an [[eyepatch]], since the Raiders' logo already depicted a patch over one eye.<ref name="TTRIBpg55"/> For a very brief time he was referred to as "[[Henry Morgan|Morgan]]", and coach [[John McKay (American football)|John McKay]] called him "[[Errol Flynn]]".<ref name="Sentinel-04081997a"/> Local ''[[Tampa Bay Times|St. Petersburg Times]]'' sportswriter Hubert Mizell coined the somewhat belittling nickname "Bucco Bruce" in a February 1976 [[Column (periodical)|column]], noting almost immediately the mascot's unintimidating and "cavalier" appearance.<ref name="SPTimes02081976a">{{cite news|title=Bay Bucs better have a sense of humor (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449958/origin_of_bucco_bruce/|first=Hubert|last=Mizell|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=49|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 8, 1976|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831035759/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449958/origin_of_bucco_bruce/|url-status=live}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="SPTimes02081976b">{{cite news|title=Bay Bucs better have a sense of humor (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13450044/|first=Hubert|last=Mizell|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=61|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=February 8, 1976|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831035802/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13450044/|url-status=live}}{{Open access}}</ref> The nickname stuck,<ref name="SPTimes12231979">{{cite news|title=McKay's ugly turn to swans|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13450365/|first=Hubert|last=Mizell|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=182|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 23, 1979|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831002708/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13450365/|url-status=live}}{{Open access}}</ref> while the logo and the name "Bucco Bruce" became symbols and reminders of the club's ongoing futility.<ref name="Sentinel-04101997b"/> Sports writer and commentator [[Nick Bakay]] once said that Bucco Bruce was a pirate who "struck fear in the hearts of no one".

The original home uniforms featured orange jerseys with white numerals outlined in red, white trousers, and striped socks. These are the now-infamous "[[Popsicle (brand)|Creamsicle]] uniforms", so named from the perceived similarity of the uniform's appearance to the [[ice cream]] snack.<ref name="Tribune10051994">{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/67407087/|title=Losing to Tampa Bay simply the ultimate indignity for Lions|publisher=The Tampa Tribune|first=Mitch|last=Albom|date=October 5, 1994|access-date=January 11, 2020}}</ref> Road white jerseys had orange numerals outlined in red.<ref name="auto"/><!-- Please do not remove this URL reference. Thank you. --> During their first season in 1976, however, the orange jerseys were only used for preseason games. The Buccaneers wore their white jerseys for all 14 regular season games.<ref name="TTRIBpg55"/> After the 1976 season, the team would not see striped socks again until they began wearing them as throwback uniforms starting in 2009.

===1977–1991===

After only one season, the original orange numerals (with red outline) for the white "away" jerseys were reversed. For 1977 and beyond, the white jerseys were revised to have red numerals with an orange outline. The color swap provided better visibility, especially for television coverage purposes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Linking Decades: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Gridiron Uniform Database|url=http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/GUD/controller/controller.php?action=teams&team_id=TB|publisher=The Gridiron Uniform Database|access-date=December 28, 2020|archive-date=May 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528114518/http://www.gridiron-uniforms.com/GUD/controller/controller.php?action=teams&team_id=TB|url-status=live}}</ref> The striped socks were dropped.

During the 1985 season, the team wore a special patch marking their tenth season. In 1989, 1990, and 1991, the Buccaneers elected to wear white at home to accommodate [[Vinny Testaverde]]'s color blindness. Testaverde had bad performances in the darker (orange) uniforms and persuaded head coach [[Ray Perkins]] to change the team's home uniform to white.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1988/11/16/tampa-bay-buccaneers-79/|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 16, 1988|access-date=September 17, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304085717/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1988-11-16/sports/0080260159_1_testaverde-playing-time-miami|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Mitchell|first=Fred|title=Testaverde Stats Unsightly|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1988/11/17/testaverde-stats-unsightly/|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=November 17, 1988|access-date=September 17, 2016|archive-date=May 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518095923/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1988-11-17/sports/8802170489_1_colorblind-rose-colored-bears|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Beloit College]], located in Beloit, Wisconsin, received a notice from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the college's illegitimate use of their mascot.<ref>{{cite news|title=Winner takes Bucco Bruce?|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times/133393364/|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=52|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 18, 1996|accessdate=October 13, 2023}}{{Open access}}</ref> Beloit College's buccaneer is the mirror image of the Tampa Bay buccaneer, with the creamsicle colors replaced with Beloit's school colors.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mascotdb.com/team.php?id=40206 |title=Beloit College Buccaneers |publisher=MASCOTdb.com |access-date=September 3, 2012 |archive-date=October 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006173511/http://www.mascotdb.com/team.php?id=40206 |url-status=live }}</ref> Athletic Director Ed DeGeorge said Beloit's Buccaneers have used the logo since the early 1980s, when he chose it from a book while ordering decals for the football team's helmets. The NFL's Buccaneers joined the league in 1976. However, the Buccaneers withdrew their claim against Beloit College because of the independent decision to redesign the logo.<ref>{{cite news| last=Martz|first=Ron|date=September 11, 2005| title="30 Seasons: 1976–2005. From Sinking Ship to World-Class Cruise"|work=St. Petersburg Times}}</ref>

===1992–1996===

In 1992, the Bucco Bruce logo was redrawn, yielding a crisper and larger version that would be used for five seasons.<ref name="SPTimes06-03-1992pg19">{{cite news|title=bucs go with new scheme|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89857419/1992-tampa-bay-buccaneers-uniform/|first=Rick|last=Stroud|newspaper=St. Petersburg Times|page=19|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=June 3, 1992|accessdate=December 1, 2021}}{{Open access}}</ref> A simultaneous uniform refresh introduced orange trousers to be worn with the white jerseys, which now had an orange collar, and would no longer be paired with white pants. Most regular-season home games during this period (except primetime games and some late-season games) saw white jerseys with orange pants. The white-on-white combination would be used during preseason only.

Before the team's season finale in 1995 against the Lions, coach [[Sam Wyche]] suggested that the Buccaneers wear the orange pants with their orange jerseys.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Logo|url=https://www.symbols.com/symbol/tampa-bay-buccaneers-logo|access-date=March 28, 2021|website=www.symbols.com|language=en|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807040323/https://www.symbols.com/symbol/tampa-bay-buccaneers-logo|url-status=live}}</ref> The idea was vetoed by, among others, Pro Bowl linebacker Hardy Nickerson.

For the 1993 season, the Buccaneers added a commemorative patch to the right sleeve of their uniforms, which read "Mr C" in cursive script. It was in recognition of owner Hugh Culverhouse, who was battling terminal lung cancer.<ref name="Sent08-08-1993pg266">{{cite news|title=Bucs vs. Broncos – The Game|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/69692437/|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|page=266|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=August 8, 1999|access-date=February 8, 2021}}{{Open access}}</ref> For 1994, the Buccaneers carried the league-wide NFL 75th anniversary patch, and as part of the "[[Throwback uniform|throwback]]" theme of the season, wore white jerseys with white pants on two occasions.

Shortly after [[Malcom Glazer]] purchased the franchise in January 1995, ownership announced that they were planning to introduce new team colors, logos, and uniforms.<ref name="Ttrib03-24-1995pg117">{{cite news|title=Bucs' logo, colors to get boot in '96|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune/153207933/|newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|first=Jim|last=Kenyon|page=117|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=March 24, 1995|access-date=August 13, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> Ownership hoped to switch to new uniforms as early as the [[1995 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1995 season]], however the NFL informed them that it was too late to do so at that time.<ref name="Ttrib03-24-1995pg117"/> A formal uniform switch request was then submitted to the league and tentatively scheduled to take effect for the [[1996 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1996 season]].<ref name="SPTimes08-10-1995pg25">{{cite news|title=Swatch-Buckling: Glazers seek a new look (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times/153208288/|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times|The St. Petersburg Times]]|first=Rick|last=Stroud|page=25|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=August 10, 1995|access-date=August 13, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="SPTimes08-10-1995pg31">{{cite news|title=Swatch-Buckling: Glazers seek a new look (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times/153208380/|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times|The St. Petersburg Times]]|first=Rick|last=Stroud|page=31|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=August 10, 1995|access-date=August 13, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> Team officials and the NFL Properties department began to research a new design. The local newspaper even held an informal design contest to raise awareness and generate publicity.<ref name="TTrib11-05-1995pg42">{{cite news|title=Handmade design tops contest entries|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune/153208721/|newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|first=Nick|last=Pigliese|page=42|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=November 5, 1995|access-date=August 13, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> However, in the meantime, the talks for a new stadium had stalled, leaving open the chance that the franchise might move. As a result, the uniform change was postponed. In March 1996, it was announced that the orange "Creamsicle" uniforms would be used for at least another year until the stadium plans were ironed out.<ref name="TTrib05-13-1996pg108">{{cite news|title=Bucco Bruce back for another season|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune/153208865/|newspaper=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|first=Pat|last=Yasinskas|page=108|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=March 13, 1996|access-date=August 13, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref>

===1997–2013===

[[File:Tampa Bay Buccaneers Uniforms 1997-2013.png|thumb|right|500px|The Buccaneers began wearing the throwback orange, red, and white uniforms during the [[2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2009 season]].]]

A ballot measure to fund the construction of a new stadium passed in September 1996. As a result, the franchise was guaranteed to stay in Tampa, and the plans to design a new uniform were resurrected and reenergized.<ref name="SPT12-28-1996pg54">{{cite news|title=Bucs fire three in front office|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/tampa-bay-times/153209790/|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times|The St. Petersburg Times]]|first=Rick|last=Stroud|page=54|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 28, 1995|access-date=August 13, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> The Buccaneers worked with the NFL to develop a more marketable and intimidating look in order to improve the team's image. Starting with the {{nfly|1997}} season, the primary team colors were changed to red and [[pewter]], with black and orange as accents. The "Bucco Bruce" logo was replaced by a red wind-swept flag displaying a white pirate skull and crossed [[sabre]]s which is a modified version of the [[Crossed Swords Jolly Roger]]. The flagpole was another larger sabre. The "Buccaneers" team name was written in a new font, ''Totally Gothic'', and was either red with shadows of pewter or red and white. Orange pinstriping, and an orange football, was used to maintain a visual link to the former colors.<ref name="Sentinel-04101997a">{{cite news|title=New-look Bucs dressed for success (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449402/|first=Charean|last=Williams|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|page=132|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 10, 1997|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831035754/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449402/|url-status=live}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="Sentinel-04101997b">{{cite news|title=New-look Bucs dressed for success (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449479/|first=Charean|last=Williams|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|page=29|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 10, 1997|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831004222/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449479/|url-status=live}}{{Open access}}</ref> [[Chris Berman]] nicknamed them "the pirates in pewter pants," a play on the [[Gilbert and Sullivan]] opera ''[[The Pirates of Penzance]]''. The nickname "Pewter Pirates" also became trendy. The Buccaneers staged a ceremony at [[St. Petersburg Pier|The Pier]] on April 7, 1997, in which Bucco Bruce [[walking the plank|walked the plank]] of the pirate ship ''Bounty'' docked in Tampa Bay. But not before he was pardoned at the last minute by Governor [[Lawton Chiles]].<ref name="Sentinel-04081997a">{{cite news|title=Bucs push Bucco Bruce overboard (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449196/|first=Charean|last=Williams|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|page=41|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 8, 1997|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831035755/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449196/|url-status=live}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref name="Sentinel-04081997b">{{cite news|title=Bucs push Bucco Bruce overboard (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449242/|first=Charean|last=Williams|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|page=42|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=April 8, 1997|access-date=August 30, 2017|archive-date=August 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831035801/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/13449242/|url-status=live}}{{Open access}}</ref>

[[File:TBHelmet.jpg|thumbnail|left|The club's helmet as worn from 1997 to 2013]]

[[File:Pirate Flag of Jack Rackham.svg|thumb|left|The 1997 logo was loosely inspired by the [[Crossed Swords Jolly Roger]].]]

The new uniforms were adopted while Raymond James Stadium was still under construction, and the new colors would be prominent at the new facility. This new color scheme loosely resembled that of the [[Tampa Bay Bandits]], the [[United States Football League|USFL]] team that played in the region during their three-season existence from 1983 to 1985. That team had a color scheme of red, silver, black, and white.

The new uniforms provided a combination of either red or white jerseys with either pewter or white trousers. The white-on-white combination has been used numerous times during the preseason and for early regular season games. The red-on-white combination has been used sparingly, for some prime time home games or special occasions. Most games, home and away, have used pewter trousers.

For 2005, the uniform featured a patch commemorating the club's 30th season. In 2014, a circular patch was worn with the initials "MG", after the death of owner Malcolm Glazer. For 2015, a patch commemorating the club's 40th season was worn.

Like many other NFL teams located in [[subtropical climate]]s, the Buccaneers customarily wear their white road jerseys at home during the first half of the season – forcing opponents to wear their darker colors during the hot summers and autumns in Tampa. Additionally, the visitors' bench of Raymond James Stadium is located on the east side of the stadium, which is in direct sunlight for games that kick off at 1:00&nbsp;p.m. [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]], whereas the west (home) sideline is in the shade. In certain previous years, such as 1989, 1990, 1991, and 1996 – the last year of the original uniforms, the Buccaneers generally wore white at home for the entire season including preseason. Since the new uniforms were adopted, the Buccaneers typically wear their red jerseys for home games during the second half of the season, and for most nighttime home games. They have also worn red jerseys all four times as the home team in [[NFL International Series|International Series]] games. During the preseason, the Buccaneers usually wear white for their home games. Since the 1997 season, the Buccaneers have worn both their red jerseys (5 times) and white jerseys (4 times) for home postseason games. At Super Bowl XXXVII, in which Tampa Bay was the designated home team, they elected to wear their red home jerseys. This was despite the kickoff temperature of {{convert|81|F|C}}, one of the hottest Super Bowls on record.<ref>{{cite news|title=Super Bowl Game-Time Temperatures|url=http://www.profootballhof.com/news/super-bowl-game-time-temperatures/|publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=March 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307202941/http://www.profootballhof.com/news/super-bowl-game-time-temperatures/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Buccaneers' 1997 uniform change prompted a 2003 lawsuit by the Raiders, who claimed that the NFL and the Buccaneers had infringed upon key [[trademark]] elements of the Raiders' brand, including the Raiders' pirate logo. In the same suit, the Raiders challenged the Carolina Panthers' color scheme, which included silver and black. The Raiders wanted the courts to bar the Buccaneers and Panthers from wearing their uniforms while playing in California. However, since the lawsuit was filed in a [[California]] state court, the lawsuit was tossed out because only federal courts have jurisdiction on [[intellectual property]] issues.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 22, 2003 |title=Bucs free to use pirate logo after Raiders suit is tossed |url=http://www.sptimes.com/2003/04/22/Sports/Bucs_free_to_use_pira.shtml |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055421/http://www.sptimes.com/2003/04/22/Sports/Bucs_free_to_use_pira.shtml |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |access-date=September 18, 2016 |work=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref>

===2014–2019===

[[File:Tampa Bay Buccaneers Uniforms 2014-2019.png|thumb|right|350px|With a new uniform change in 2020, these official uniforms were worn for six seasons.]]

The Buccaneers unveiled a revised logo and helmet on February 20, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Scott|title=Bucs Unveil Enhanced Logo and Helmet|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-unveil-enhanced-logo-and-helmet-12647675|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224915/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-unveil-enhanced-logo-and-helmet-12647675|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hanzus|first=Dan|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers update helmet, logo for 2014|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-update-helmet-logo-for-2014-0ap2000000327102|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=February 20, 2014|access-date=September 18, 2016|archive-date=September 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903055836/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000327102/article/tampa-bay-buccaneers-update-helmet-logo-for-2014|url-status=live}}</ref> This was followed two weeks later on March 3, with the unveiling of new uniforms to be used starting in the 2014 season. The jersey numbers featured a high visibility reflective outline, the helmet logo was revamped and enlarged, the helmet itself was a darker shade of pewter, and the facemask had a chrome-effect coating. The original Creamsicle shade of orange was reintroduced as accent trim.<ref>{{cite news|title=New Uniform Design Unveiled|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/new-uniform-design-unveiled-12691110|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=March 3, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224912/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/new-uniform-design-unveiled-12691110|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Patra|first=Kevin|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers reveal new uniforms|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-reveal-new-uniforms-0ap2000000330257|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=March 3, 2014|access-date=March 4, 2014|archive-date=March 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303152941/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000330257/article/tampa-bay-buccaneers-reveal-new-uniforms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=March 3, 2014 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Unveil New Bolder Uniforms |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10544255/tampa-bay-buccaneers-unveil-new-bolder-uniforms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303152939/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10544255/tampa-bay-buccaneers-unveil-new-bolder-uniforms |archive-date=March 3, 2014 |access-date=March 3, 2014 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref> The reaction to the newer uniforms was mixed.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://thepewterplank.com/2019/06/12/tampa-bay-buccaneers-get-jerseys-ranked-26th-best/|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers get jerseys ranked as 26th best in NFL|publisher=The Pewter Plank|first=Cory|last=Kinnan|date=June 12, 2019|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806193922/https://thepewterplank.com/2019/06/12/tampa-bay-buccaneers-get-jerseys-ranked-26th-best/|url-status=live}}</ref> Of note, the jersey numbers were derisively compared to [[Digital clock|digital alarm clock]] numerals.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10544611/uni-watch-tampa-bay-bucs-new-uniform-font-odd-choice|title=Uni Watch: Bucs font an odd choice|work=ESPN.com|first=Paul|last=Lukas|date=March 3, 2014|access-date=August 6, 2019|archive-date=August 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806193917/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10544611/uni-watch-tampa-bay-bucs-new-uniform-font-odd-choice|url-status=live}}</ref> Different color sock combinations were used with white and colored uniforms, almost always being pewter or red; however, there were two occasions in 2014 when orange socks were used for two different weeks.

Like the 1997–2013 version, the new 2014 uniforms could be worn as combinations of red or white jerseys paired with either pewter or white trousers. As before, the Buccaneers typically wore their white jerseys at home during the first half of the season, and their red jerseys at home during the second half of the season as well as for night games.

In 2015, the Buccaneers debuted a [[NFL Color Rush|Color Rush]] uniform featuring red jerseys and red trousers, with pewter numerals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Buccaneers' Color Rush Uniforms Unveiled|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buccaneers-color-rush-uniforms-unveiled-16477897|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=December 16, 2015|access-date=May 29, 2019|archive-date=May 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190529044516/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/buccaneers-color-rush-uniforms-unveiled-16477897|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2020–present===

The Buccaneers unveiled three {{notatypo|new jersey}} designs on April 7, 2020. The new uniform designs evoke the club's 1997–2013 design, while incorporating modern design elements from the 2014 uniform refresh, including the enlarged flag-and-crossed-swords logo, the newer shade of pewter, as well as the modern ship design logo on the sleeves. While the Buccaneers kept the familiar red and white jerseys with either white or pewter pants, they changed their "Color Rush" alternate uniform to an all-pewter combination.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Scott|title=Bucs New Uniforms Draw from Super Bowl Era|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-new-uniforms-draw-super-bowl-era-2020|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407183900/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-new-uniforms-draw-super-bowl-era-2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Scott|title=Q&A: Bucs' New Helmet and Marks|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-new-helmet-marks-uniform-question-answer|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=April 15, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=April 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428152720/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-new-helmet-marks-uniform-question-answer|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shook|first=Nick|title=Buccaneers unveil new unis, mark start of Brady era|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-unveil-new-unis-mark-start-of-brady-era-0ap3000001108564|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=NFL.com|date=April 7, 2020|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-date=April 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407185617/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001108564/article/buccaneers-unveil-new-unis-mark-start-of-brady-era|url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:Tampabay buccaneers unif20.png|thumb|left|300px|Uniforms used since 2020]]

For Super Bowl LV held at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa Bay was the designated home team, the first team in NFL history to play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium. They elected to wear their road white jerseys with pewter trousers, instead of their red jerseys, citing the success they had enjoyed during the season in that combination. Tampa Bay routed Kansas City 31–9, giving them a Super Bowl win in both their red jerseys (XXXVII) and their white jerseys (LV).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Super Bowl uniforms: Here's why Bucs opting to wear white jerseys could give Chiefs the edge in Super Bowl LV|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-uniforms-heres-why-bucs-opting-to-wear-white-jerseys-could-give-chiefs-the-edge-in-super-bowl-lv/|access-date=February 10, 2021|website=CBSSports.com|date=February 6, 2021 |language=en|archive-date=February 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207151358/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-uniforms-heres-why-bucs-opting-to-wear-white-jerseys-could-give-chiefs-the-edge-in-super-bowl-lv/|url-status=live}}</ref>

During the 2020 season, the Buccaneers finished with a 6–0 record wearing their newer white jersey/pewter pants combination, including three postseason victories over [[2020 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans]], [[2020 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay]], and [[2020 Kansas City Chiefs season|Kansas City]], respectively. They were first introduced in their Week 6 game against Green Bay, a 38–10 win at Raymond James Stadium. A renewed interest in wearing white jerseys at home saw Tampa Bay schedule six of eight 2021 home games with white (up from the typical four), plus home playoff games in the Wild Card and Divisional rounds with white/pewter as well.

During the 2025 season, a 50th season patch will be worn across all uniforms. Three versions of the anniversary patch will be used. A red version with the skull & swords logo will be used on the current red/pewter uniforms. A white version with the skull & swords logo will be carried when wearing the white 'away' jerseys. A white and orange version of the patch, with the Bucco Bruce logo, will be worn on the throwback uniforms.<ref>{{Cite web|title=50 Seasons of Buccaneers Football|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/50/|access-date=July 25, 2025|website=Buccaneers.com}}</ref>

===Throwback uniform===

Following their uniform change in 1997, the Buccaneers did not wear the old orange uniforms, even during popular league-sponsored "[[Throwback uniform|throwback]]" weekends. The old uniforms were mostly eschewed by the club, and the sale of team merchandise in the old color scheme was embargoed for several years. Fans' opinions of the old uniforms were equally negative. However, after over a decade, there was a renewed interest in the old uniforms, as throwbacks and other [[Third jersey|alternate uniforms]] across the league were becoming increasingly popular. In 2008, the team revealed that they would be wearing orange throwback uniforms for one game in the 2009 season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stroud|first1=Rick|last2=Holder|first2=Stephen F.|title=Bucs to create Ring of Honor, wear orange uniforms in 2009|url=http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/article858319.ece|newspaper=[[Tampa Bay Times]]|date=October 16, 2008|access-date=September 17, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923162232/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/article858319.ece|archive-date=September 23, 2009}}</ref> Their use was in conjunction with the creation of a Buccaneers [[Hall of fame|Ring of Honor]], celebrating the 30th anniversary of the [[1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1979 division championship team]].

Throwback merchandise went on sale in the summer of 2009, and referred to the orange color not as "Florida Orange", but as "Orange Glaze". Considerable research was done using photographs and old uniforms to match the original color schemes. The dagger-biting pirate was given a cleaned-up look, and the orange, red, and white uniforms debuted against the Packers (Tampa Bay's former division rival) on November 8, 2009. Raymond James Stadium was also transformed via orange banners and classic field logos and fonts back to the classic Tampa Stadium look of the late 1970s. The Buccaneers won their first throwback game behind rookie quarterback Josh Freeman's first-career NFL start.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Color of Victory!|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/the-color-of-victory-2153165|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=November 8, 2009|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224910/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/the-color-of-victory-2153165|url-status=live}}</ref> The throwback game was to become an annual tradition, but went on hiatus after 2012 due to league-wide safety restrictions requiring players wear the same helmet throughout the season.<ref>{{cite news|last=Smith|first=Allison|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Can't Wear Throwback 'Bucco Bruce' Helmets Because of New NFL Rule|url=http://nesn.com/2013/09/tampa-bay-buccaneers-cant-wear-throwback-bucco-bruce-helmets-because-of-new-nfl-rule/|publisher=[[New England Sports Network|NESN]]|date=September 17, 2013|access-date=September 25, 2013|archive-date=September 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130924034910/http://nesn.com/2013/09/tampa-bay-buccaneers-cant-wear-throwback-bucco-bruce-helmets-because-of-new-nfl-rule/|url-status=live}}</ref> After changes in league policies, the throwback uniforms returned in 2023.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucco-bruce-bucs-throwback-uniforms-returning-2023-season|title=Bucco Bruce and Bucs Throwback Uniforms Returning in 2023|publisher=Buccaneers.com|first=Scott|last=Smith|date=February 28, 2022|accessdate=February 28, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228201735/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucco-bruce-bucs-throwback-uniforms-returning-2023-season|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Buccaneers are 1–5 in throwback games.

Ahead of the 2025 season, to celebrate the franchise's 50th season, the Buccaneers unveiled a second throwback uniform based on the team's [[1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1976]] regular season uniforms. It features white jerseys and white trousers, orange block numerals outlined in red, red-orange-red sleeve stripes, the "Bucco Bruce" helmet, and a 50th season patch. This effectively retired the all-pewter uniform, which they last wore in 2023, in order to comply with the NFL's two-alternate/throwback uniform limit.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/1976-jersey-returns-tampa-bay-buccaneers-50th-season|title=Bucs' Iconic 1976 Uniform Returning for Franchise's 50th Season|publisher=Buccaneers.com|first=Scott|last=Smith|date=July 15, 2025|accessdate=July 15, 2025}}</ref> Tampa Bay will wear this ′76 Uniform in Week 3 against the [[2025 New York Jets season|Jets]], and at [[2025 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle]] in Week 5.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-wear-76-uniforms-seattle-against-fellow-1976-expansion-team|title=Bucs to Wear '76 Uniforms in Seattle Against Fellow 1976 Expansion Team|publisher=Buccaneers.com|first=Scott|last=Smith|date=July 17, 2025|accessdate=July 17, 2025}}</ref>

==Seasons, facts and records==

{{main|List of Tampa Bay Buccaneers seasons}}

===Records===

[[File:Derrick Brooks with 2006 Pro Bowl MVP trophy 060210-N-4856G-129.jpg|thumbnail|[[Derrick Brooks]] played a key role in the defensive records that the Bucs hold.]]

*The first [[AFL–NFL merger|post-merger]] [[expansion team]] to win a division title, a playoff game, and to host and play in a [[NFC Championship Game|conference championship game]], which was accomplished during the [[1979 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1979 season]].

*The first post-merger expansion team to reach and win a [[Super Bowl]], which was accomplished during the [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002 season]] at [[Super Bowl XXXVII]].{{efn|name=sb}}

*The first team since the merger to complete a winning season when starting ten or more rookies ([[2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2010]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/12/26/10/Bucs-go-Seahawk-hunting-win-------------/landing_bucs.html?blockID=379929&feedID=3720|title=Bucs go Seahawk hunting, win 38–15|author=Fred Goodall|date=December 26, 2010|agency=Associated Press|publisher=[[Fox Sports Florida]]|access-date=December 27, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

*50 consecutive games with at least one [[Quarterback sack|sack]] and one forced [[Turnover (gridiron football)|turnover]]. The streak ended on November 16, 2003, against [[Green Bay Packers|Green Bay]].

*The first NFL franchise to play in (and win) a Super Bowl held in their home stadium ([[Super Bowl LV]]).

*Tied the record held by the Saints for most consecutive [[NFC South]] division titles with four (2021–2024). A record five consecutive playoff appearances (2020–2024) for a team in the NFC South since its inception in 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-claim-nfc-south-title-record-fourth-consecutive-year|title=Bucs Claim NFC South Title for Record Fourth Consecutive Year|website=Buccaneers.com|date=January 5, 2024|access-date=June 12, 2025}}</ref>

*The first NFL franchise since the start of the [[1994 NFL season|salary cap era]] to bring back every free agent starter from their Super Bowl roster.<ref name="l000">{{cite web|last=Mays|first=Robert| title=The Buccaneers brought back more starters than any Super Bowl champ in decades. Does it really matter?|website=The New York Times|date=June 3, 2021|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2628497/2021/06/03/the-buccaneers-brought-back-more-starters-than-any-super-bowl-champ-in-decades-does-it-really-matter/|access-date=August 15, 2024}}</ref>

*Nine consecutive wins (including playoffs) while scoring 30 or more points.

*The last NFL team to have never returned a [[Kickoff (gridiron football)|kickoff]] for a touchdown during the regular season (or postseason), which ended on December 16, 2007, when [[Micheal Spurlock]] returned the 1,865th try 90 yards for a score in Week 15 against [[Atlanta Falcons|Atlanta]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chemistry Lesson: Unity Contributing to Buc Success|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/chemistry-lesson-unity-contributing-to-buc-success-2187579|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|date=December 19, 2007|access-date=June 30, 2019|archive-date=June 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630224914/https://www.buccaneers.com/news/chemistry-lesson-unity-contributing-to-buc-success-2187579|url-status=live}}</ref>

*[[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]] shares the NFL record with [[Jerry Rice]] for most consecutive seasons with 1,000+ receiving yards (11). Evans' eleven consecutive seasons is also the NFL record for most consecutive such seasons to start a career.<ref>{{cite news |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=January 3, 2025 |title=Bucs' Evans needs 85 yards for 11th straight 1,000-yard season |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/43257708/tampa-bay-buccaneers-mike-evans-tie-jerry-rice-1000-yard-season |access-date=January 3, 2025 |work=ESPN.com}}</ref>

*Three Tampa Bay quarterbacks have posted a [[List of NFL players who have posted a perfect passer rating|perfect passer rating]]. On December 17, 2023, [[Baker Mayfield]] became the first visiting quarterback ever to register a perfect 158.3 [[passer rating]] against [[2023 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay]] at [[Lambeau Field]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-baker-mayfield-becomes-first-opposing-qb-to-post-perfect-passer-ratin|title=Buccaneers' Baker Mayfield becomes first opposing QB to post perfect passer rating at Lambeau Field|first1=Kevin|last1=Patra|work=NFL.com|date=December 18, 2023|access-date=December 18, 2023}}</ref>

==Players of note==

===Current roster===

{{Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster}}

===Pro Football Hall of Famers===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

| 1976 || 0 || 14 || 0 || 5th AFC West || --

|-

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Players

| 1977 || 2 || 12 || 0 || 5th NFC Central || --

|-

! style="width:40px;"|No.

| 1978 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 5th NFC Central || --

! style="width:150px;"|Name

! style="width:40px;"|Position

! style="width:80px;"|Tenure

! style="width:40px;"|Inducted

|-

| 63 ||'''[[Lee Roy Selmon]]''' || DE || 1976–1984 || 1995

| 1979 || 10 || 6 || 0 || '''1st NFC Central''' || '''Won''' [[NFL playoffs, 1979-80|Divisional Playoff]] ([[Philadelphia Eagles|Eagles]]) 24-17<br>Lost [[NFL playoffs, 1979-80|Conference Championship]] ([[St. Louis Rams|L.A. Rams]]) 9-0

|-

| 19808 || 5[[Steve || 10Young]] || 1QB || 4th NFC Central1985–1986 || --2005

|-

| 64 || [[Randall McDaniel]] || OG || 2000–2001 || 2009

| 1981 || 9 || 7 || 0 || '''1st NFC Central''' || Lost [[NFL playoffs, 1981-82|Divisional Playoff]] ([[Dallas Cowboys|Cowboys]]) 38-0

|-

| 99 ||'''[[Warren Sapp]]''' || DT || 1995–2003 || 2013

| 1982 || 5 || 4 || 0 || 7th NFC Conf.+ || Lost [[NFL playoffs, 1982-83|First Round]] ([[Dallas Cowboys|Cowboys]]) 14-9

|-

| 198355 || 2'''[[Derrick || 14Brooks]]''' || 0LB || 5th NFC Central1995–2008 || --2014

|-

| 198481 || 6[[Tim Brown (American football)||Tim 10Brown]] || 0WR || 3rd NFC Central2004 || --2015

|-

| 198547 || 2'''[[John Lynch (American football)||John 14Lynch]]''' || 0S || 5th NFC Central1993–2003 || --2021

|-

| 198620 || 2'''[[Ronde || 14Barber]]''' || 0CB || 5th NFC Central1997–2012 || --2023

|-

| 198724 || 4[[Darrelle || 11Revis]] || 0CB || 4th NFC Central2013 || --2023

|-

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Coaches and Executives

| 1988 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 3rd NFC Central || --

|-

! style="width:150px;" colspan=2|Name

| 1989 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 5th NFC Central || --

! style="width:40px;"|Position

! style="width:80px;"|Tenure

! style="width:40px;"|Inducted

|-

| 1990 |colspan=2|[[Ron 6Wolf]] || 10GM/VP || 0 || 2nd NFC Central1976–1978 || --2015

|-

| 1991 |colspan=2|'''[[Tony 3Dungy]]''' || 13Coach || 0 || 5th NFC Central1996–2001 || --2016

|}

===Awards of Excellence===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

! colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Pro Football Hall of Fame's Awards of Excellence

| 1992 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 3rd NFC Central || --

|-

! style="width:150px;"|Name

| 1993 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 5th NFC Central || --

! style="width:40px;"|Position

! style="width:80px;"|Tenure

! style="width:40px;"|Inducted

|-

| 1994[[Charlie || 6Dayton]] || 10Public ||relations 0associate || 5th NFC Central1976 || --2022

|-

| 1995 |rowspan=2|[[Jimmy 7Raye II]] || 9OC || 01985–1986 || 5th NFC Central rowspan=2|| --2022

|-

| Senior offensive assistant || 2012–2013

| 1996 || 6 || 10 || 0 || 4th NFC Central || --

|-

| [[Tom Moore (American football coach, born 1938)|Tom Moore]] || Offensive consultant || 2019–present|| 2023

| 1997 || 10 || 6 || 0 || 2nd NFC Central || '''Won''' [[NFL playoffs, 1997-98|Wild Card Playoff]] ([[Detroit Lions|Lions]]) 20-10<br>Lost [[NFL playoffs, 1997-98|Divisional Playoff]] ([[Green Bay Packers|Packers]]) 21-7

|-

| 1998[[Monte || 8Kiffin]] || 8DC || 0 || 3rd NFC Central 1996–2008|| --2024

|-

| [[Dave Levy (video producer)|Dave Levy]] || Video producer || 1988–2017|| 2024

| 1999 || 11 || 5 || 0 || '''1st NFC Central''' || '''Won''' [[NFL playoffs, 1999-2000|Divisional Playoff]] ([[Washington Redskins|Redskins]]) 14-13<br>Lost [[NFL playoffs, 1999-2000|Conference Championship]] ([[St. Louis Rams|Rams]]) 11-6

|}

===Retired numbers===

The Buccaneers have retired three jersey numbers, led by [[Lee Roy Selmon]]'s number '''63'''. [[Derrick Brooks]] (55) and [[Warren Sapp]] (99) had their numbers formally retired after they were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Despite not being formally retired, the Buccaneers have not reissued '''20''' ([[Ronde Barber]]), '''40''' ([[Mike Alstott]]), or '''47''' ([[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]]) since those players retired from playing. As of 2024, neither Lynch nor Barber have had their numbers retired, despite also being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Another number that has seen limited usage is '''42''', worn by the late [[Ricky Bell (running back)|Ricky Bell]]. Since Bell's last season in 1981, 42 has only been worn by two players, the most recent being in 1990.

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Tampa Bay Buccaneers retired numbers'''

| 2000 || 10 || 6 || 0 || 2nd NFC Central || Lost [[NFL playoffs, 2000-01|Wild Card Playoff]] ([[Philadelphia Eagles|Eagles]]) 21-3

|-

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|No.

| 2001 || 9 || 7 || 0 || 3rd NFC Central || Lost [[NFL playoffs, 2001-02|Wild Card Playoff]] ([[Philadelphia Eagles|Eagles]]) 31-9

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

! style="width:100px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Retired

|-

| '''55''' || [[Derrick Brooks]] || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1995–2008 || September 14, 2014

| 2002 || 12 || 4 || 0 || '''1st NFC South''' || '''Won''' [[NFL playoffs, 2002-03|Divisional Playoff]] ([[San Francisco 49ers|49ers]]) 31-6<br>'''Won''' [[NFL playoffs, 2002-03|Conference Championship]] ([[Philadelphia Eagles|Eagles]]) 27-10<br>'''Won [[Super Bowl XXXVII]]''' ([[Oakland Raiders|Raiders]]) 48-21

|-

| 2003'''63''' || 7[[Lee ||Roy 9Selmon]] || 0[[Defensive end|DE]] || 3rd NFC South1976–1984 || --September 15, 1986

|-

| '''99''' || [[Warren Sapp]] || [[Defensive tackle|DT]] || 1995–2003 || November 11, 2013

| 2004 || 5 || 11 || 0 || 4th NFC South || --

|}

===Individual awards===

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL Defensive Player of the Year'''

| 2005 || 11 || 5 || 0 || '''1st NFC South''' || Lost [[NFL playoffs, 2005-06|Wild Card playoff]] ([[Washington Redskins|Redskins]]) 17-10

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

|[[2006 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2006]] || 4 || 12 || 0 || 4th NFC South || --

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[1979 NFL season|1979]]||[[Lee Roy Selmon]]||[[Defensive end|DE]]

| 2007<ref>Tampa Bay will select either third or fourth in the [[2007 NFL Draft]]</ref>|| &nbsp; || &nbsp; || &nbsp; || &nbsp; || &nbsp;

|-

|[[1999 NFL season|1999]]||[[Warren Sapp]]||[[Defensive tackle|DT]]

!rowspan="3"|Totals || 187 || 296 || 1

|colspan="2"| (1976-2006, regular season) <!-- Correct through 2006 season -->

|-

|[[2002 NFL season|2002]]||[[Derrick Brooks]]||[[Linebacker|LB]]

! 6 || 8 || -

|}

|colspan="2"| (1976-2006, postseason) <!-- Correct through 2006 season -->

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Super Bowl MVP winners'''

! 193 || 304 || 1

|-

|colspan="2"| (all games, 1976-2006, including postseason) <!-- Correct through 2006 season -->

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Super Bowl

{{end box}}

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[Super Bowl XXXVII|XXXVII]]||[[Dexter Jackson (safety)|Dexter Jackson]]||[[Safety (American and Canadian football position)|S]]

|-

|[[Super Bowl LV|LV]] || [[Tom Brady]] || [[Quarterback|QB]]

|}

{{col-3}}

<references/>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Pro Bowl MVP winners'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Pro Bowl

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[1982 Pro Bowl|1982]]||[[Lee Roy Selmon]]||[[Defensive end|DE]]

|-

|[[2006 Pro Bowl|2006]]||[[Derrick Brooks]]||[[Linebacker|LB]]

|-

|[[2024 Pro Bowl Games|2024]]||[[Baker Mayfield]]||[[Quarterback|QB]]

|}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL Rookie of the Year Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[1991 NFL season|1991]]||[[Lawrence Dawsey]] ||[[Wide receiver|WR]]

|-

|[[1992 NFL season|1992]]||[[Santana Dotson]] ||[[Tackle (American and Canadian football)|DT]]

|-

|[[1997 NFL season|1997]]||[[Warrick Dunn]] ||[[Running back|RB]]

|-

|[[2005 NFL season|2005]]||[[Cadillac Williams]] ||[[Running back|RB]]

|-

|[[2015 NFL season|2015]]||[[Jameis Winston]] ||[[Quarterback|QB]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[1997 NFL season|1997]]||[[Warrick Dunn]] ||[[Running back|RB]]

|-

|[[2005 NFL season|2005]]||[[Cadillac Williams]] ||[[Running back|RB]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL Comeback Player of the Year'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2008 NFL season|2008]]||[[Antonio Bryant]] ||[[Wide receiver|WR]]

|-

|[[2013 NFL season|2013]]||[[Darrelle Revis]] ||[[Cornerback|CB]]

|}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''Maxwell Club NFL Coach of the Year'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Coach

|-

|[[1997 NFL season|1997]]||[[Tony Dungy]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''[[Bart Starr Award|<span style="{{NFLSecondaryColor|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};">Bart Starr Award</span>]]'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2004 NFL season|2004]]||[[Derrick Brooks]] ||[[Linebacker|LB]]

|-

|[[2009 NFL season|2009]]||[[Warrick Dunn]] ||[[Running back|RB]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Byron "Whizzer" White NFL Man of the Year Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[1997 NFL season|1997]]||[[Hardy Nickerson]] ||[[Linebacker|LB]]

|-

|[[2003 NFL season|2003]]||[[Derrick Brooks]] ||[[Linebacker|LB]]

|}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2000 NFL season|2000]]||[[Derrick Brooks]] ||[[Linebacker|LB]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''The ESPYs'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Year

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Recipient

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Award

|-

|2003||[[Jon Gruden]]||[[Best Coach/Manager ESPY Award|Best Coach/Manager]]

|-

|[[2021 ESPY Awards|2021]]||[[Tom Brady]]||[[Best Male Athlete ESPY Award|Best Male Athlete]]

|-

|[[2021 ESPY Awards|2021]]||[[Tom Brady]]||[[Best NFL Player ESPY Award|Best NFL Player]]

|-

|[[2021 ESPY Awards|2021]]||[[2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|Buccaneers]]||[[Outstanding Team ESPY Award|Outstanding Team]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''NFL Salute to Service Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2015 NFL season|2015]]||[[Vincent Jackson]] ||[[Wide receiver|WR]]

|}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''PFWA Assistant Coach of the Year'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Coach

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2002 NFL season|2002]]||[[Monte Kiffin]] ||[[Defensive coordinator|DC]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''Deacon Jones Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2019 NFL season|2019]]||[[Shaquil Barrett]] ||[[Linebacker|OLB]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="2" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''Bridgestone Performance Play of the Year'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Players

|-

|[[2016 NFL season|2016]]||[[Jameis Winston]] & [[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]]

|}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''George S. Halas Courage Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2009 NFL season|2009]]||[[Matt Bryant]] ||[[Placekicker|K]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''Jack Horrigan Award'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[1998 NFL season|1998]]||[[Tony Dungy]] ||[[Head coach|HC]]

|}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[Super Bowl LV|2021]]||[[Tom Brady]] ||[[Quarterback|QB]]

|}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};" nowrap|'''FedEx Air NFL Players of the Year'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[2021 NFL season|2021]]||[[Tom Brady]] ||[[Quarterback|QB]]

|}

{{col-end}}

===NFL All-Decade and Anniversary Teams===

+ = Due to a strike-shortened season in 1982, all teams were ranked by conference instead of division.

Since Tampa Bay's entrance into the NFL, at least one player has been included on each [[National Football League All-Decade Teams|NFL All-Decade Team]], excluding the [[National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team|1970s]] which Tampa Bay only had existed for four seasons. Tampa Bay has had players elected to the [[National Football League 1980s All-Decade Team|1980s]], [[National Football League 1990s All-Decade Team|1990s]], [[National Football League 2000s All-Decade Team|2000s]], and [[National Football League 2010s All-Decade Team|2010s]] teams. Among the three Anniversary Teams, the franchise did not exist for the [[National Football League 50th Anniversary All-Time Team|50th Anniversary Team]], no players were selected to the [[National Football League 75th Anniversary All-Time Team|75th Anniversary Team]], and five players were selected to the [[National Football League 100th Anniversary All-Time Team|100th Anniversary Team]]. Players are only included on lists which they played for the team within the years of the decade; members, such as [[Tom Brady]], did not join the Buccaneers until 2020, despite being a member of the 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Teams.

{{col-begin}}

==Players of note==

{{col-3}}

===Current players===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

{{Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster}}

|-

| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL 1980s All-Decade Team'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Team

|-

|'''[[Lee Roy Selmon]]'''||[[Defensive end|DE]]||1976–1984||Second Team

|}

{{col-3}}

===[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]rs===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

|align="center" colspan="8"|'''Tampa Bay Buccaneers Hall of Famers'''

| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL 1990s All-Decade Team'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

!No.

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

!Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

!Nat

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Team

!Positions

|-

| 63 ||'''[[LeeWarren Roy SelmonSapp]]'''||{{flagicon|United States}}|| [[Defensive tackle|DT]]||1995–2003||Second Team

|-

|'''[[Hardy Nickerson]]'''||[[Linebacker|LB]]||1993–1999||Second Team

| 8 ||[[Steve Young (athlete)|Steve Young]]||{{flagicon|United States}}||[[Quarterback|QB]]

|-

|[[Sean Landeta]]||[[Punter (football)|P]]||1997||Second Team

|}

{{col-3}}

===Retired numbers===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

*63 [[Lee Roy Selmon]], DE

|-

| colspan="4" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL 2000s All-Decade Team'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Team

|-

|'''[[Warren Sapp]]'''||[[Defensive tackle|DT]]||1995–2003||First Team

|-

|'''[[Derrick Brooks]]'''||LB||1995–2008||First Team

|-

|'''[[Ronde Barber]]'''||[[Cornerback|CB]]||1997–2012||Second Team

|-

|'''[[Tony Dungy]]'''||Coach||1996–2001||Second Team

|}

{{col-end}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL 2010s All-Decade Team'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

|-

|[[Logan Mankins]]||[[Guard (gridiron football)|G]]||2014–2015

|-

|'''[[Ndamukong Suh]]'''||DT||2019–2021

|-

|[[Darrelle Revis]]||CB||2013

|}

{{col-2}}

===Other notable alumni===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

''Former players''

|-

*[[Donnie Abraham]]

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team'''

*[[Chidi Ahanotu]]

|-

*[[Gary Anderson (running back)|Gary Anderson]]

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

*[[Reidel Anthony]]

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

*[[Ricky Bell (running back)|Ricky Bell]]

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

*[[Theo Bell]]

|-

*[[Leon Bright]]

|[[Tom Brady]]||[[Quarterback|QB]]||2020–2022

*[[Cedric Brown]]

|-

*[[John Cannon]]

|[[Rob Gronkowski]]||[[Tight end|TE]]||2020–2021

*[[Bill Capece]]

|-

*[[Mark Carrier]]

|[[Randall McDaniel]]||G||2000–2001

*[[Gerald Carter]]

|-

*[[Steve Christie]]

|'''[[Lee Roy Selmon]]'''||DE||1976–1984

*[[Reggie Cobb]]

|-

*[[Mark Cotney]]

|'''[[Derrick Brooks]]'''||[[Linebacker#Outside Linebacker|OLB]]||1995–2008

*[[Brad Culpepper]]

|}

*[[Jeff Davis]]

{{col-end}}

*[[Steve DeBerg]]

*[[Trent Dilfer]]

*[[Santana Dotson]]

*[[Willie Drewrey]]

*[[Warrick Dunn]]

*[[Jerry Eckwood]]

*[[Bobby Joe Edmonds]]

*[[Donnie Elder]]

*[[Bert Emanuel]]

*[[Craig Erickson]]

*[[Phil Freeman]]

*[[Bobby Futrell]]

*[[Jimmie Giles]]

*[[Martin Gramatica]]

*[[Jacquez Green]]

*[[Paul Gruber]]

*[[Ron Hall]]

*[[Harry Hamilton]]

*[[Courtney Hawkins]]

*[[Bruce Hill]]

*[[Kevin House]]

*[[Michael Husted]]

*[[Donald Igwebuike]]

*[[Brad Johnson (American football)|Brad Johnson]]

*[[Cecil Johnson]]

*[[Keyshawn Johnson]]

*[[Marcus Jones]]

*[[Shaun King]]

*[[David Logan]]

*[[John Lynch (NFL)|John Lynch]]

*[[Tony Mayberry]]

*[[Michael Morton]]

*[[Hardy Nickerson]]

*[[George Ragsdale]]

*[[Danny Reece]]

*[[Nate "The Great" Richardson]]

*[[Ricky Reynolds]]

*[[Errict Rhett]]

*[[Warren Sapp]]

*[[Aaron Stecker]]

*[[Vinny Testaverde]]

*[[Jack Thompson (football player)|Jack Thompson]]

*[[Mike Washington]]

*[[James Wilder]]

*[[Doug Williams (football player)|Doug Williams]]

*[[Karl Williams]]

*[[Richard Wood]]

*[[Jackie Harris]]

===Tampa Stadium Krewe of Honor===

''Former coaches''

In 1991, the organization initiated the "Krewe of Honor" to recognize top players, and featured a mural of the first class of three members.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tampa initiates Krewe of Honor|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7633747//|first=Ed|last=Werder|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|page=42|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=December 5, 1991|access-date=November 28, 2016}}{{Open access}}</ref> The display was painted in 1992 by Pat Donatelli and located on the east side of the stadium.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bucs to honor Doug Williams (Part 1)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune/160353577/|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|first=Nick|last=Pugliese|page=247|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=July 24, 1992|access-date=December 5, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bucs to honor Doug Williams (Part 2)|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tampa-tribune/160353639/|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|first=Nick|last=Pugliese|page=249|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=July 24, 1992|access-date=December 5, 2024}}{{Open access}}</ref> Honorees were presented with a plaque. Quarterback Doug Williams was subsequently inducted September 6, 1992,<ref>{{cite news|title=Popular Williams placed in Bucs' Krewe of Honor|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7633677//|first=Tony|last=Boylan|newspaper=News-Press|page=54|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=September 7, 1992|access-date=November 28, 2016}}{{Open access}}</ref> and owner Hugh Culverhouse on September 5, 1993.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kansas City vs. Tampa Bay: The Game – Headliners|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/7633704//|first=Robin|last=Miller|author-link=Robin Miller (journalist)|newspaper=The Orlando Sentinel|page=15|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=September 6, 1993|access-date=November 28, 2016}}{{Open access}}</ref> No more members were added before [[Tampa Stadium]] was closed and demolished; when the stadium was demolished in 1998, so was the Krewe.

*[[John McKay]], Head Coach

*[[Abe Gibron]], Defensive Coordinator

{|class="wikitable"

''Former executives''

|-

*[[Rich McKay]], VP and General Manager

|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]

*[[Hugh Culverhouse]], Owner

|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

|-

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers 76thru96}};"|Tampa Stadium Krewe of Honor

|-

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers 76thru96}};"|Year

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers 76thru96}};"|No.

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers 76thru96}};"|Name

! style="width:80px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers 76thru96}};"|Position

! style="width:100px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers 76thru96}};"|Tenure

|-

|rowspan=3|1991 || 63 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Lee Roy Selmon]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1976–1984

|-

|—|| [[John McKay (football coach)|John McKay]] || Head Coach || 1976–1984

|-

| 42 || [[Ricky Bell (running back)|Ricky Bell]] || [[Running back|RB]] || 1977–1981

|-

| 1992 || 12 || [[Doug Williams (quarterback)|Doug Williams]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1978–1982

|-

| 1993 ||—|| [[Hugh Culverhouse]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Notebook – Invoking The Fifth|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98299839/|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|page=24|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=September 6, 1993|accessdate=March 24, 2022}}{{Open access}}</ref> || Owner || 1976–1994

|}

===Ring of Honor===

''Former facilities''

On November 8, 2009, the team unveiled a new [[Hall of fame|Ring of Honor]] at [[Raymond James Stadium]]. [[Pro Football Hall of Fame|Hall of Fame]] [[defensive tackle]], as well as the franchise's first ever [[1976 NFL draft|draft pick]], [[Lee Roy Selmon]] was the first inductee.<ref>{{cite web|last=Edrington|first=Tom|title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Take Selmon for Their Ring of Honor|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/222658-buccaneers-take-selmon-for-their-ring-of-honor|website=Bleacher Report|date=July 23, 2009|access-date=September 18, 2016|archive-date=September 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930125407/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/222658-buccaneers-take-selmon-for-their-ring-of-honor|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 19, 2008, one year before the inception of the Ring of Honor, [[Mike Alstott]] was honored by the club after his retirement.<ref>{{cite news|title=A-Train's Final Stop|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/98298707/|first=Anwar S.|last=Richardson|newspaper=The Tampa Tribune|page=21|via=[[Newspapers.com]]|date=October 20, 2008|accessdate=March 24, 2022}}{{Open access}}</ref> He would be formally inducted into the ring in 2015. Former head coach [[Jon Gruden]] was inducted in 2017, but due to controversy surrounding emails he sent while working for [[ESPN]], his name was removed in 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-removing-jon-gruden-from-team-s-ring-of-honor|title=Buccaneers removing Jon Gruden from team's Ring of Honor|last=Gordon|first=Grant|date=October 12, 2021|access-date=October 12, 2021|language=en|website=NFL.com}}</ref> However, he was reinstated in February 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laine |first=Jenna |date=2025-02-27 |title=Bucs to reinstate Jon Gruden into Ring of Honor |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/44043700/buccaneers-reinstate-former-coach-jon-gruden-ring-honor |access-date=2025-02-27 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], the induction ceremony for 2020 inductee [[Monte Kiffin]] was postponed until 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/ole-miss/2021/01/01/lane-kiffin-ole-miss-football-monte-tampa-outback-bowl-history/4058909001/|title=Outback Bowl: For Lane Kiffin, Tampa is where he began learning to coach from dad, Monte|publisher=Clarion Ledger|first=Nick|last=Suss|date=January 1, 2021|access-date=January 18, 2021}}</ref> Inductees [[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]] and [[Ronde Barber]] were both honored a second time for having subsequently been named to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Dix|first=Brianna|title=Buccaneers Announce 2023 Home Game Themes, Including Creamsicle Uniforms and Rondé Barber HOF Game|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-announce-2023-game-themes-nfl-schedule|website=Buccaneers.com|date=June 22, 2023|access-date=July 17, 2023}}</ref>

*[[Houlihan's Stadium|Tampa Stadium]], "The Big Sombrero"

Criteria for induction is loose, and no formal voting process is conducted. Ownership considers players, coaches, or club executives that have had "an indelible impact on the franchise". Maintaining strong ties to the team and the greater Tampa Bay community is an important factor.<ref>{{cite news|title=Does your NFL team have a ring of honor? Here's how it works|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/38339536/nfl-ring-honor-hall-fame-induction-all-32-teams|website=ESPN.com|date=September 9, 2023|accessdate=September 12, 2023}}</ref> As of 2024, each of the players that had been named to the defunct "Krewe of Honor" have been subsequently inducted into the new Ring of Honor, with the lone exception of [[Ricky Bell (running back)|Ricky Bell]].

==Head coaches==

*[[John McKay (football coach)|John McKay]] (1976-1984) Win-Loss record: 45-91-1

*[[Leeman Bennett]] (1985-1986) Win-Loss record: 4-28

*[[Ray Perkins]] (1987-1990) Win-Loss record: 19-41

*[[Richard Williamson (NFL)|Richard Williamson]] (1990-1991) Win-Loss record: 4-15

*[[Sam Wyche]] (1992-1995) Win-Loss record: 23-41

*[[Tony Dungy]] (1996-2001) Win-Loss record: 56-46

*[[Jon Gruden]] (2002-current) Win-Loss record: 42-42

The ring initially featured the player's number and last name in protruding, illuminated letters, along the [[frieze]] of the stadium's east side upper deck. The east side (visitor's side) is utilized so the ring is better visible on television. When the stadium underwent renovations in 2016–2017, the ring was refreshed to flat white letters on a red background, expanded to include both first and last names. [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] inductees are additionally denoted by a hall of fame logo next to their names. In 2021, the ring was expanded to a second row of names along the wall below the frieze - starting with the recognition of Tampa Bay's two Super Bowl victories ([[Super Bowl XXXVII|2002]] and [[Super Bowl LV|2020]]). When Gruden's name was re-added in 2025, it was the first name placed on the newer second row.

===Current Staff===

*Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator - [[Jon Gruden]]

[[Simeon Rice]] is scheduled to be inducted November 30, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/simeon-rice-become-16th-member-buccaneers-ring-of-honor|title=Simeon Rice to Become 16th Member of Buccaneers' Ring of Honor|website=Buccaneers.com|date=May 19, 2025|access-date=May 19, 2025}}</ref>

*Quarterbacks Coach - [[Paul Hackett (football)|Paul Hackett]]

*Running Backs Coach - [[Art Valero]]

[[File:RaymondJamesStadiumRingofHonor.JPG|thumb|275px|The Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium (c.&nbsp;2012)]]

*Offensive Line Coach - [[Bill Muir]]

[[File:RaymondJamesStadiumRingOfHonor2021.jpg|thumb|275px|The updated Ring of Honor at Raymond James Stadium after facility renovations were completed in 2016–2017]]

*Wide Receivers Coach - [[Richard Mann]]

{|class="wikitable"

*Tight Ends Coach - [[Bob Casullo]]

|-

*Offensive Assistant - [[Jay Gruden]]

|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]

*Defensive Coordinator - [[Monte Kiffin]]

|}

*Defensive Line Coach - [[Larry Coyer]]

*Linebackers Coach - [[Casey Bradley]]

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

*Defensive Backs Coach - [[Greg Burns (coach)|Greg Burns]]

|-

*Special Teams Coach - [[Richard Bisaccia]]

| colspan="6" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor'''

*Strength and Conditioning - [[Mike Morris]]

|-

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Year

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|No.

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Name

! style="width:80px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

! style="width:80px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

! style="width:250px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Ceremony

|-

| 2009 || 63 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Lee Roy Selmon]] || [[Defensive end|DE]] || 1976–1984 || [[2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|November 8, 2009]]

|-

| 2010 ||—|| [[John McKay (American football)|John McKay]] || Head Coach || 1976–1984 ||[[2010 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|December 5, 2010]]

|-

| 2011 || 88 || [[Jimmie Giles]] || [[Tight end|TE]] || 1978–1986 || [[2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|December 4, 2011]]

|-

| 2012 || 74 || [[Paul Gruber]] || [[Offensive tackle|OT]] || 1988–1999 || [[2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|October 14, 2012]]

|-

| 2013 || 99 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Warren Sapp]] || [[Defensive tackle|DT]] || 1995–2003 || [[2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|November 11, 2013]]

|-

| 2014 || 55 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Derrick Brooks]] || [[Linebacker|LB]] || 1995–2008 || [[2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|September 14, 2014]]

|-

|rowspan=2|2015 || 40 || [[Mike Alstott]] || [[Fullback (gridiron football)|FB]] || 1996–2007 || [[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|October 4, 2015]]

|-

| 12 || [[Doug Williams (quarterback)|Doug Williams]] || [[Quarterback|QB]] || 1978–1982 ||[[2015 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|December 6, 2015]]

|-

| 2016 || 47 || style="background:#ffb"|[[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]] || [[Safety (gridiron football position)|S]] || 1993–2003 || [[2016 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|November 13, 2016]]<br><small>([[Pro Football Hall of Fame|HOF]] celebration: [[2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|November 22, 2021]])</small>

|-

|rowspan=2|2017 ||—|| [[Malcolm Glazer]] || Owner || 1995–2014 || [[2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|October 15, 2017]]

|-

|| — || [[Jon Gruden]] || Head Coach || 2002–2008 || [[2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|December 18, 2017]]

|-

| 2018 ||—|| style="background:#ffb"|[[Tony Dungy]] || Head Coach || 1996–2001 || [[2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|September 24, 2018]]

|-

| 2019 || 20 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Ronde Barber]] || [[Cornerback|CB]] || 1997–2012 || [[2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|September 22, 2019]]<br><small>([[Pro Football Hall of Fame|HOF]] celebration: [[2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|September 25, 2023]])</small>

|-

| 2020 ||—|| [[Monte Kiffin]] || Defensive Coordinator || 1996–2008 || [[2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|September 19, 2021]]

|-

| 2022 ||—|| [[Bruce Arians]] || Head Coach<br><small>Executive</small> || 2019–present || [[2022 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|January 1, 2023]]

|-

| 2025||97|| [[Simeon Rice]] || DE || 2001–2006 || [[2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|November 30, 2025]]

|-

| colspan="6" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Club-wide Recognitions'''

|-

| 2021 || — || [[Super Bowl XXXVII]]<br>[[Super Bowl LV]] || — || 2002<br>2020 || [[2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|September 9, 2021]]

|}

===All-Pro Team selections===

Many current and former members of the Buccaneers have been selected to the [[Associated Press]] [[All-Pro]] first and second teams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pros and Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/all-pros.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> While the AP All-Pro teams are generally considered the highest nomination, [[Pro Football Writers of America]], [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]], [[Pro Football Weekly]], [[Pro Football Focus]], and [[Sporting News|The Sporting News]] have also nominated Buccaneers players to their All-Pro teams.

{|class="wikitable"

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]

|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="7" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro Team selections'''

|-

! style="width:120px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

! style="width:100px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|No. of First Team

! style="width:190px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|First Team

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|No. of Second Team

! style="width:120px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Second Team

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|[[Derrick Brooks]]||OLB||1995–2008||6||[[1999 All-Pro Team|1999 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2000 All-Pro Team|2000 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2002 All-Pro Team|2002 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2003 All-Pro Team|2003 (TSN)]]†,<br>[[2004 All-Pro Team|2004 (AP, PFWA)]],<br>[[2005 All-Pro Team|2005 (AP)]]||4||[[1997 All-Pro Team|1997 (AP)]],<br>[[1998 All-Pro Team|1998 (AP)]],<br>[[2001 All-Pro Team|2001 (AP)]],<br>[[2003 All-Pro Team|2003 (AP)]]†

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|[[Warren Sapp]]||DT||1995–2003||4||[[1999 All-Pro Team|1999 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2000 All-Pro Team|2000 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2001 All-Pro Team|2001 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2002 All-Pro Team|2002 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]]||2||[[1997 All-Pro Team|1997 (AP)]],<br>[[1998 All-Pro Team|1998 (AP)]]

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|[[Lee Roy Selmon]]||DE||1976–1984||3||[[1979 All-Pro Team|1979 (AP, PFWA, NEA, PFW)]],<br>[[1980 All-Pro Team|1980 (PFWA, NEA, TSN)]]†,<br>[[1982 All-Pro Team|1982 (PFWA, NEA)]]†||4||[[1978 All-Pro Team|1978 (AP, NEA)]],<br>[[1980 All-Pro Team|1980 (AP)]]†,<br>[[1982 All-Pro Team|1982 (AP)]]†,<br>[[1984 All-Pro Team|1984 (NEA)]]

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|[[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]]||S||1993–2003||3||[[1999 All-Pro Team|1999 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2000 All-Pro Team|2000 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2001 All-Pro Team|2001 (PFWA)]]†||2||[[2001 All-Pro Team|2001 (AP)]]†,<br>[[2002 All-Pro Team|2002 (AP)]]

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|[[Ronde Barber]]||CB||1997–2012||3||[[2001 All-Pro Team|2001 (AP, PFWA)]],<br>[[2004 All-Pro Team|2004 (AP)]],<br>[[2005 All-Pro Team|2005 (AP)]]||2||[[2002 All-Pro Team|2002 (AP)]],<br>[[2006 All-Pro Team|2006 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Mike Alstott]]||FB||1996–2007||3||[[1997 All-Pro Team|1997 (AP)]],<br>[[1998 All-Pro Team|1998 (AP)]],<br>[[1999 All-Pro Team|1999 (AP)]]||1||[[1996 All-Pro Team|1996 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Gerald McCoy]]||DT||2010–2018||2||[[2013 All-Pro Team|2013 (AP, PFWA, PFF, TSN)]],<br>[[2014 All-Pro Team|2014 (TSN)]]†||3||[[2012 All-Pro Team|2012 (PFF)]],<br> [[2014 All-Pro Team|2014 (AP)]]†,<br>[[2016 All-Pro Team|2016 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Hugh Green (American football)|Hugh Green]]||OLB||1981–1985||2||[[1982 All-Pro Team|1982 (PFWA, PFW)]]†,<br>[[1983 All-Pro Team|1983 (TSN)]]†||2||[[1982 All-Pro Team|1982 (AP, NEA)]]†,<br> [[1983 All-Pro Team|1983 (AP, NEA)]]†

|-

|[[Hardy Nickerson]]||MLB||1993–1999||2||[[1993 All-Pro Team|1993 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]]<br>[[1997 All-Pro Team|1997 (AP)]]||2||[[1996 All-Pro Team|1996 (AP)]],<br>[[1999 All-Pro Team|1999 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Tristan Wirfs]]||OT||2020–present|| 2 ||[[2021 All-Pro Team|2021 (AP, FW, SN, PFF)]], [[2024 All-Pro Team|2024 (AP, PFWA, NFLPA)]] ||2||[[2020 All-Pro Team|2020 (PFF)]],<br>[[2022 All-Pro Team|2022 (AP, PFF)]]

|-

|[[Simeon Rice]]||DE||2001–2006||2||[[2002 All-Pro Team|2002 (AP, PFWA, TSN)]],<br>[[2003 All-Pro Team|2003 (TSN)]]†||1||[[2003 All-Pro Team|2003 (AP)]]†

|-

|[[Antoine Winfield Jr.]]||S||2020–present||2||[[2021 All-Pro Team|2021 (PFF)]],<br>[[2023 All-Pro Team|2023 (AP, SN, PFF)]]|| ||

|-

|[[Lavonte David]]||ILB||2012–present||1||[[2013 All-Pro Team|2013 (AP, PFWA, PFF)]]||6||[[2016 All-Pro Team|2016 (AP)]],<br>[[2017 All-Pro Team|2017 (PFF)]],<br>[[2019 All-Pro Team|2019 (PFF)]],<br>[[2020 All-Pro Team|2020 (AP)]],<br>[[2021 All-Pro Team|2021 (PFF)]],<br>[[2022 All-Pro Team|2022 (PFF)]]

|-

|[[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]]||WR||2014–present||1||[[2016 All-Pro Team|2016 (PFF)]]†||3||[[2016 All-Pro Team|2016 (AP)]]†,<br>[[2019 All-Pro Team|2019 (PFF)]],<br>[[2023 All-Pro Team|2023 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Paul Gruber]]||G||1988–1999||1||[[1992 All-Pro Team|1992 (NEA)]]†||2||[[1991 All-Pro Team|1991 (NEA)]],<br>[[1992 All-Pro Team|1992 (AP)]]†

|-

|[[Chris Godwin]]||WR||2017–present||1||[[2019 All-Pro Team|2019 (PFF)]]†||1||[[2019 All-Pro Team|2019 (AP)]]†

|-

|[[Ali Marpet]]||G||2015–2021||1||[[2020 All-Pro Team|2020 (PFF)]]|| 1||[[2021 All-Pro Team|2021 (PFF)]]

|-

|[[Tom Brady]]||QB||2020–2022||1||[[2021 All-Pro Team|2021 (PFF)]]†||1||[[2021 All-Pro Team|2021 (AP)]]†

|-

|[[Sean Farrell (American football)|Sean Farrell]]||G||1982–1986||1||[[1984 All-Pro Team|1984 (TSN)]]|| ||

|-

|[[David Logan (American football)|David Logan]]||DT||1979–1986||1||[[1984 All-Pro Team|1984 (TSN)]]|| ||

|-

|[[Harry Hamilton]]||S||1988–1991||1||[[1989 All-Pro Team|1989 (TSN)]]|| ||

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|[[Darrelle Revis]]||CB||2013||1||[[2013 All-Pro Team|2013 (PFF)]]|| ||

|-

|[[Doug Martin (running back)|Doug Martin]]||RB||2012–2017||1||[[2015 All-Pro Team|2015 (AP, PFWA, PFF, TSN)]]|| ||

|-

|[[Chase McLaughlin]]||K||2023–present||1||[[2023 All-Pro Team|2023 (PFF)]]|| ||

|-

|[[Dewey Selmon]]||OLB||1976–1981|| || ||1||[[1979 All-Pro Team|1979 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Dave Lewis (linebacker)|Dave Lewis]]||OLB||1977–1981|| || ||1||[[1979 All-Pro Team|1979 (NEA)]]

|-

|[[Neal Colzie]]||S||1980–1983|| || ||1||[[1982 All-Pro Team|1982 (AP)]]

|-

|[[James Wilder Sr.|James Wilder]]||RB||1981–1989|| || ||1||[[1984 All-Pro Team|1984 (AP, NEA)]]

|-

|[[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]]||WR||1987–1992|| || ||1||[[1989 All-Pro Team|1989 (NEA)]]

|-

|[[Martin Gramatica]]||K||1999–2003|| || ||1||[[2000 All-Pro Team|2000 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Josh Bidwell]]||P||2004–2009|| || ||1||[[2005 All-Pro Team|2005 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Clifton Smith (return specialist)|Clifton Smith]]||KR||2008–2009|| || ||1||[[2008 All-Pro Team|2008 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Vincent Jackson]] ||WR||2012–2016|| || ||1||[[2012 All-Pro Team|2012 (PFF)]]

|-

|[[Demar Dotson]]||OT||2009–2019|| || ||1||[[2017 All-Pro Team|2017 (PFF)]]

|-

|[[Shaquil Barrett]]||OLB||2019–2023,<br />2024–present|| || ||1||[[2019 All-Pro Team|2019 (AP)]]

|-

|[[Ryan Jensen (American football)|Ryan Jensen]]||C||2018–2023|| || ||1||[[2019 All-Pro Team|2019 (PFF)]]

|-

|[[Bradley Pinion]]||P||2019–2021|| || ||1||[[2020 All-Pro Team|2020 (PFF)]]

|}

'''Notes:'''

* † indicates a player earned a different first and second team nomination in the same year

{{col-begin}}

{{col-3}}

===Pro Bowl selections===

Many former and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers players have represented the<br>franchise in the [[Pro Bowl]]:

{|class="wikitable"

|-

|style="background:#ffb"|Elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]

|}

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''Tampa Bay Buccaneers Pro Bowl selections'''

|-

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|No. of Pro Bowls

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="width:40px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

! style="width:100px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Tenure

! style="width:120px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Pro Bowls

|-

|11 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Derrick Brooks]]||OLB||1995–2008||[[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]]–[[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]], [[2009 Pro Bowl|2008]]

|-

|7 || style="background:#ffb"|[[Warren Sapp]]||DT||1995–2003||[[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]]–[[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]]

|-

|6|| style="background:#ffb"|[[Lee Roy Selmon]]||DE||1976–1984||[[1979 Pro Bowl|1978]]–[[1985 Pro Bowl|1984]]

|-

|6||[[Mike Alstott]]||FB||1996–2007||[[1998 Pro Bowl|1997]]–[[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]]

|-

|6||[[Gerald McCoy]]||DT||2010–2018||[[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]]–[[2018 Pro Bowl|2017]]

|-

|6||[[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]]||WR||2014–present||[[2017 Pro Bowl|2016]], [[2019 Pro Bowl|2018]], [[2020 Pro Bowl|2019]], [[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]], [[2024 Pro Bowl|2023]], [[2025 Pro Bowl|2024]]

|-

|5||[[Hardy Nickerson]]||MLB||1993–1999||[[1994 Pro Bowl|1993]], [[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]]–[[2000 Pro Bowl|1999]]

|-

|5||style="background:#ffb"|[[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]]||SS||1993–2003||[[1998 Pro Bowl|1997]], [[1999 Pro Bowl|2000]]–[[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]]

|-

|5||style="background:#ffb"|[[Ronde Barber]]||CB||1997–2012||[[2002 Pro Bowl|2001]], [[2005 Pro Bowl|2004]]–[[2006 Pro Bowl|2006]], [[2009 Pro Bowl|2008]]

|-

|4||[[Jimmie Giles]]||TE||1978–1986||[[1981 Pro Bowl|1980]]–[[1983 Pro Bowl|1982]], [[1986 Pro Bowl|1985]]

|-

|4||[[Tristan Wirfs]]||OT||2020–present||[[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]]–[[2025 Pro Bowl|2024]]

|-

|3||[[Tony Mayberry]]||C||1990–1999||[[1997 Pro Bowl|1996]]–[[1999 Pro Bowl|1998]]

|-

|2||[[Hugh Green (American football)|Hugh Green]]||LB||1981–1985||[[1983 Pro Bowl|1982]], [[1984 Pro Bowl|1983]]

|-

|2||[[Warrick Dunn]]||RB||1997–2001, 2008||[[1998 Pro Bowl|1997]], [[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]]

|-

|2||[[Simeon Rice]]||DE||2001–2006||[[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]], [[2004 Pro Bowl|2003]]

|-

|2||[[Davin Joseph]]||G||2006–2013||[[2009 Pro Bowl|2008]], [[2012 Pro Bowl|2011]]

|-

|2||[[Doug Martin (running back)|Doug Martin]]||RB||2012–2017||[[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]], [[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]]

|-

|2||[[Shaquil Barrett]]||LB||2019–2023,<br />2024–present||[[2020 Pro Bowl|2019]], [[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]]

|-

|2||[[Vita Vea]]||NT||2018–present||[[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]], [[2025 Pro Bowl Games|2024]]

|-

|2||[[Baker Mayfield]]||QB||2023–present||[[2024 Pro Bowl Games|2023]], [[2025 Pro Bowl Games|2024]]

|-

|1||[[Dave Pear]]||NT||1976–1978||[[1979 Pro Bowl|1978]]

|-

|1||[[Dave Lewis (linebacker)|Dave Lewis]]||LB||1977–1981||[[1981 Pro Bowl|1980]]

|-

|1||[[James Wilder Sr.]]||RB||1981–1989||[[1985 Pro Bowl|1984]]

|-

|1||[[Mark Carrier (wide receiver)|Mark Carrier]]||WR||1987–1992||[[1990 Pro Bowl|1989]]

|-

|1||[[Wayne Haddix]]||CB||1990–1991||[[1991 Pro Bowl|1990]]

|-

|1||[[Trent Dilfer]]||QB||1994–1999||[[1998 Pro Bowl|1997]]

|-

|1||[[Donnie Abraham]]||CB||1996–2001||[[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]]

|-

|1||[[Martín Gramática]]||K||1999–2003||[[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]]

|-

|1||style=background:#ffb;"|[[Randall McDaniel]]||G||2000–2001||[[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]]

|-

|1||[[Jeff Christy]]||C||2000–2002||[[2001 Pro Bowl|2000]]

|-

|1||[[Keyshawn Johnson]]||WR||2000–2003||[[2002 Pro Bowl|2001]]

|-

|1||[[Shelton Quarles]]||OLB||1997–2006||[[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]]

|-

|1||[[Brad Johnson (American football)|Brad Johnson]]||QB||2001–2004||[[2003 Pro Bowl|2002]]

|-

|1||[[Keenan McCardell]]||WR||2002–2003||[[2004 Pro Bowl|2003]]

|-

|1||[[Josh Bidwell]]||P||2004–2009||[[2006 Pro Bowl|2005]]

|-

|1||[[Dave Moore (tight end)|Dave Moore]]||LS||1992–2001,<br />2004–2007||[[2007 Pro Bowl|2006]]

|-

|1||[[Jeff Garcia]]||QB||2007–2008||[[2008 Pro Bowl|2007]]

|-

|1||[[Clifton Smith (return specialist)|Clifton Smith]]||RS||2008–2009||[[2009 Pro Bowl|2008]]

|-

|1||[[Donald Penn]]||T||2006–2013||[[2011 Pro Bowl|2010]]

|-

|1||[[Vincent Jackson]]||WR||2012–2016||[[2013 Pro Bowl|2012]]

|-

|1||style="background:#ffb"|[[Darrelle Revis]]||CB||2013||[[2014 Pro Bowl|2013]]

|-

|1||[[Lavonte David]]||ILB||2012–present||[[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]]

|-

|1||[[Logan Mankins]]||G||2014–2015||[[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]]

|-

|1||[[Jameis Winston]]||QB||2015–2019||[[2016 Pro Bowl|2015]]

|-

|1||[[Kwon Alexander]]||OLB||2015–2018||[[2018 Pro Bowl|2017]]

|-

|1||[[Chris Godwin]]||WR||2017–present||[[2020 Pro Bowl|2019]]

|-

|1||[[Jason Pierre-Paul]]||OLB||2018–2021||[[2021 Pro Bowl|2020]]

|-

|1||[[Tom Brady]]||QB||2020–2022||[[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]]

|-

|1||[[Ryan Jensen (American football)|Ryan Jensen]]||C||2018–2023||[[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]]

|-

|1||[[Ali Marpet]]||G||2015–2021||[[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]]

|-

|1||[[Devin White]]||ILB||2019–2023||[[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]]

|-

|1||[[Antoine Winfield Jr.]]||FS||2020–present||[[2022 Pro Bowl|2021]]

|-

! colspan="5" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Head Coaches

|-

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"colspan=2|Coach

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"colspan=2|Tenure

! style="width:150px; {{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Pro Bowls

|-

|colspan=2|[[John McKay (American football)|John McKay]]||colspan=2|1976–1984||[[1982 Pro Bowl|1981]]

|-

|style="background:#ffb" colspan=2|[[Tony Dungy]]||colspan=2|1996–2001||[[2000 Pro Bowl|1999]]

|}

{{col-3}}

===PFWA All-Rookie Team===

Many members drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been selected to the [[Pro Football Writers of America NFL All-Rookie Team]]:

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center"

|-

| colspan="3" style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|'''PFWA All-Rookie Team'''

|-

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Season

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Player

! style="{{NFLAltPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers}};"|Position

|-

|[[1976 NFL season|1976]]||[[Lee Roy Selmon]]||DE (Second Team)

|-

|1976||[[Steve Young (offensive tackle)|Steve Young]]||T (Second Team)

|-

|[[1978 NFL season|1978]]||[[Doug Williams (quarterback)|Doug Williams]]||QB

|-

|[[1979 NFL season|1979]]||[[Greg Roberts (American football)|Greg Roberts]]||G

|-

|[[1980 NFL season|1980]]||[[Ray Snell]]||G

|-

|[[1981 NFL season|1981]]||[[Hugh Green (American football)|Hugh Green]]||OLB

|-

|[[1982 NFL season|1982]]||[[Sean Farrell (American football)|Sean Farrell]]||G

|-

|[[1984 NFL season|1984]]||[[Keith Browner]]||OLB

|-

|1984||[[Ron Heller (offensive tackle)|Ron Heller]]||T

|-

|[[1986 NFL season|1986]]||[[J.D. Maarleveld]]||T

|-

|[[1987 NFL season|1987]]||[[Vinny Testaverde]]||QB

|-

|[[1988 NFL season|1988]]||[[Sidney Coleman (American football)|Sidney Coleman]]||ILB

|-

|1988||[[Paul Gruber]]||G

|-

|[[1989 NFL season|1989]]||[[Chris Mohr]]||P

|-

|[[1990 NFL season|1990]]||[[Steve Christie]]||PK

|-

|[[1991 NFL season|1991]]||[[Lawrence Dawsey]]||WR

|-

|[[1992 NFL season|1992]]||[[Santana Dotson]]||DE

|-

|[[1993 NFL season|1993]]||[[Eric Curry]]||DE

|-

|[[1994 NFL season|1994]]||[[Errict Rhett]]||RB

|-

|[[1995 NFL season|1995]]||[[Derrick Brooks]]||LB

|-

|1995||[[Warren Sapp]]||DT

|-

|[[1996 NFL season|1996]]||[[Donnie Abraham]]||CB

|-

|[[1997 NFL season|1997]]||[[Reidel Anthony]]||WR

|-

|1997||[[Warrick Dunn]]||RB

|-

|1997||[[Frank Middleton]]||G

|-

|[[1998 NFL season|1998]]||[[Jacquez Green]]||PR

|-

|[[1999 NFL season|1999]]||[[Martin Gramatica]]||PK

|-

|1999||[[John McLaughlin (American football)|John McLaughlin]]||ST

|-

|[[2001 NFL season|2001]]||[[Kenyatta Walker]]||T

|-

|[[2004 NFL season|2004]]||[[Michael Clayton (American football)|Michael Clayton]]||WR

|-

|[[2005 NFL season|2005]]||[[Dan Buenning]]||G

|-

|2005||[[Cadillac Williams]]||RB

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2007|2007]]||[[Gaines Adams]]||DE

|-

|2007||[[Arron Sears]]||G

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2008|2008]]||[[Clifton Smith (return specialist)|Clifton Smith]]||PR

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2010|2010]]||[[LeGarrette Blount]]||RB

|-

|2010||[[Mike Williams (wide receiver, born 1987)|Mike Williams]]||WR

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2012|2012]]||[[Mark Barron]]||S

|-

|2012||[[Lavonte David]]||LB

|-

|2012||[[Doug Martin (running back)|Doug Martin]]||RB

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2013|2013]]||[[Mike Glennon]]||QB

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2014|2014]]||[[Mike Evans (wide receiver)|Mike Evans]]||WR

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2015|2015]]||[[Kwon Alexander]]||LB

|-

|2015||[[Ali Marpet]]||G

|-

|2015||[[Donovan Smith]]||T

|-

|2015||[[Jameis Winston]]||QB

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2016|2016]]||[[Vernon Hargreaves|Vernon Hargreaves III]]||CB

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2019|2019]]||[[Sean Murphy-Bunting]]||CB

|-

|2019||[[Devin White]]||LB

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2020|2020]]||[[Antoine Winfield Jr.]]||S

|-

|2020||[[Tristan Wirfs]]||T

|-

|[[PFWA All-Rookie Team#2024|2024]]|| [[Bucky Irving]] || RB

|}

{{col-end}}

===A Football Life / The Timeline / Hard Knocks===

Former Buccaneer players and seasons profiled on ''[[A Football Life]]'' and ''[[The Timeline]]'':

* [[Warren Sapp]]<ref name="q926">{{cite web | last=Liotta | first=Colin | title=Watch: 'A Football Life' featuring Warren Sapp | website=Bucs Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2020-06-04 | url=https://bucswire.usatoday.com/2020/06/04/watch-a-football-life-featuring-warren-sapp/ | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref>

* [[Ronde Barber]] (along with his twin brother [[Tiki Barber]])<ref name="q533">{{cite web | last=Philipse | first=Sander | title=A Football Life: Ronde & Tiki Barber | website=Bucs Nation | date=2014-01-07 | url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2014/1/7/5284202/ronde-barber-tiki-barber-a-football-life-open-thread | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref>

* [[Doug Williams (quarterback)|Doug Williams]]

* [[Keenan McCardell]] (along with his former [[Jacksonville Jaguars]]' teammate [[Jimmy Smith (wide receiver)|Jimmy Smith]])

* [[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]]

* 0–26 Bucs: The players of the [[1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1976]]–[[1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1977]] teams

* ''[[Hard Knocks (documentary series)|Hard Knocks]]'': [[2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2017 season]]<ref name="l712">{{cite web | last=Auman | first=Greg | title=Where are they now? 5 years after Bucs were on HBO's 'Hard Knocks' | website=The New York Times | date=2022-08-24 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3484115/2022/08/24/bucs-hard-knocks-where-are-they-now/ | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref>

* ''[[America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions]]'': [[2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2002 season]] ([[Super Bowl XXXVII|XXXVII]]), [[2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2020 season]] ([[Super Bowl LV|LV]])

===Tampa Bay players===

{{main|List of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players}}

===Tampa Bay starting quarterbacks===

{{main|List of Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting quarterbacks}}

===Tampa Bay draft picks===

{{main|Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft history|List of Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round draft picks}}

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have had the first overall pick in the NFL draft on five occasions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Time Draft History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/draft.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==Staff and head coaches==

===Current staff===

{{Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff}}

===Head coaches===

{{main|List of Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coaches}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"

|-

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Coach

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Seasons

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|W–L–T (%)

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Division<br />titles

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Wild Card<br />berths

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|NFC<br />Championship<br />appearances

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|NFC<br />Championships

! style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|Tampa Bay Buccaneers|border=2}};"|Super Bowl<br />Championships

|-

|[[John McKay (football coach)|John McKay]]

|1976–1984

|45–91–1 ({{winpct|45|91|1}})

|{{nfly|1979}}, {{nfly|1981}}

|[[1982–83 NFL playoffs|1982]]

|[[1979–80 NFL playoffs|1979]] (vs. [[1979 Los Angeles Rams season|Rams]])

|

|

|-

|[[Leeman Bennett]]

|1985–1986

|4–28–0 ({{winpct|4|28}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Ray Perkins (wide receiver)|Ray Perkins]]

|1987–1990

|19–41–0 ({{winpct|19|41}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Richard Williamson (NFL)|Richard Williamson]]

|1990–1991

|4–15–0 ({{winpct|4|15}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Sam Wyche]]

|1992–1995

|23–41–0 ({{winpct|23|41}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Tony Dungy]]

|1996–2001

|56–46–0 ({{winpct|56|46}})

|{{nfly|1999}}

|[[1997–98 NFL playoffs|1997]], [[2000–01 NFL playoffs|2000]], [[2001–02 NFL playoffs|2001]]

|[[1999–2000 NFL playoffs|1999]] (at [[1999 St. Louis Rams season|Rams]])

|

|

|-

|[[Jon Gruden]]

|2002–2008

|60–57–0 ({{winpct|60|57}})

|{{nfly|2002}}, {{nfly|2005}}, {{nfly|2007}}

|

|[[2002–03 NFL playoffs|2002]] (at [[2002 Philadelphia Eagles season|Eagles]])

|[[2002–03 NFL playoffs|2002]]

|[[Super Bowl XXXVII|XXXVII]] (vs. [[2002 Oakland Raiders season|Raiders]])

|-

|[[Raheem Morris]]

|2009–2011

|17–31–0 ({{winpct|17|31}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Greg Schiano]]

|2012–2013

|11–21–0 ({{winpct|11|21}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Lovie Smith]]

|2014–2015

|8–24–0 ({{winpct|8|24}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Dirk Koetter]]

|2016–2018

|19–29–0 ({{winpct|19|29}})

|

|

|

|

|

|-

|[[Bruce Arians]]

|2019–2021

|36–18–0 ({{winpct|36|18}})

|{{nfly|2021}}

|[[2020–21 NFL playoffs|2020]]

|[[2020–21 NFL playoffs|2020]] (at [[2020 Green Bay Packers season|Packers]])

|[[2020–21 NFL playoffs|2020]]

|[[Super Bowl LV|LV]] (vs. [[2020 Kansas City Chiefs season|Chiefs]])

|-

|[[Todd Bowles]]

|2022–present

|27–24–0 ({{winpct|27|24}})

|{{nfly|2022}}, {{nfly|2023}}, {{nfly|2024}}

|

|

|

|

|}

==Culture==

=== Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders ===

The Bucs created an official cheerleading squad in their first season, called the "Swash-Buc-Lers". In 1999, they were renamed as the "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders".<ref>{{cite web|title=Buccaneers Cheerleaders|url=https://www.buccaneers.com/cheerleaders/|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|website=Buccaneers.com|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-date=September 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923235515/https://www.buccaneers.com/cheerleaders/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===''A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story''===

[[File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 19 - Ricky Bell (cropped).jpg|thumb|right|Bell's rushing abilities helped lead Tampa Bay to their first franchise playoff win in 1979.]]

''[[A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story]]'' is a [[made-for-television movie]] that recounts the life of the late Buccaneer running back [[Ricky Bell (running back)|Ricky Bell]].<ref name="d101">{{cite web | last=Levy | first=Daniel | title=Understanding the Message of 'The Ricky Bell Story' | website=Los Angeles Times | date=1991-04-08 | url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-04-08-ca-74-story.html | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> The movie takes place through a dramatic reenactment of the [[1981 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1981 season]], including actual footage of gameplay around the dramatized role by [[Mario Van Peebles]] playing Bell himself. Bell finds himself befriending an impaired child who inspire each other to become better in their own ways. It also includes other former Buccaneer players, like [[Lee Roy Selmon]], [[Charley Hannah]], and [[Doug Williams (quarterback)|Doug Williams]] (only through gameplay footage).

==Rivalries==

===Divisional===

====Atlanta Falcons====

{{main|Buccaneers–Falcons rivalry}}

The Buccaneers and Falcons met for the first time in the [[1977 NFL season|1977 season]], one year after the Buccaneers joined the NFL as the newest expansion team. The rivalry became fiercer after the [[2002 NFL season|2002 season]], when the Buccaneers and Falcons were placed in the same division, leading to constant clashes for the divisional title.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Choate |first1=Dave |title=What is the defining moment of the Falcons-Buccaneers rivalry? |url=https://www.thefalcoholic.com/2021/9/15/22673546/what-is-the-defining-moment-of-the-falcons-buccaneers-rivalry |website=TheFalcoholic.com |date=15 September 2021 |publisher=SB Nation |access-date=23 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Beheler |first1=Christopher |title=Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A History of Violence |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1417342-atlanta-falcons-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-a-history-of-violence |website=Bleacher Report |publisher=Turner Sports |access-date=23 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-08-17 |title=SI.com – Photo Gallery – Top 10 New NFL Rivalries |url=http://images.si.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/12/15/gallery.newrivals/content.7.html |access-date=2022-12-27 |archive-date=2010-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817012329/http://images.si.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/2005/12/15/gallery.newrivals/content.6.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Harrison |first1=David |title=Rivalry Week: Why I hate the Atlanta Falcons |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2020/6/24/21301381/rivalry-week-tampa-bay-buccaneers-hate-atlanta-falcons-nfl |website=Bucsnation.com |access-date=23 April 2024 |date=June 24, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Buccaneers' Rivalries with Other Teams in the NFL |url=https://bucsreport.com/2023/07/03/buccaneers-rivalries-with-other-teams-in-the-nfl/ |website=BucsReport.com |access-date=23 April 2024 |date=July 3, 2023}}</ref> The Falcons lead the overall series, 32–31. The two teams have not met in the [[National Football League playoffs|playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons Results |url=https://www.footballdb.com/teams/nfl/tampa-bay-buccaneers/teamvsteam?opp=2 |website=The Football Database |access-date=20 February 2024}}</ref>

====Carolina Panthers====

{{main|Buccaneers–Panthers rivalry}}

The Buccaneers and Panthers first meet in 1995, back when the later team joined the NFL as expansion franchise.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=September 3, 2014 |title=Series History: Bucs-Panthers |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/series-history-bucs-panthers-13627081 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=www.buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> However, the rivalry would take off during the 2000s with the creation of the NFC South and was described as "heated" and "physical" due to two main reasons; the first being that both teams fought for dominating control over the NFC South throughout most of the 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=David |date=October 10, 2008 |title=Panthers, Bucs have flourishing rivalry {{!}} CharlotteObserver.com |url=http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2008/10/10/243754/panthers-bucs-have-flourishing.html |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=archive.ph |archive-date=January 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130118233958/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2008/10/10/243754/panthers-bucs-have-flourishing.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Goodall |first=Fred |date=October 9, 2008 |title=Panthers-Buccaneers becoming heated rivalry - USATODAY.com |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-10-09-645327020_x.htm |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=usatoday30.usatoday.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=September 16, 2010 |title=Memories of a rivalry at its height |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/13140/memories-of-a-rivalry-at-its-height |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2006 |title=Bucs, Panthers have wild history |url=https://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Bucs-Panthers-have-wild-history-1515596.php |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Chron.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shelton |first=Gary |date=December 8, 2008 |title=BUCS-PANTHERS MATCHUP ABOUT AS BIG AS A GAME CAN GET |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2008/12/08/bucs-panthers-matchup-about-as-big-as-a-game-can-get/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Balog |first=Tom |date=November 9, 2003 |title=Bucs face nemesis Carolina |url=https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/2003/11/09/bucs-face-nemesis-carolina/28774148007/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref> The second reason being that players on both franchises suffered season ending injuries during their annual games. Examples include [[Chris Simms]], [[Dante Wesley]], [[Clifton Smith (return specialist)|Clifton Smith]], and [[Kavika Pittman]].<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Yasinskas |first=Pat |date=September 11, 2008 |title=NFC South's most intense rivalry: Panthers vs. Bucs |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcsouth/post/_/id/292/nfc-south-s-most-intense-rivalry-panthers-vs-bucs |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> As of the 2024 season, the Panthers lead the rivalry 25–24.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=tam&tm2=car&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

====New Orleans Saints====

{{main|Buccaneers–Saints rivalry}}

The Saints and Buccaneers have one noticeable parallel throughout the two franchises history, they were both regarded as unsuccessful franchises until the 21st century, which was both teams were placed in the NFC South in 2002, as well as when their rivalry would truly begin to take off,<ref name="Smith">{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=September 5, 2018 |title=Bucs-Saints Rivalry Hasn't Had Time to Cool |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-saints-rivalry-hasn-t-had-time-to-cool |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=www.buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}</ref> when both teams improved their fortunes, though the Buccaneers got over the hump first with by winning [[Super Bowl XXXVII]] and the Saints winning their first Super Bowl 7 years later in [[Super Bowl XLIV]]. The first meeting between these two franchises first occurred in 1977 when the Buccaneers beat the Saints and ended their 26-game straight losing streak.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zarpentine |first=Bryan |title=Unforgettable Games That Made Buccaneers and Saints Fierce Rivals |url=https://thesportsdrop.com/articles/unforgettable-games-that-made-buccaneers-and-saints-fierce-rivals/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=thesportsdrop.com |date=December 17, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=September 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910081220/https://thesportsdrop.com/articles/unforgettable-games-that-made-buccaneers-and-saints-fierce-rivals/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> While it is not the most well known rivalry in the NFL, it's grown into one of the league's fiercest and most physical. The rivalry reached new heights in the 2000s, which was when the Buccaneers had a higher advantage over the Saints in the regular season, when both teams started posting winning seasons in that decade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bob |date=November 8, 2020 |title=Saints vs. Buccaneers Series History |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/saints/gameday/saints-vs-buccaneers-series-history |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Smith"/><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nocco |first=Joseph |date=May 28, 2020 |title=5 Greatest Rivals In Tampa Bay Buccaneers Franchise History |url=https://clutchpoints.com/5-greatest-rivals-in-tampa-bay-buccaneers-franchise-history/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=ClutchPoints |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Adams |first=Bailey |date=June 26, 2020 |title=Rivalry Week: Who are the Bucs' biggest rivals? |url=https://www.bucsnation.com/2020/6/26/21302482/sb-nation-rivalry-week-who-are-the-buccaneers-biggest-rivals |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Bucs Nation |language=en}}</ref> New Orleans Saints leads the rivalry 39–24 and the two franchises met once in the playoffs in which the Buccaneers defeated the Saints 30 to 20 and eventually won [[Super Bowl LV]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2021 |title=All Matchups, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=tam&tm2=nor&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="e993">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Scott | title=Bucs Conquer Saints with Takeaways, Head to NFC Title Game | website=Buccaneers.com| date=2021-01-18 | url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-new-orleans-saints-game-recap-divisional-playoffs-tampa-bay-wins-30-20 | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref>

===Conference===

From 1977 to 2001; the Buccaneers played in the former [[NFC North|NFC Central]] division, culminating in two former divisional rivalries developing with the [[Detroit Lions]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Payton |first=Mike |date=December 8, 2017 |title=Lions vs. Buccaneers: Random Stats |url=https://www.prideofdetroit.com/2017/12/8/16749648/detroit-lions-tampa-bay-buccaneers-series-history-random-stats |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Pride Of Detroit |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Schalter |first=Ty |date=September 8, 2011 |title=Lions vs. Buccaneers: Is Detroit-Tampa Bay NFL's Next Great Rivalry? |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/840781-lions-vs-buccaneers-is-detroit-tampa-bay-nfls-next-great-rivalry |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref> and the [[Green Bay Packers]].

==== Green Bay Packers ====

{{Main|Buccaneers–Packers rivalry}}

The Buccaneers and Packers were division rivals from 1977 to 2002 when both were in the NFC Central division. The teams have played several notable games, including [[Snow Bowl (1985)|a Snow Bowl game in 1985]], a [[1997–98 NFL playoffs#NFC: Green Bay Packers 21,Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7|playoff game in 1998]] and the [[2020–21 NFL playoffs#NFC: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31, Green Bay Packers 26|NFC Championship Game in 2021]]. As of the 2023 season, the Packers lead the series 34–24–1.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=tam&tm2=gnb&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fox |first=Bob |date=November 18, 2011 |title=Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Bucs: It's Not the Bay of Pigs Anymore |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/946033-green-bay-packers-vs-tampa-bay-bucs-its-not-the-bay-of-pigs-anymore |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Michael |date=October 15, 2020 |title=Packers History: Favre, Sapp and a Once Great Rivalry |url=https://gameonwi.com/green-bay-packers/packers-history-packers-bucs-rivalry/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Game On Wisconsin |language=en-US |archive-date=September 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220910081222/https://gameonwi.com/green-bay-packers/packers-history-packers-bucs-rivalry/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Carlson |first=Chuck |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/956133168 |title=Facing the Green Bay Packers: Players Recall the Glory Years of the Team from Titletown, USA |date=2016 |publisher=Sports Publishing |isbn=978-1-61321-930-0 |oclc=956133168}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=December 17, 2014 |title=Series History: Bucs-Packers |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/series-history-bucs-packers-14602216 |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=www.buccaneers.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-19 |title=Packers take on Bucs in NFC Championship |url=https://www.packers.com/news/packers-take-on-bucs-in-nfc-championship |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Packers.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Philadelphia Eagles ====

The Buccaneers have grown a fairly recent playoff rivalry with the [[Philadelphia Eagles]] beginning in the late 1970s, but reached new heights in competition during the new millennium as the two teams have met in the postseason four times since 2000.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maaddi |first=Rob |date=October 11, 2009 |title=Buccaneers, Eagles renew old rivalry |url=https://www.theledger.com/story/news/2009/10/11/buccaneers-eagles-renew-old-rivalry/7988079007/ |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=The Ledger |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mullin |first=John |date=December 31, 2000 |title=COLD FACTS: BUCS WILL BE TESTED BY WEATHER, EAGLES |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2000-12-31-0012310249-story.html |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=December 31, 2000 |title=McNabb's three TDs spark Eagles' win |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/2000/20001231/recap/tamphi.html |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=[[ESPN.com]]|agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> The rivalry would return in the early 2020s when the Buccaneers beat the Eagles in the 2021 and 2023 NFC Wild Card games.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Goodall |first=Zach |date=January 16, 2022 |title=Bucs vs. Eagles: Tampa Bay and Philadelphia's Playoff History |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/news/tampa-bay-buccaneers-philadelphia-eagles-playoff-history-moments |access-date=September 6, 2022 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref> As of the 2024 season, the Buccaneers lead the all-time series 13–11. The regular season is tied 9–9, while the Buccaneers lead 4–2 in the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Philadelphia Eagles |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=tam&tm2=phi&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Los Angeles Rams ====

The Buccaneers have also grown a recent rivalry with the [[Los Angeles Rams]] as the two teams have faced off numerous times in the postseason;<ref name="m218">{{cite web | last=Rakestraw | first=Michael | title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Rivalry game battle against the Rams | website=The Pewter Plank | date=2021-09-25 | url=https://thepewterplank.com/2021/09/25/buccaneers-rivalry-game-battle-rams/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref><ref name="j665">{{cite web | last=Derry | first=Jim | title=Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Series history, vitals and trends | website=NOLA.com | date=2022-01-23 | url=https://www.nola.com/sports/betting/los-angeles-rams-at-tampa-bay-buccaneers-series-history-vitals-and-trends/article_189bef96-7bc5-11ec-ad64-e374a0a16b42.html#:~:text=BUCS%20SERIES,Angeles%20won%2C%2031%2D0. | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> first meeting in the 2022 NFC Divisional round,<ref name="d874">{{cite web | last=Auman | first=Greg | title=Bucs vs. Rams, Take 2: Tom Brady 5–6 all-time in playoff revenge games | website=The Athletic | date=2022-01-18 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/3076877/2022/01/18/bucs-vs-rams-take-2-tom-brady-5-6-all-time-in-playoff-revenge-games/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> and in the Conference Championship twice, both in 1979 and 2000<ref name="z562">{{cite web | last=Werner | first=Barry | title=22 years ago on Jan. 23, St. Louis Rams defeated Buccaneers for NFC Championship | website=Touchdown Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2022-01-23 | url=https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2022/01/23/22-years-ago-on-jan-23-st-louis-rams-defeated-buccaneers-for-nfc-championship/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cleveland/St. Louis/LA Rams |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=tam&tm2=ram&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> with the Rams winning all 3 matchups. The two teams became the first in league history to win a Super Bowl in their home stadiums as Tampa won [[Super Bowl LV]] in 2021, and Los Angeles won [[Super Bowl LVI]] a year later.<ref name="r621">{{cite web | last=Smith | first=Scott | title=Rams Deny Historic Comeback, End Bucs' Bid for Super Bowl Repeat | website=Buccaneers.com | date=2022-01-24 | url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-los-angeles-rams-game-recap-divisonal-round-final-score-30-27 | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> Both teams combine for four Super Bowl championships as they regularly fought for control of the conference in the early 2000s and 2020s respectively.<ref name="e211">{{cite web | last=DaSilva | first=Cameron | title=Devin White always has Rams-Bucs games circled due to LA's dominance | website=Rams Wire|publisher=USA Today | date=2022-05-26 | url=https://theramswire.usatoday.com/2022/05/26/rams-devin-white-buccaneers-schedule-circled/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> As of the 2023 season, the Rams lead the all-time series 19–10.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cleveland/St. Louis/LA Rams |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=tam&tm2=ram&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

===Interconference===

==== Miami Dolphins ====

{{Main|Buccaneers–Dolphins rivalry}}

The Buccaneers developed a minor instate rivalry with fellow Floridian team; the [[Miami Dolphins]]. The two teams had their first meeting in Week 7 of the 1976 season, with the Dolphins winning 23–20.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - October 24th, 1976 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197610240tam.htm |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The 1976 meeting was the only one where both teams were members of the AFC, with Tampa leaving later to join the NFC. As a result, the two teams can only meet as interconference rivals, which is not guaranteed to be annual. As of the 2023 season, the Buccaneers leads the all-time regular-season series 7–5.<ref>{{Cite web |title=All Matchups, Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Miami Dolphins |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/game_query.cgi?tm1=tam&tm2=mia&yr=all |access-date=2024-08-04 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Greene |first=Jerry |date=November 27, 1991 |title=BUCS-DOLPHINS: WHAT RIVALRY? |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1991-11-27-9111270610-story.html |access-date=September 6, 2022 |website=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref>

==Radio and television==

{{main|List of Tampa Bay Buccaneers broadcasters}}

In the [[2006 NFL season|2006 season]], the Buccaneers' flagship radio station were [[WFUS|WFUS 103.5 FM]] and [[WDAE (AM)|WDAE 620 AM]]. The play-by-play announcer since 1989 has been [[Gene Deckerhoff]]. Former Buccaneer [[Hardy Nickerson]] serves as color commentator, with T.J. Reeves as the sideline reporter. The Bucs have broadcast on FM radio since signing with [[Top 40]] station [[WRBQ]] in [[1992 NFL season|1992]]. The team moved to 99.5FM [[WQYK]], in [[1994 NFL season|1994]], then WFUS in [[2004 NFL season|2004]]. Preseason games not picked up for national broadcast are seen on [[WFLA-TV|WFLA Channel 8]]. [[Chris Myers]] is the [[play-by-play]] announcer with [[Ron Jaworski]] as color commentator.

{{Location map+ |USA Florida|float=right |width=349 |caption=Map of radio affiliates<ref>{{cite book|chapter=Buccaneers Radio Network|chapter-url=https://res.cloudinary.com/nflclubs/image/upload/buccaneers/odlv6ljypnp80aulr7fx.pdf#page=494|publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC|title=2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Media Guide|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/nflclubs/image/upload/buccaneers/odlv6ljypnp80aulr7fx.pdf|date=July 26, 2018|access-date=September 23, 2018|archive-date=September 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923235544/https://res.cloudinary.com/nflclubs/image/upload/buccaneers/odlv6ljypnp80aulr7fx.pdf#page=494|url-status=live}}</ref>|places=

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{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=27.876944|long=-82.590556|label=<small>[[WDAE]]</small>|mark=Gold pog.svg <!-- flagship -->|position=left}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=27.82 |long=-82.261 |label=<small>[[WFUS]]</small>|mark=Gold pog.svg <!-- flagship -->}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=25.9608|long=-80.2698|label=<small>[[WINZ (AM)|WINZ]]</small>}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=28.481389|long=-81.661944|label=<small>[[WYGM]]</small>|position=right}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=28.834167|long=-82.659444|label=<small>[[WXCV]]</small>}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=28.555556|long=-82.376667|label=<small>[[WWJB]]</small>|position=bottom}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=27.8895 |long=-80.5573 |label=<small>[[WROK-FM]]</small>}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=26.541667|long=-80.741667|label=<small>[[WMEN]]</small>}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=26.488 |long=-81.929 |label=<small>[[WWCN]]</small>}}

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=30.427222|long=-84.329444|label=<small>[[WTLY]]</small>}}

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[[Jesse Ventura]], the famous [[professional wrestler]], [[actor]], and former [[governor of Minnesota]], was once Deckerhoff's partner on the Bucs radio broadcasts. [[Scott Brantley]] was also a long time color announcer through the 2005 season. Ronnie Lane previously worked as a sideline reporter.

{{Location map~ |USA Florida|lat=|long=|label=<small>[[!WIKILINK!]]</small>|mark=Green pog.svg}}

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The Buccaneers' current flagship radio stations are [[WXTB|WXTB 97.9 FM]] and [[WDAE (AM)|WDAE 620&nbsp;AM]].<ref name="z141">{{cite web | last=Lewis | first=Dustin | title=How to Watch and Listen: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons | website=SI.com| date=2022-10-07 | url=https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/news/how-to-watch-and-listen-tampa-bay-buccaneers-vs-atlanta-falcons | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> The [[play-by-play]] announcer since 1989 has been [[Gene Deckerhoff]].<ref name="q592">{{cite web | last=Frenette | first=Gene | title=Gene Deckerhoff loves double duty grind as voice of Buccaneers, Seminoles | website=Florida Times-Union | date=2021-09-23 | url=https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/columns/gene-frenette/2021/09/23/gene-deckerhoff-loves-double-duty-grind-voice-buccaneers-seminoles/5823286001/ | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> Former Bucs tight end [[Dave Moore (tight end)|Dave Moore]] joined Deckerhoff as analyst for the [[2007 NFL season|2007 season]].<ref name="g971">{{cite web | title=Moving Upstairs | website=Buccaneers.com| date=2007-06-07 | url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/moving-upstairs-2187786 | access-date=2024-08-04}}</ref> [[T. J. Rives]] works as the sideline reporter.<ref name="f050">{{cite web | title=Bucs Radio Sideline Reporter TJ Rives And Rock's Bucs QB Rankings | website=Tampa Free Press | date=2023-10-31 | url=https://www.tampafp.com/bucs-radio-sideline-reporter-tj-rives-and-rocks/ | access-date=2024-08-13}}</ref>

Broadcast legend and former Green Bay Packers' announcer [[Ray Scott (sportscaster)|Ray Scott]] was the play-by-play man for the Bucs' first two seasons in 1976 and 1977. [[Dick Crippen]] called the team's games in the first half of the 1978 season, with Jim Gallogly taking over for the second half. From 1979 to 1988 [[Mark Champion]], who became the radio voice of the Detroit Lions (1989–2004) and then the Detroit Pistons (2001–present), held that position with the Bucs.

Former Buccaneer Hardy Nickerson served as color commentator for one season in 2006, until he signed with the Bears as a linebackers coach on February 23, 2007. Nickerson had replaced [[Scot Brantley]], who was the commentator from 1999 through 2005. [[Jesse Ventura]], the famous [[professional wrestler]], [[actor]], and former [[governor of Minnesota]], was Deckerhoff's partner on the Bucs radio broadcasts for one year, 1990, and former Buc [[David Logan (American football)|David Logan]] held that position after Ventura until his death after the 1998 season. [[Dave Kocerek]] and [[Fran Curci]] were also color commentators for the Buccaneers during their earlier years.

Ronnie Lane previously worked as a sideline reporter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bucpower.com/crawford2.html|title=BUCPOWER.COM|website=www.bucpower.com|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-date=September 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928040322/http://www.bucpower.com/crawford2.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Bucs have broadcast on FM radio since signing with [[Top 40]] station [[WRBQ-FM]] in {{nfly|1992}}. The team moved to [[WQYK-FM]] in {{nfly|1994}}, then to [[WFUS]] in {{nfly|2004}}, and then to WXTB in {{nfly|2017}}.

While regular season and playoff games in the NFL are all broadcast by national television contracts on [[CBS]], [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]], [[NBC]], [[ESPN]] and [[NFL Network]], the television broadcasts are for the most part handled by the individual teams. [[WESH]] simulcasts the broadcast in the [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] area.

CBS, Fox and NBC games are shown respectively in Tampa Bay on WTSP, [[WTVT]] and [[WFLA-TV]], while they are shown respectively in Orlando on [[WKMG-TV|WKMG]], [[WOFL]] and WESH. The great majority of games are aired on Fox owned-and-operated stations WTVT and WOFL, by virtue of Fox owning the rights to NFC games. WTSP and WKMG air any Buccaneers home games against American Football Conference teams. ''[[Monday Night Football]]'' games on ESPN and Thursday night games on NFL Network are simulcast locally on [[WMOR-TV]], who also previously carried the Bucs' ''Sunday Night Football'' games when they were televised on ESPN and [[TNT (U.S. TV network)|TNT]]; previously, the Bucs' appearances on the cable networks were seen locally on WFLA-TV and [[WFTS]].

At WFLA, [[Chris Myers]] was the play-by-play announcer with [[John Lynch (American football)|John Lynch]] as color commentator. Both Myers and Lynch worked nationally with Fox Sports at the time until Lynch became the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. [[Ron Jaworski]] previously served as color commentator, until he signed with ''Monday Night Football'' for 2007. [[Charles Davis (defensive back)|Charles Davis]] also served as color commentator from 2007 to 2008.

[[WTOG]] channel 44 also previously broadcast Buccaneers preseason games for many years, ending in 2002. Former CBS play-by-play and ESPN golf broadcaster [[Jim Kelly (sportscaster)|Jim Kelly]] was the play-by-play announcer for many of those games in the 1980s, and [[Joe Namath]] was a commentator.

In the early years of the franchise, WTVT, then a CBS affiliate, broadcast some Buccaneers preseason games. Sports anchor Andy Hardy handled the play-by-play, and for one game in 1978, his broadcast partner was his friend, Florida State alumni, and movie actor [[Burt Reynolds]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.buccaneersfan.com/|title=History of Professional Football and Stadium Sports in Tampa, Florida|first=Professor|last=Jam|website=BuccaneersFan.com Fanatical Fan site|access-date=April 18, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418181721/http://www.buccaneersfan.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Notes==

{{Notelist}}

==See also==

*[[List of Super Bowl champions]]

*[[Tampa Bay Lightning]]

*[[Tampa Bay Rays]]

*[[Tampa Bay Rowdies]]

==References==

{{Reflist}}

==External links==

{{commons category}}

*[http://www.buccaneers.com www.buccaneers.com] Tampa Bay Buccaneers official web site

* {{Official website}}

*[http://www.pewterreport.com Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and community] Pewter Report

* [httphttps://www.thecaptainsdecknfl.netcom/teams/tampa-bay-buccaneers/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Fanat Sitethe [[National Football League]] thecaptainsdeck.netofficial website

* [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/ Franchise Encyclopedia] at [[Pro Football Reference]]

*[http://www.bucstats.com Statistical information on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers] www.bucstats.com

*[http://www.profootballhof.com/history/team.jsp?franchise_id=30 Buccaneers team history page] Pro Football Hall of Fame

*[http://www.profootballhof.com/history/release.jsp?release_id=1285 1976 NFL expansion history page] Pro Football Hall of Fame

*[http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nfl/tampa/buccaneers.html "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Historical Moments"] E-Cyclopedia.com

*[http://www.dailygamecock.com/user/index.cfm?event=displayRegistrationPrompt&thereferer=http%3A//www.dailygamecock.com/media/paper247/news/2003/04/18/Sports/Raiders.Sue.Teams.For.too.Similar.Logos-421452.shtml%3Fnorewrite%26sourcedomain%3Dwww.dailygamecock.com "Raiders' lawsuit over 'too similar' logos"] ''The Gamecock'', April 18. 2003

*[http://www.bucpower.com British Buccaneer fan site] www.bucpower.com

*[http://www.PewterKrew.com "PewterKrew"] Ultimate Buccaneers fan site

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| years = [[Super Bowl XXXVII|2002]]

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| before = [[New England Patriots]] [[Super Bowl XXXVI|2001]]

{{s-bef| afterbefore = [[New England Patriots]] [[Super Bowl XXXVIII|2003]] and [[Super Bowl XXXIX|2004]]}}

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