The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired Head Coach Jon Gruden and General Manager Bruce Allen.
After 7 seasons with the team, Gruden is on his way out. Gruden won a Super Bowl in his first year with the team, but up and down seasons since then appear to have sealed his fate. The Bucs were off to a hot start in 2008, but faltered down the stretch and didn't make the playoffs.
The search for a new coach begins immediately.
Added to by JScott:
To say the least I'm pretty shocked. At the onset I agree with Bruce Allen going, Gruden? Not so much. We went to the Post-Season three times (in seven years) under Gruden and he actually had a winning record here, BUT he was stubborn in his play calling and in his dealings with players. At this point, I'm sorry to see him go, but I'm happy to see the Owners Buc' Up if you will and prove they aren't satisfied with mediocrity. Bruce Allen wasnt able to bring in the necessary talent to make this franchise a consistent power house and Gruden to some extent has to be held accountable for that as well...
It appears that the Glazers thought long and hard about this decision and I can't wait to see the plan they will be putting in place. Many fans were beckoning for a new start and here it is... Your thoughts?
...UPDATE...
ESPN's John Clayton said Gruden was blindsided by the news. That GM Bruce Allen was in contract negotiations trying to bring back LB Coach Joe Barry for Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris today when he was informed of the decision. You gotta wonder if there was some sort of blow up that occurred..
Glazers on the change at Head Coach and General Manager:
"We will be forever grateful for Jon bringing us the Super Bowl title and we thank Bruce for his contributions to our franchise," said Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer in a statement releaed by the team. "However, after careful consideration, we feel this decision is in the best interest of our organization moving forward." - Bucs Beat