In a move that was long expected, the Buccaneers have decided not to exercise the 2016 option on defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier’s contract, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter links). The Bucs will also not pick up the options on defensive backs coaches Gil Byrd or Mikal Smith.

Frazier, 56, got his first defensive coordinator job with the Bengals in 2003. After moving around a bit, he landed as the Vikings’ DC in 2007 and eventually ascended to head coach from 2011-2013.. Frazier joined coach Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay in 2014 and he is now following him out the door in 2016. On Wednesday night, the Buccaneers informed Smith that he was being dismissed. The Buccaneers’ head coaching search is now in full swing, though reports are indicating that offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is the heavy favorite to take over.

As a head coach in the NFL, Frasier owns a career 21-32-1 record across his three-and-a-half seasons with Minnesota. It may take some time before he gets consideration for another NFL defensive coordinator job.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

9:16am: The 49ers requested permission to interview Koetter on Tuesday and still haven’t gotten an answer back, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. That could be an indication that Koetter already has the Bucs job in the bag.

6:38am: The Buccaneers will conduct a head coaching search, but their next hire might already be down the hall. Even though the team will go through the process of combing through head coaching candidates, it appears that things are pointing towards a “coronation” of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times tweets. Koetter is in play as a candidate for the Dolphins vacancy and as Miami’s interest grew, Bucs ownership felt that it had to move quickly in order to keep its highly-coveted OC from jumping ship (link). 

[RELATED: Buccaneers Fire Lovie Smith]

As Nerdy Football’ 2016 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker shows, Koetter is among the baker’s dozen of known candidates for the Dolphins’ head coaching job. The two sides have yet to formally set a date for an interview, but Tampa Bay felt that things were heating up between their OC and South Florida’s other football franchise. Presumably, the Bucs are happy with the work Koetter has done with No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston and losing Koetter could be detrimental to his development.

Under Koetter’s guidance in 2015, the Bucs averaged 375.9 yards per game, good for 5th in the NFL. Tampa Bay also placed 5th in rushing yards per contest with 135.1 yards on the ground per game. With Koetter calling the plays, running back Doug Martin managed to get back to his old form while 2014 third-round pick Charles Sims made great contributions as a pass-catching option.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Divisional Round QB goes to the veteran

The decision has been made: Peyton Manning will start at quarterback for the Broncos in their divisional-round game on Jan. 17.

Head Coach Gary Kubiak told the team at its Thursday morning meeting that Manning would start. Kubiak met with Manning and Brock Osweiler prior to announcing the decision. (DenverBroncos.com)

Nerdy Football Analysis: When Manning relieved Osweiler in Week 17, you had to figure Manning would be the starter in the playoffs. Manning has recovered enough from his torn plantar fascia to get back on the field but concerns over arm strength and his poor play (9 TDS, 17 INTs) remain a big question mark. The Broncos will face either Houston, Kansas City or Pittsburgh in the Divisional round of the playoffs.

LSU offensive lineman Jerald Hawkins has announced that he will enter the 2016 NFL Draft, as Scott Ferrell of the Shreveport Times writes. The 6-foot-6, 305-pound junior is projected by some to go as high as the first round.

“After much thought and prayer with my family, I have decided to bypass my final year of eligibility and pursue a career in the NFL,” Hawkins announced on Instagram (Twitter link). “These years at LSU have been nothing short of amazing, but I feel I am ready for the next stage in my athletic career.”

The deadline for underclassmen to declare is January 18th, but Hawkins did not need to take things up until the eleventh hour. After a strong junior season, many expected that Hawkins would pursue his dream of playing in the NFL rather than return for a final year at LSU. With raw power, a big frame, and a wingspan large enough to make any boxer jealous, Hawkins soared when he was moved from right tackle over to the left side.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

The Buccaneers will conduct a head coaching search, but their next hire might already be down the hall. Even though the team will go through the process of combing through head coaching candidates, it appears that things are pointing towards a “coronation” of offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times tweets. Koetter is in play as a candidate for the Dolphins vacancy and as Miami’s interest grew, Bucs ownership felt that it had to move quickly in order to keep its highly-coveted OC from jumping ship (link). 

[RELATED: Buccaneers Fire Lovie Smith]

As Nerdy Football’ 2016 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker shows, Koetter is among the baker’s dozen of known candidates for the Dolphins’ head coaching job. The two sides have yet to formally set a date for an interview, but Tampa Bay felt that things were heating up between their OC and South Florida’s other football franchise. Presumably, the Bucs are happy with the work Koetter has done with No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston and losing Koetter could be detrimental to his development.

Under Koetter’s guidance in 2015, the Bucs averaged 375.9 yards per game, good for 5th in the NFL. Tampa Bay also placed 5th in rushing yards per contest with 135.1 yards on the ground per game. With Koetter calling the plays, running back Doug Martin managed to get back to his old form while 2014 third-round pick Charles Sims made great contributions as a pass-catching option.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.