Editing Tampa Bay Buccaneers (section)

===Glazer family era (1995–present)===
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|title = Baltimore Sun: Baltimore breaking news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and traffic| 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]].

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

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.

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 [[1999 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|1999 season]] brought much better fortune. On the strength of the NFL's number 3 overall defense and a performance by rookie quarterback [[Shaun King (American football)|Shaun King]], the Bucs finished the season with an 11–5 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 beat the [[Washington Redskins]] 14–13 in the Divisional round, before losing to the eventual Super Bowl Champion St. Louis Rams in a low-scoring NFC Championship Game, 11–6.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - 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 reversal of a pass from King to wide receiver [[Bert Emanuel]], which ended the Bucs' chances at continuing their last-minute drive. In league meetings following the season, the NFL changed the rules regarding what constituted an [[incomplete pass]].<ref>{{cite web|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 – NFL Football – NFL competition committee advises reducing…|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"/>

==== Jon Gruden years (2002–2008) ====
[[File:Jon Gruden2.jpg|thumbnail|[[Jon Gruden]] coached the Buccaneers to a [[Super Bowl]] win in 2002.]]
Dungy was fired by the Buccaneers following 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>

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>

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>

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

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>

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>

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>

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

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.

[[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>

====Raheem Morris====
The [[2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2009 squad]] started out 0–7, behind Leftwich and later [[Josh Johnson (quarterback)|Josh Johnson]]. Following 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>

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]]

====Greg Schiano====
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>

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.

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>

====Lovie Smith====
[[File:Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading squad.jpg|thumb|Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleading squad, 2014.]]
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>

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>

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>

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>

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" />

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>

====Dirk Koetter====
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 following 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 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>

==== Bruce Arians years (2019–2021) ====
[[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]]]]
Following 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>

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

On September 6, 2020, the Buccaneers signed running back [[Leonard Fournette]], who had been waived the week prior 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>

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>

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>

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>

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>

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>

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>

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

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>

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.