Dave Wannstedt Joins The Bucs

February 1st, 2013

The man who personifies a virtual hanger-on (still) riding the coattails of being associated with a two-time Super Bowl-winning coach, the corpse of Dave Wannstedt has risen again, this time with the Bucs.

Per Adam Schefter of BSPN, the Bucs have hired Dave Wannstedt as special teams coach.

@AdamSchefter: Former Bills defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt has been hired as the Tampa Bay Buccannees special teams coordinator.

Joe isn’t sure what to make of this hire. Wannstedt wasn’t an awful defensive coordinator, but he was simply over his head whether it be in the NFL or in college as a head coach. Greg Schiano was on his Bears staff (1996-1998).

Joe will stay open-minded and call this hire of Wannstedt as a special teams coach as, well, bold if not different.

36 Responses to “Dave Wannstedt Joins The Bucs”

  1. kh Says:

    Don’t know Wannstedt as a ST coach but his experience speaks for itself; great hire by Schiano.

    Within coaching circles he’s very highly regarded. The fact that he wasn’t a smashing success as a HC is completely irrelevant to how he will do as a ST coaches.

  2. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    @Joe

    Another experienced Defensive mind added to the mix…O.K. Is Dave Campo next.Lol

  3. kh Says:

    Put this on the wrong thread before but I’ve heard a number of Dolphins fans say that Wannstedt’s record looks pretty good in hindsight. They haven’t found a halfway decent head coach since he left.

  4. kh Says:

    Wannstedt’s record was 10 games over 500 with two playoff appearances.

    Coaches since him are 18 games under 500 with no playoff appearances.
    Jim Bates
    Nick Saban
    Cam Cameron
    Tony Sparano
    Todd Bowles
    Joe Philbin

  5. 4everBucsFan Says:

    Dave has coached for 4 NFL teams in some capacity or another as HC of the Bears to DC of Dallas, Miami, and recently Buffalo in his career. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the Bucs. With his knowledge he could easily replace Sheridan (if he struggles) to be our DC in the future. I think he’s a good hire and well respected by the players.

  6. Curmudgeon Says:

    I’ve always heard Wannstedt was very well thought of, even if he didn’t make a huge splash as a HC. Has he ever been a special teams coach though?

    But yeah, he’s also potentially a DC in waiting, if Sheridan’s defense continues to struggle.

  7. LUVMYBUCS Says:

    Dallas Cowboys/Canes

    Dave Wannstedt: Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers (1989-92)

    Butch Davis: Defensive Line (1989-92); Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers (1993); Defensive Coordinator (1994)

    Dave Campo: Defensive Assistant (1989-90); Defensive Backs (1991-94); Defensive Coordinator (1995-99); Secondary (2008-2011)

    Dave Campo is currently Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach at Kansas
    would make a great addition as a safeties coach-(ref.-James Washington SS-Darren Woodson SS-Bill Bates SS-Thomas Everett FS-Brock Marion FS-Kenneth Gant FS/CB)

    Somewhere Jimmy Johnson is smiling!

  8. JonBuc Says:

    Bring on Wanny…I like it.

  9. ClayBURN94 Says:

    The Tampa bay Buccanees

  10. TampaBayTaylor Says:

    I find this hire to be respectable. The man is filled with knowledge and experience. We had to have been one of the most penalized teams on kick and punt returns last year. Is there any crazy stat line that can show that, Joe? I think Wannstedt will bring a much more disciplined approach in our blocking schemes and overall performance

  11. MadMax Says:

    I like it!!

  12. Ian P Says:

    Make no mistake. This isn’t Raheem bringing in Jim Bates.
    Considering that Schiano has coached with and against Wannstedt, he knows exactly what he’s getting.
    I like the move a lot. Bringing in a guy with lots of experience is always good.

  13. PRBucFan Says:

    I’m diggin this move

  14. Piratic Says:

    @Joe: Corpse? Really? This guy just made the Bucs a better team, period.

  15. BigMacAttack Says:

    I agree with you guys. I like this hire, very experienced with defense and brings more to the table than just special teams. Schiano most likely had this deal done before he cut the last coach loose. Sorry forgot his name but doesn’t really matter. I’ll take Campo too.

    Have to also give Jerrah props for putting the band back together as well.

  16. BigMacAttack Says:

    Go Lightning!!!
    VJax on the Pre-game at the Forum. Taking care of Soldier’s kids, Jackson in Action Charity. I’m so glad we stole VJax & Big Carl.

  17. BigMacAttack Says:

    The Lightning have become a big physical team scoring 5 goals per game.

  18. BigMacAttack Says:

    Going to the Cup this year. Heard it here first. LOL

  19. PRBucFan Says:

    I wish I could get into hockey…

    Most I ever got into hockey was The Mighty Ducks lol

  20. MadMax Says:

    Ever been to a hockey game PR? If not, just go to one and you’ll be hooked…..and get on the glass 🙂

    Go Lightning!

  21. PRBucFan Says:

    I haven’t, I’ll have to do try that out.

  22. BigMacAttack Says:

    Lol I love it

  23. Dae Says:

    He is one of those guys who was a good coach but should never have been a head coach. A lot of experience and some rings, could be good.

    For those talking LIGHTNING… WOW are they playing good. If only the Rays could average 5 a game!

  24. MadMax Says:

    Imagine 180+ pound LB’s and Safeties….and they can fist fight! 🙂

  25. Paul Says:

    This is a good hire, why the hate on him?

  26. Eric Says:

    Total disaster.

  27. Capt. Tim Says:

    Odd hire, but could have a lot of upside. I’m good with it

  28. Piratic Says:

    You’re right, Eric: Everything with you IS a total disaster.

  29. Macabee Says:

    I don’t know quite how I feel about this hire. Part of me says you can never have too much experience, but how does this improve ST? I like Wannstedt’s resume in defense and having that experience around will surely help. But with his considerable resume of head coaching and decision-making positions, is this a guy who is going to throw himself 24-7 into the job of improving STs?

    There were young, up-and-coming candidates out there like Dwayne Stukes who left the Bucs and our ST rating went from 14 to 28 in the league. He is currently an asst. ST Coordinator with the Bears who is ranked 6 in the league. If experience was the overwhelming factor, why didn’t we pursue Rich Bisaccia when he was available? Or is Belichick the only coach out there who believes that you can successfully re-hire past players and coaches?

    I will trust Schiano’s judgment on this one and being one to give the benefit of the doubt, I hope he does in effect improve our STs and we get the additional benefit of his extensive experience.

    http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/teamst2012

  30. Paul Says:

    BucsNation doesn’t buy into the ST assignment and thinks he’s here for DC. Looks more plausible than ST, but I didn’t think Sheridan’s job was in danger.

  31. BigMacAttack Says:

    I don’t think Rich Bissacia left Tampa very happy. I doubt that he would ever come back for anything less than Head Coach. I believe he felt betrayed and IMO he should have got the HC job long before Raheem. I don’t expect to see any of the Kiffin or Gruden tree back here again. A lot of good coaches all gone for good.

  32. Eric Says:

    One of the most unimaginative dullards in coaching history.

    Horrific hire.

    Loser across the board, ask Buffalo. Or anywhere else the man has coached.

    Utterly incomprehensible.

  33. Bobby Says:

    I know Eric….just like you thought Schiano was a horrible hire. You have shown that you are without peer when it comes to judging talent. Yes…that was sarcasm.

  34. andres Says:

    Another veteran and proven coach, great hire!

  35. Christopher Says:

    This is a backup for Sheridan. He is on notice…

  36. teacherman777 Says:

    @Joe

    What are u talking about!?!?

    This is a great hire. I mean, talk about experience! Dave Wannstedt has head coaching experience! We are lucky to get him on our staff.

    It also shows us more about our Coach.

    Hes LOYAL. He never forgets the people who helped him.

    I respect that.

    The Teacher has spoken. Man.