Around the Pirate Ship Each week, I will ask some of the regular correspondents of the Bucs UK, what they think about a particular situation affecting the Buccaneers. And in the style of ESPN's superb "Around the Horn" program, you'll get their differing opinions. And the question this week entering into the bye week with a totally beat-up backfield is:- Do you think Jon Gruden should be coaching the Buccaneers in 2009? Mike Davidson The last four games were a complete disaster, but I see no real value in replacing the Head Coach (although I hear that Rod Marinelli is available). I feel the Bucs need to take a close look at the playing personnel and, unthinkable as it may seem, consider replacing some of the veterans who have served us so well - you've got to wonder whether Garcia, Barber, Brooks and Dunn will all be back again. Despite the December meltdown, there are a lot of positives to be taken from the season and Chucky will return, looking for redemption next year. Richard Lowe Should be? No. Will be? Yes. The contract situation makes it impossible to fire Gruden, but I expect (and hope) his contract is not renewed again. Forgetting the whole 'offensive genius' thing, we may have had 3 out of 4 winning seasons, but where exactly have we got in the post-season? Where are the young guys learning from the #55's? You need youth in depth, so that they can learn, then pick up and go without offense or defense missing a beat. Similarly, without any sign of QB stability since Gru-Allen took over, and a dismal future ahead of us, let them both go now, for the sake of the future. John Davies He’s not everyone’s cup of tea – he’s not really mine, but why fire someone just for the sake of it? There is too much OTT reaction by teams in all sports these days. Not everyone can win the Super Bowl; 31 teams will be losers. We have enough upheaval on the defensive side of the team at the moment and there are key players entering free agency. Don’t upset the applecart just for the hell of it. Nick Houllis Let's be honest, we all know this team has two coaches. And the coach with the unit that has failed IS leaving. The offense, despite having a QB who cannot find open receivers because he's 'making something happen with his legs', has actually improved. I believe Jon Gruden has put himself BACK on the hot seat for next year, where a playoff win should be required to save his job. So far, Jon has shown the ability to change his ideas from year to year; see ShotGun. While the head coach is responsible for the whole team, we've never given Gruden credit for the defense's accomplishments, so lets not fire him for their demise either. Even with the poor red zone performance, we scored alot of points this year, and more are to come if we resist the urge to make change, no matter what. Steve Garget 9 – 7 this year, could with a bit of luck (Broncos, Cowboys, Falcons) have been 12 – 4 but it could just have easily (Bears, Chiefs, Saints) been 6 -10. We seemed to have stood still for the past few years, the offense with the exception of the line needs rebuilding, the defense needs rebuilding and it could be argued that Tony Dungy was sacked for less. A decision needs to be made very quickly and a statement from the Glazers issued to that effect, so everybody knows where they stand. Jon Gruden says "As a coach, you have to take responsibility". I agree, it’s time for a change. Alex Howells I've pondering this very question. Its tempting to blame the defensive collapse that ruined the Bucs season on Gruden's managemenet, however I think that'd be unfair. Monte Kiffin announcement was poorly timed and obviously effected his charges terribly. Gruden's offence has actually put some decent points on the board and started to look a bit more 3 dimensional. I'd give Gruden one more year to make a long run into the play offs, if he fails then thanks for everything and goodbye. With that said with coaches of the calibre of Bill Cowher and Mike Shanahan on the market I wouldn't blame Bruce Allen to be tempted to make a change now John Tillyard He should definitely remain as the head coach for next season. Sure we didn't have as good a season as we might have hoped for, but there are many teams that had far wore season. Also we were in a pretty tough division. The bigger issue is he is going to do to improve our offense and maintain a good defense without Monte. I think he needs to find us a wide receiver and/or quarterback for the future within the next year or so, or his job could be in jeopardy. Do you want to be part of our pundit team? Drop me an e-mail and I'll include you on the question list in future weeks