Despite their 4-11 record, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers informed head coach Dirk Koetter on Friday that he'll be back in 2018, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.
Reports of Koetter's return come on the heels of rampant speculation that the organization would reunite with former head coach and fan favorite Jon Gruden.
Koetter would be the first Buccaneers coach since Raheem Morris (2009-2012) to return as head coach for a third season.
After replacing Lovie Smith in 2016, he helped guide the team to a respectable 9-7 record. Tampa Bay was considered a potential playoff team heading into 2017, but defensive struggles and a below-average run game have hampered the Bucs, who will miss the playoffs for the 10th straight season.
