Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, when asked about Koetter on Jan. 7, said he is "definitely a strong candidate." 

Koetter just completed his first season as the Buccaneers' offensive coordinator, and despite their 6-10 record, he called the plays for the fifth-best total offense in the league, which was headed by a rookie quarterback in Jameis Winston.

The team announced on Jan. 6 that it had dismissed Lovie Smith after two seasons. After an 8-24 record in that span, the Buccaneers had seen enough of Smith at the helm. 

Tampa Bay's track record suggests this might not be the most desirable job in the league. Per Around the NFL, Koetter will be the team's fifth coach in nine seasons.

But with a promising young QB in Winston and a defense on the rise, expectations will be high for Tampa Bay in 2016.