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Buccaneers defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan expected to return

The Tampa Bay defense was one of the worst units in the NFL this past season, but much of the blame for that won't be laid at Sheridan's feet.

By Peter Berkes
Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense struggled mightily during the 2012 season, but defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan is expected to return for 2013, says the Tampa Bay Times Stephen Holder. The Bucs defense finished 29th in the NFL in total defense and 23rd in scoring defense this past season, but there are several factors reportedly weighing in Sheridan's favor.

The staff seems to think that the issues with the defense are more related to execution than tactics, giving Sheridan a pass for his aggressive style. Sheridan and the defensive staff were also running a new system that they weren't used to for the first time, which should improve in year two under head coach Greg Schiano. And finally, the opinion seems to be that the defense simply does not have enough talent to be an upper echelon defense in the NFL, which will take much longer than one season to fully address.

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