The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will bring head coach Dirk Koetter back for a third season.

  • Bucs were 9-7 last season, but 4-11 in 2017
  • Rumors had circulated that Jon Gruden would return
  • Team has struggled with injuries, close losses

The Bucs are 4-11 heading into Sunday's finale after finishing 9-7 and barely missing the playoffs in Koetter's debut year.

The Buccaneers' brass decided on Friday to keep continuity for now and award Koetter another season with the team.

Rumors had circulated in recent weeks that ESPN analyst and former Bucs coach Jon Gruden would return to the team he helped win the Super Bowl in 2002.

Friday's news also comes after reports that Koetter and QB Jameis Winston were not getting along, but Winston has denied problems.

Koetter's first season ended with a five-game winning streak that raised expectations for this season. But the team has struggled with injuries, poor performance and close losses.