The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were thought to be a team on the rise. But after starting the season 0-2 with losses to the Saints and lowly Jets, things haven't been looking great for this season. Now it seems as though their is a rift between the players and the coach. Many players have reportedly been unhappy with head coach Greg Schiano, namely Darrelle Revis, and quarterback Josh Freeman.
Darrelle Revis is coming off a season in which he tore his ACL, and missed all but two games for the New York Jets. He spent the first six seasons of his career with the Jets, mostly under head coach Rex Ryan, who is known as a players coach. His new coach Schiano, on the other hand is more of a stickler, and likes to keep his players in check.
NFL.com reports that Revis is unhappy with Schiano's rules, and he is also unhappy with the defensive schemes. Revis wants to play more man-to-man defense, because that's what he is used to, but that has not happened thus far in Tampa Bay.
Schiano came into the NFL with a reputation of being a tough coach who disciplines his players, and while that worked at the college level, professional players don't necessarily like it. Revis isn't the first one to be at odds with Schiano, as Freeman was reported to have demanded a trade after Schiano wouldn't commit to him as the quarterback.
Revis came over from the Jets this offseason in a trade that gave the Jets their first round pick. After the trade the Bucs gave Revis a huge contract worth $96 million over six years, but with no guaranteed money. SB Nation believes the contract is great for Revis because it is the equivalent of six one year deals worth $16 million dollars.
Given Revis' contract, and the fact that he isn't the only one complaining about the coach, Schiano's job looks very much in jeopardy. The Bucs have not looked like a disciplined football team so far this year, which is supposed to be Schiano's expertise. Combine that with the fact that he is not making his quarterback, and biggest star happy, Schiano might be looking for a job sooner rather than later.
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