Buccaneers Hire Ron Cooper As DB Coach. Why Should We Care?

by James Dator on Feb 22, 2012 11:04 PM EST

The Bucs just hired LSU's DB coach, is Morris Claiborne set to follow? (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

It's pretty rare that we'd both talking about the hiring of an in-division positional coach, but in the case of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hiring Ron Cooper it seems apropos. The reason for this is simple: He's Morris Claiborne's coach from LSU, and it just so happens that the Buccaneers have a glaring need at RCB, which will likely be exacerbated by the eventual departure of Aqib Talib.

Sure, maybe this means nothing, but really the concept of Claiborne falling to the Panthers at #8 (or 9) was always a long shot. Recently I thought the Bucs could go after Alabama RB Trent Richardson to sure up their running game for the first season of Greg Sciano's tenure, a stout run-first guy.

That being said, if you're the Buccaneers and you need to solve the pass defense woes of a team immediately then the perfect patch job would be to take the coach who turned Claiborne into a top 10 pick, and then take Claiborne himself... there's something to be said for continuity.

There is a silver lining to all this though, and that's Richardson. Some fans astutely pointed out this morning that Trent Richardson could be another player that playoff teams clamor for in trade up scenarios. We saw New Orleans make a big play for Mark Ingram last year, and Richardson is regarded as a far more complete back than Ingram was. This is the fun of February where we want to know everything, and yet there's almost nothing to find out... we'll see how this story develops as we hurtle towards the draft.

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Comments

It's an interesting coincidence

But I don’t necessarily believe it means that they’ll target him anymore than they already are.

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by Jake Humphrey on Feb 22, 2012 11:12 PM EST reply actions

Talib

I think we should go after Talib. Could be another Ken Lucas signing…

by Kingdsb on Feb 22, 2012 11:16 PM EST reply actions

Excuse me?

Have you forgotten this? Or how about this? Or this?

Follow me on Twitter at @JakeHumphrey91

by Jake Humphrey on Feb 22, 2012 11:24 PM EST up reply actions

This times 1 million.

The truth will set you free, but not until it is finished with you. ~David Foster Wallace

I may not always be right, but even a blind nut finds a squirrel every once in a while.

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by BW Smith on Feb 23, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

The most telling thing is...

The Bucs were worst in rush defense and 21st in pass defense (they would have been worse if teams didn’t just stuff it down their throats with the run game). And the Bucs aren’t bringing him back.

"Hell, they might put my momma out there now. And I’m ’a beat her like a drum, too."

~The Real, the Only Steve Smith, #89.

by ERL on Feb 23, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions

I don't know about the other incidents,

But that cabbie had it coming to him.

I don't want to draft Michael Brockers or Devon Still. Chris Kreider is the future.

by Son of a Newton on Feb 23, 2012 10:22 PM EST up reply actions

Another Smitty beat down every pratice?

To be honest the guy is trouble I think. would not want him.

I am a proud supporter of troll hunting.

by bigred28655 on Feb 22, 2012 11:24 PM EST up reply actions

Hell. No.

"What do you want to say to those critics now?"
"Just sit back and watch the show." -Cam Newton

by Smitty89 on Feb 23, 2012 12:11 AM EST up reply actions

It is reasonable to see the strings pulling on each other, because it is logical.

Now i will not say it is an absoulte, but getting a coach and drafting a former player of his, that just so happens to be a highly rated and possibly long term starter at a position of need, seems like a cacualated move.
Whomever we get will not be just a “leftover” but will be a long term starter and make an impact on the 2012 season. I think what this coaching sign shows us that if the Buc go that route we at least have a better idead of who and where our impact player may be as the draft boards fill up.

I am a proud supporter of troll hunting.

by bigred28655 on Feb 22, 2012 11:23 PM EST reply actions

no one made a play on a RB in the top 10

If a team does this year we will be ready.

by Relax on Feb 23, 2012 3:39 AM EST reply actions

I got a feeling the Jets could be a team willing to trade up for Richardson.

History is against this one, but I wonder about the Chargers as well.

"You know the new iPhone? It’s faster, more powerful and smarter. It’s revolutionary. Why can’t the quarterback be like that? Why can’t you be a big, tall, fast, quick, strong, smart, mobile quarterback who’s unstoppable?"
-Cam Newton

by carolinapillpusher on Feb 23, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

I doubt this

Ryan Matthews had a rough rookie year, but really came on strong this last year.

by lj1983 on Feb 23, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions

Haha, I've been saying this about the Jets for months -- I'm glad it's catching on

by daviddemont on Feb 23, 2012 6:04 PM EST up reply actions

this is dissapointing news

Right now it looks like our best bet might be for them to go out and spend big on 2 FA CBs. I dont see them being in much of a trade down spot unless someone falls in love with Blackmon. Or hopefully they just fall in love with Blackmon or Richardson themself.

I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was

by pcroadrage on Feb 23, 2012 4:10 AM EST reply actions

Hmm.....

@RossTuckerNFL
Love him & “only” a scope but bad time/era/position for Alabama RB Trent Richardson to have knee cleaned out.

Could keep him out of the top 10.

by Scrantsj on Feb 23, 2012 8:50 AM EST reply actions

Not saying we should but how freaking funny would it be if we could somehow pull off a trade that wouldn’t kill us with someone above Tampa and selected claibourne? Talk about sticking it to a divisional rival! LOL

by taichong on Feb 23, 2012 9:03 AM EST via mobile reply actions

It is pretty tough news...It's highly likely they pick Clairborne, but don't forget the draft is a very fluid process.

This time last year Nick Fairley was supposed to be the #1 overall pick. It wouldn’t shock me if they ended up taking an offensive type weapon like Blackmon or Wright to go with Freeman. Like Raheem Morris said, their offense has “no explosion” in a division full of offensive explosion, and that could severely hinder Freeman’s progression. Plus the Bucs need a sexy pick for their fanbase and new coach.

by carolinapillpusher on Feb 23, 2012 9:18 AM EST reply actions

+1

I don't want to draft Michael Brockers or Devon Still. Chris Kreider is the future.

by Son of a Newton on Feb 23, 2012 10:23 PM EST up reply actions

They definitely need CB help, and LB help, and OL help...

and they have much moola to spend in Free Agency. This may signal an intent to draft Claiborne (and probably does), but it could also be recognition that whomever they bring in at CB, they need a strong DB coach. This guy coached Peterson and Claiborne — nuff said.

"Sharks are as tough as those football fans who take their shirts off during games in Chicago in January, only more intelligent." - Dave Barry
"Actually, it only takes one drink to get me loaded. Trouble is, I can't remember if it's the thirteenth or fourteenth" -- George Burns
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by Rick Bates on Feb 23, 2012 3:22 PM EST reply actions