The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wanted a culture change when they hired coach Greg Schiano to replace Raheem Morris.
Offseason Forecast: Buccaneers
Around The League examines what's next for all 32 NFL teams. Chris Wesseling covers the Buccaneers. **More ...**
Being "Youngry" wasn't going to cut it anymore. The Bucs needed discipline, and Schiano brought a heavy hand and a pair of eyes with sharp attention to detail. This led to some silliness in its own right, but the Bucs improved from 4-12 to 7-9. Progress is progress.
"We had one big thing we had to do. We had to establish a culture in the building," Schiano said Friday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "Sometimes, you have to go overboard one way or another to get that culture established. But I think at this point, our football team understands who I am and how our football program is going to be run. I think that happened as the season went on."
Schiano hinted he might be more relaxed on some of his more rigid rules in 2013.
"Oh, just some mandatory things I don't think grown men need," Schiano said. "Take mandatory meals. If a guy is meeting his weight -- we have goal weights a guy has to meet each week -- if a guy is meeting his weight, I don't think they need any of our staff making sure they check in for breakfast and for lunch.
Unofficial list of free agents
Check out this unofficial list of NFL restricted and unrestricted free agents for every team, which includes Greg Jennings. **More ...**
"They're grown men, they're professional athletes. But again, we had to establish a culture of accountability. But now they understand. And if your weight isn't where it's supposed to be, you will get checked in."
A hard-driving style can be effective in short bursts, just as being a "players' coach" has merit in the right situation. But the key is balance, which Schiano seems to understand.
Now we'll see if he's actually able to follow his own thought process.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.