(February 2006) Go to complete Bucs History

28 Feb - CB Juran Bolden, who would have become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday, instead signed a 5-year contract with the Bucs. The team is also reportedly negotiating with QB Phil Simms, OT Kenyatta Walker, DT Chris Hovan, OG Sean Mahan, and FB Mike Alstott. The team also needs to renegotiate contracts with a number of veterans or cut some players to fit under the league mandated salary cap. The team reportedly needs to cut between $14 and $19 million in salary expenses. 16 Feb - Nathaniel Hackett, a former Stanford assistant coach and son of Bucs' QB coach Paul Hackett, has been hired as an offensive assistant by the team. He replaces the recently departed Kyle Shanahan, we joined the Texans coaching staff. 15 Feb - The Bucs added some kicking depth for the offseason by signing veteran free agent kicker Billy Cundiff today. Cundiff kicked for the Cowboys from 2002 through 2005. He was successful in 73% of his field goals and 99% of his extra points. He had a career-long 56-yard field goal in 2005. 12 Feb - The NFC defeated the AFC 23-17 in the 2006 Pro Bowl Game today. Three Buccaneers were on the winning NFC team: LB Derrick Brooks, CB Ronde Barber, and P Josh Bidwell. Barber had two tackles and 3 passes defensed. Bidwell punted 5 times with a 48.4-yard average. And Brooks had 2 tackles and an interception that he returned 59 yards for a TD. He was named the 2006 Player of the Game. 10 Feb - For the second time in less than a week, the Bucs have plundered Pete Carroll's coaching roster at USC to fill a job on their staff, as they hired Greg Burns as the team's defensive backs coach. He replaces Mike Tomlin, who left Tampa Bay to become the defensive coordinator for new Vikings' coach Brad Childress. 5 Feb - The Bucs have hired former USC defensive line coach Jethro Franklin to replace Rod Marinelli in the same capacity with the team. Franklin had been with the Trojans for just one season. He had been the Packers defensive line coach from 2000-04. 2 Feb - Carnell Williams has been named the NFL's Rookie of the Year. Williams rushed for 1,178 yards, six touchdowns, and set a Bucs team record with six 100-yard games while helping lead the Bucs to an 11-5 record and NFC South championship. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in September and December, as well as the Offensive Rookie of the Year.