The 1994 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 19th season in the National Football League (NFL). The year began with the death of owner Hugh Culverhouse. Ownership was transferred to a three-man board of trustees. Season ticket sales dwindled, and rumors of the team's location were a persistent distraction all year. At mid-season, the new ownership removed all personnel responsibilities from coach Sam Wyche, and gave them to Vice President Rich McKay, who they named general manager. They also put the team up for sale. On the field, Errict Rhett became the first rookie in the team's history to rush for 1,000 yards, despite not starting until the ninth game of the season.
The Buccaneers had one of the weakest offenses in the league, even while led by a coach who had consistently produced top offenses while with the Cincinnati Bengals. At 2–9, most people in the Bay area were ready to hang Wyche and pack his bags, but the defensive line improved as Eric Curry finally matured in the second half of the season, and the Bucs began their first 4-game winning streak in 15 years. It started with an overtime win against the Minnesota Vikings. Two wins over the Washington Redskins and one over the Los Angeles Rams set up a big game in Tampa against the Green Bay Packers, who were trying to secure a playoff spot. "We've arrived", Wyche announced prematurely. The final game was called "Orange Pride Day", and was attended by 65,000 fans (although many were rooting for the visitors), most of whom expected it to be the last football game in Tampa. The Packers won, 34–19.
Offseason
NFL draft Pick Round Player Position School61Trent DilferQuarterbackFresno State342Errict RhettRunning backFlorida693Harold BishopTight endLSU1365Pete PiersonOffensive tackleWashington1656Bernard CarterLinebackerEast Carolina2007Jim PyneCenterVirginia Tech
Preseason The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went 2–2 in the pre-season, winning their first game against the Bengals at home. After a loss to Seattle Seahawks on the road, the Bucs beat cross state rival Miami Dolphins in game three. The last game of the preseason was lost to the New York Jets by one point. Expectations were for a break even season in 1994.
Personnel
Staff
1994 Tampa Bay Buccaneers staffFront office Vice president of football administration – Rich McKay Director of player personnel – Jerry Angelo Director of college scouting – Tim Ruskell
Head coaches Head coach/director of football operations – Sam Wyche
Offensive coaches Quarterbacks – Turk Schonert Running backs – Willie Peete Wide receivers – David Culley Offensive line – Bob Wylie Quality control – Mike Mularkey Defensive coaches Defensive coordinator – Floyd Peters Defensive line – Ken Clarke Linebackers – Maxie Baughan Defensive backs – Johnnie Lynn
Special teams coaches Special teams/tight ends – George Stewart
Strength and conditioning Strength and conditioning – Brad Roll
Roster
Regular season Schedule Regular season Week Date Opponent Result Game site Attendance Record 1 September 4 at Chicago Bears L 21–9 Soldier Field 61,844 0–1 2 September 11 Indianapolis Colts W 24–10 Tampa Stadium 36,631 1–1 3 September 18 New Orleans Saints L 9–7 Tampa Stadium 45,522 1–2 4 September 25 at Green Bay Packers L 30–3 Lambeau Field 58,551 1–3 5 October 2 Detroit Lions W 24–14 Tampa Stadium 38,012 2–3 6 October 9 at Atlanta Falcons L 34–13 Georgia Dome 52,633 2–4 7 Bye 8 October 23 at San Francisco 49ers L 41–16 Candlestick Park 62,741 2–5 9 October 30 Minnesota Vikings L 36–13 Tampa Stadium 42,110 2–6 10 November 6 Chicago Bears L 20–6 Tampa Stadium 60,821 2–7 11 November 13 at Detroit Lions L 14–9 Pontiac Silverdome 50,814 2–8 12 November 20 at Seattle Seahawks L 22–21 Kingdome 37,466 2–9 13 November 27 at Minnesota Vikings W 20–17 (OT) Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome 47,259 3–9 14 December 4 Washington Redskins W 26–21 Tampa Stadium 45,121 4–9 15 December 11 Los Angeles Rams W 24–14 Tampa Stadium 34,150 5–9 16 December 18 at Washington Redskins W 17–14 RFK Stadium 47,315 6–9 17 Green Bay Packers L 34–19 Tampa Stadium 65,076 6–10Note: Division opponents in bold text
Standings
Season summary
Week 13 at Vikings
Notes
References