Earlier on in the spring this year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced that their 12th inductee into the prestigious Ring of Honor for the Tampa Bay organization would be one of the greatest mentors and coaches this club has seen, Tony Dungy.
Back in 1996, Tony took over as the Bucs head coach after spending 15 seasons as an assistant to other coaches in the league. His regular season record of 54-42 is the best this franchise has seen, while he managed to coach this team to four playoff appearances during his six-year coaching span, the mentality and approach changed in this entire organization.
While Tony improved a struggling team into a perennial playoff team from 1997-2001, his defensive expertise is what really transformed this team and organization. Tony inherited a struggling team and with the help of a few pro bowlers in Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber as well great team players in John Lynch and Simeon Rice, the Buccaneers became a feared team with an incredibly strong defense.
Week 3 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the Pittsburgh Steelers for a highly anticipated matchup on Monday Night Football. Tune in to see the ceremony take place as the Bucs all-time great coach will be able to receive some appreciation from new and old fans as he will always be a Buccaneer. Go Bucs and thank you, Tony!