Faceoff

Who is the best coach in Buccaneers' history, Tony Dungy or Jon Gruden?

By Times Staff
Published June 4, 2006

	Austin Carter
	Stephen M. Foy

We've turned our faceoff question over to you, the readers, and your response was overwhelming and passionate. We had many great choices to pick from, but finally settled on these two. For the best of the rest, visit our Web site at sports.tampabay.com. And check out Wednesday's edition to see next week's Faceoff question.

AUSTIN CARTER, 18, TARPON SPRINGS:

In six seasons, Tony Dungy coached the Buccaneers to a 54-42 record. He won one division crown, made the playoffs four times, appeared in the NFC title game and had five consecutive .500 or better seasons. He brought with him the Cover 2 defense, has molded head coaches in Lovie Smith, Herman Edwards and Rod Marinelli, drafted such players as Mike Alstott, Anthony McFarland, Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber. In all, 18 of 24 positions started in the Super Bowl were Dungy-era players. Since the Super Bowl run, Jon Gruden has posted a 23-25 record and one controversial playoff appearance last season in three years. He has more losing seasons (two) than Dungy did during his tenure (one). Although a Lombardi Trophy fills a resume for Gruden, a legacy was left behind by Dungy.

STEPHEN M. FOY, 48, PALM HARBOR:

When it comes to Jon Gruden vs. Tony Dungy, the choice for better coach is clear: Gruden. While Tony Dungy is an outstanding coach and student of the game, he does not possess the passion for winning that Gruden has. Dungy is mostly credited for building the defense that won the 2002 Super Bowl. But I believe the defense ranks high every year because of Monte Kiffin. Gruden will not take losing as an option. Dungy accepted losing and consoled his players, leaving them with more questions than answers. Gruden inspires players to use every angle of attack and advantage to win. Passion is the difference. Gruden has it. Dungy does not.

[Last modified June 4, 2006, 09:04:54]