Tampa Bay Buccaneers Bob Bostad best hire yet

Maybe we’ve just been so lulled with the never ending selection process that assistant coaches from the college ranks get us excited. While there will be plenty of NFL untested minds on the new Bucs coaching staff, the hiring of Bob Bostad is as good as they come. Yesterday, the hiring of Bryan Cox was one to get excited about. Today, Bob Bostad is another which gets the juices flowing. Two in a row? Let’s look at Bob Bostad and what he brings to the table.

Bostad started coaching offensive lineman in 1990, coaching at University of Wisconsin at West Point, CSUN, University of Minnesota, San Jose State, and finally New Mexico from 99′-05′. From 2006-2011, Bostad has been with the Wisconsin Badgers, serving primarily as offensive line coach though also serving as “running game” and “tight ends” coordinator. Bottom line, the running game and the offensive line were his priorities for 21 years. Instead of bouncing around wearing different hats, he has become an expert in a specific field. Bostad even has a masters degree in Kinesiology, which is basically the science of human motion. If you had an offensive lineman go to trial for his play, Bob Bostad would be the expert witness.

During his time at Wisconsin, Bostad has overseen the whole offensive line and coordinated the run game. Since we can directly attribute Wisconsin’s success at running back, tight end and offensive line to Bostad, here are some accomplishments.

First, 11 current NFL players have come from his watch, including Gabe Carmini, Joe Thomas, Travis Beckum, Lance Kendricks and Owen Daniels. All three of Wisconsin’s senior offensive linemen were drafted last year, one of only two schools to boast 3 of their kids getting drafted the same year. All three started on opening day.

The Badgers broke school records by rushing for over 3,000 yards the last two seasons consecutively. That was good enough for 12th and 10th in college football respectively. The last 5 seasons, Wisconsin has been one of five teams nationally to average 200 yards per game.

The Badgers ranked among the top 5 in the nation in points per game average the last two season.

Make no mistake, Bostad has been the key to the Wisconsin run game, tight end play  and elite offensive line. Though he won’t officially be the tight end’s coach, he will have some nuggets of knowledge to pass on to Kellen Winslow and veterans like Davin Joseph, Jeff Faine, and Donald Penn. He will also assist guys like Jeremy Zuttah who have upside but are waiting to turn the corner.

Offense all starts up front. A look at the most successful offenses in the NFL proves that with the right protections and execution, the run and pass games can thrive. This is the kind of hire which will help Josh Freeman and Legarrette Blount enter the top tier of their positions. Bob Bostad may be the best and most important hire the Buccaneers have made yet.