Jameis Winston 'Always Fighting' for Dirk Koetter to Keep Job

If Jameis Winston has his way, Dirk Koetter will return as head coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019.

Per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, the Bucs quarterback emphasized the entire team is doing everything it can to help Koetter keep his job.

"Yeah, I'm always fighting for my head coach," Winston said. "Every week. I think we all are. We've got a lot of respect for that man. He holds us to high standards, and we've got to hold ourselves to that standard, too."

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora called it a "shocker" when the Bucs brought Koetter back for the 2018 season.

The Buccaneers got off to a great start this season, scoring 75 combined points to win their first two games. Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 819 yards and eight touchdowns in those victories.

That would be the high-water mark, as the team has gone on to lose eight of the past 11 games, ensuring a non-winning season for the seventh time since 2011. The Bucs are two losses behind the Minnesota Vikings for the NFC's final playoff spot.

Winston began 2018 suspended for three games after violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. He's been inconsistent since returning, throwing 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in eight games.

Since going 9-7 in 2016, Koetter has won 10 games over the past two seasons combined. Barring a miracle, the Bucs will miss the postseason for the 11th straight year.