NFL Team History: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, originally owned by Ted McCloskey, was added to the National Football League in 1976. McCloskey was an owner of a construction company; however, tax attorney Hugh Culverhouse acquired the franchise following monetary difficulties surrounding McCloskey.

The Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks began competing in the NFL in 1976 as expansion franchises. At the outset, the Buccaneers were placed in the AFC West Division.

After guiding the University of Southern California for 16 years, John McKay was hired as the Buccaneers first head coach.

The Tampa-based franchise began with a 20-0 loss to the Houston Oilers, setting the stage for 25 additional consecutive losses, which overlapped into the 1977 NFL season.

Following their introductory season, the Buccaneers were relocated to the NFC Central Division.

The Buccaneers finally won that elusive first franchise game against the New Orleans Saints in their thirteenth game of the 1977 season. The 33-14 victory on the Saints home field broke an agonizing 26-game losing streak.

The Buccaneers marginally improved to 5-11 in 1978.

In 1979, they were victorious in the first five games on their regular season schedule, and would end the regular season with a 10-6 record. Finally, the Buccaneers owned a winning record and clinched their first playoff berth. Moreover, they were the NFC Central Division champions.

In the franchise's first playoff match-up, the Buccaneers staggered the Philadelphia Eagles with a 24-17 victory. With a steam full of momentum, the Buccaneers hosted the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game. However, the Rams would send the Bucs back to Florida after a 9-0 shutout.