Buccaneers' Winston 'so happy' for reunion with Martin, Koetter

Somewhat of a red flag was raised in Tampa Bay when the Buccaneers fired head coach Lovie Smith in January and breakout running back Doug Martin was a pending free agent.

A few months later, some would say things are looking up for the Bucs with Dirk Koetter as head coach and Martin returning to the backfield.

Quarterback Jameis Winston would agree.

"I'm so happy to get Doug back. I believe we've got all the pieces there. We just have to get over that hump and I believe we will," Winston told 620-AM on Thursday. "I was so blessed to be able to spend that one year with (Koetter). I learned so much, just from an accountability standpoint.

"He's a great mentor. He's a great coach, and I will continue to have a good relationship with that great man."

It was a bit of a head-scratching move by the Bucs to fire Smith after a 6-10 season with a rookie quarterback, but Winston is adamant Koetter can get the job done.

"Coach K brought that swag back to the offense. We got things going early and I'm very happy to have him as our head coach."