Greg Schiano criticized for approach with players

In the wake of the Buccaneers soap opera this week, reports are now coming out that Greg Schiano’s approach with players is out of control.

by Jon Benne

Oct 2, 2013, 7:04 PM UTC

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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The relationship between Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman and Greg Schiano has deteriorated in recent weeks, but that's not the only schism the embattled head coach has created in Tampa.

SI’s Andre Brandt reports that Schiano has created a Big Brother-type atmosphere in the locker room, going as far as spying on players. From MMQB:

In speaking with agents of several Bucs players recently, I have sensed a common theme: There is an atmosphere of fear and distrust under the current regime in Tampa. Players have told their agents about coaches roaming through the locker room (typically the players’ sanctuary away from coaches) and staff videotaping players on the sidelines during losses to single out players laughing or horsing around.

The former Rutgers coach is also known for bringing in players from his college background, calling them "Schiano Men." Players like Aqib Talib, LeGarrette Blount and Kellen Winslow were unceremoniously shipped out for not buying into Schiano's hardline approach, and Freeman may join them on that list.

Bucs Nation: If Schiano is responsible for Freeman leaks, he should be fired

This isn’t the first time Schiano has come under fire for his blunt behavior toward players and coaches. In September 2012, Mike Silver of Yahoo Sports reported that many in the NFL saw him as a bully even before he got hired by the Bucs. One veteran coach told Silver, “It’s his way or [expletive] you. He needs to back up a little bit, or he’s going to have a very hard time in this league over the long haul.”

The Bucs currently sit at 0-4 and are unlikely to find a trade partner for Freeman after everything that has happened. If their season continues to go down the drain, Schiano could very well join him on the way out of town at the end of 2013.