In a forthcoming Pewter Report Conversation for the January digital issue of Pewter Report, Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber indicated that he plans to retire if Raheem Morris does not return as Tampa Bay’s head coach in 2010. There has been some speculation that the Bucs might replace the 33-year old Morris, who has gone 3-12 in his first year as head coach, with former Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher. When asked if whether Morris’ return will influence his decision to come back for a 13th season with the Buccaneers or retire, Barber said it would. “Absolutely it will,†Barber said. “I can’t say which way it will, either, but I think you can assume which way (planning on retiring). I have one year remaining on my contract. [Former general manager] Bruce Allen made it very easy for me to stay here for as long as I wanted when he signed me to my contract. It was fair on both ends. It paid me the right amount when I was still in my early 30's to make it worth it for me. I have another year on my contract, which I plan on playing. Obviously, certain things will determine whether or not I will play that year. I’m still enjoying it and feel like I can do it. There are still some roles that I can play on this team. My coaches now have accepted that if I want to play football next year that I will be here.†Source: Pewter Report
