| 1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Owner | Malcolm Glazer |
| General manager | Rich McKay |
| Head coach | Tony Dungy |
| Home field | Houlihan's Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 10–6 |
| Division place | 2nd NFC Central |
| Playoff finish | Won Wild Card Playoffs (vs. Lions) 20–10 Lost Divisional Playoffs (at Packers) 7–21 |
| Pro Bowlers | 9
|
| AP All-Pros | FB Mike Alstott, MLB Hardy Nickerson |
| Team MVP | QB Trent Dilfer |
The 1997 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season was the franchise's 22nd season in the National Football League (NFL). Having gone 6–10 the previous season, Tampa Bay finished second in the NFC Central, and secured their first playoff berth since the strike-shortened 1982 season.
The 1997 season was notable for several reasons. The team retired their orange and white color scheme and "Bucco Bruce" logo, replacing it with a new more marketable and intimidating image. The brand new pewter and red uniforms featured a new "skulls and swords" logo, new fonts, and prominent end zone markings. The 1997 season would also be their final season playing in Houlihan's Stadium. Next door, the much-anticipated Raymond James Stadium was under construction. It was also future hall of famer Ronde Barber's first season with the team.
The Buccaneers stunned many analysts by starting the regular season with a 5–0 record. The Buccaneers had totaled more than five wins in only five of their previous fourteen seasons. By the end of the season, they had built a record of 10–6 and went to the playoffs for the first time in 15 years. Tampa Bay defeated Detroit 20–10 in the Wild Card round, their first playoff victory since 1979. They lost to the eventual NFC champion Green Bay Packers, 21–7 in the Divisional Round.