The Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization has initiated a significant overhaul, making the decision to dismiss offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, along with quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross, and defensive line coach Charlie Strong.
“Such choices are consistently challenging, yet the unsatisfactory conclusion to the season necessitated certain adjustments to our coaching personnel to guarantee we uphold the rigorous benchmarks established within this franchise,” remarked head coach Todd Bowles in an official announcement. “Every one of these coaches dedicated an immense amount of effort and commitment, but regrettably, the outcomes were not realized during the recently concluded season. Our aspiration is to contend for championship titles annually, and it falls upon me to make these arduous determinations to meet those projected standards. I extend my gratitude to these coaches for all their contributions to our achievements throughout their tenure, and I extend my best wishes for their future endeavors.”
Mr. Grizzard represented the fourth offensive coordinator under Coach Bowles’ leadership across four distinct seasons, and given that Bowles’ position remains secure, he is now tasked with seeking a fifth.
The offensive performance of the Buccaneers experienced a significant regression during the recent season, descending from the third position in the NFL for total yardage in 2024, achieving an average of 399.5 yards per contest, to the 21st spot in the most recent season, with an average of 320.4 yards per game. The club had previously secured four consecutive NFC South divisional championships and advanced to the postseason every year commencing in 2020, yet it has only triumphed in a solitary playoff matchup since Bowles assumed the head coaching responsibilities in 2022.
Throughout Bowles’ four-year tenure at the helm, the Tampa Bay squad has compiled a cumulative record of 35 wins and 33 losses.
From the time Bowles became part of the organization in 2019, initially as defensive coordinator, the Buccaneers have seen Byron Leftwich, Dave Canales, Liam Coen, and ultimately Grizzard occupy the role of offensive coordinator. According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, two potential candidates deserving attention are Nate Scheelhaase, the passing game coordinator for the Rams, and Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator for the Ravens.
Grizzard became a member of the Buccaneers’ staff in 2024, initially serving as the passing game coordinator, prior to his advancement to the position of offensive coordinator subsequent to Coen’s relocation to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Lewis, previously an NFL veteran with a career spanning seven games within the league, commenced his tenure in 2020 as an intern, subsequently ascending to an offensive assistant role. In the ensuing season, he received a promotion to assistant receivers coach, prior to taking on the responsibilities of quarterbacks coach in 2023, where he collaborated extensively with Baker Mayfield during the latter’s three years in Tampa.
McGaughey’s appointment occurred in February 2024, following his prior service in an identical capacity with multiple franchises, including the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets, a period spanning since 2014.
