The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after just one season, continuing a trend of instability at the position. This move is part of a broader staff overhaul following an 8-9 season and missed playoffs, raising questions about the team’s direction and the future of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have parted ways with offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard after just one season, marking the fifth consecutive year the team will have a new primary play-caller. This decision is part of a broader staff overhaul initiated by head coach Todd Bowles, who is aiming to address the team’s recent struggles and missed playoff opportunities.
The End of Grizzard’s Tenure
Grizzard, 35, was promoted to offensive coordinator to replace Liam Coen, who left to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Grizzard’s tenure was short-lived, as the Buccaneers finished the 2025 season with an 8-9 record, failing to make the playoffs. This disappointing performance led Bowles to make significant changes to the coaching staff, including the dismissal of Grizzard and quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis.
In addition to Grizzard and Lewis, Bowles also removed two defensive assistants—cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross and defensive line coach Charlie Strong—along with special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey. The overhaul continued with the retirements of senior offensive assistant Tom Moore, 87, and safeties coach Nick Rapone, 69.
Bowles’ Statement and Team Expectations
In a statement, Bowles acknowledged the difficulty of these decisions but emphasized the need for change to meet the team’s high standards. “These decisions are always difficult, but the disappointing end to the season required some changes to our coaching staff in order to ensure we live up to the high standards we have set here,” Bowles said. “These coaches have all put in tremendous amount of work and effort, but unfortunately, the results were not there this past season. Our goal is to compete for championships every year, and it is my responsibility to make these tough decisions in order to reach those expectations. I want to thank these coaches for all that they have contributed to our success over the years, and I wish them well.”
Grizzard’s Background and the Bucs’ Offensive Instability
Grizzard spent seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Buccaneers in 2023 as the passing game coordinator. His promotion to offensive coordinator was seen as a natural progression, but the team’s offensive performance did not meet expectations. Since the firing of Byron Leftwich after the 2022 season, the Buccaneers have had three different offensive play-callers: Dave Canales (2023), Liam Coen, and Grizzard.
This instability at the offensive coordinator position raises concerns about the team’s ability to develop a cohesive offensive strategy. Quarterback Baker Mayfield had a standout season in 2024 under Coen, achieving career-highs in passing yards (4,500), touchdowns (41), and completion rate (71.4%). However, the team’s overall performance in 2025 did not match these individual achievements, leading to the current overhaul.
Thad Lewis’ Departure and the Quarterbacks Coach Role
Thad Lewis, 38, who played quarterback at Duke and was on the roster of eight NFL teams from 2010-17, served as the Buccaneers’ quarterbacks coach for the past two seasons. Lewis had been with the Bucs in various roles since 2020, and his departure adds another layer of change to the team’s offensive coaching staff.
Implications for Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ Future
The firing of Grizzard and the broader coaching changes have significant implications for the Buccaneers’ future, particularly for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Mayfield’s success in 2024 was a bright spot for the team, and his performance will be crucial in determining the Buccaneers’ ability to bounce back in the upcoming season. The team’s ability to find a stable and effective offensive coordinator will be key to Mayfield’s continued development and the team’s overall success.
The Buccaneers’ recent history of frequent changes at the offensive coordinator position suggests a need for stability and a clear offensive identity. The team’s management will need to carefully consider their next hire to ensure that the new offensive coordinator can build on Mayfield’s strengths and address the team’s offensive weaknesses.
Fan Reactions and Future Expectations
Fan reactions to the coaching changes have been mixed, with some expressing frustration over the lack of continuity and others hopeful that the changes will lead to improved performance. The Buccaneers’ fan base is eager to see the team return to playoff contention, and the upcoming season will be a critical test of the team’s ability to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
As the Buccaneers move forward, the focus will be on finding the right offensive coordinator who can bring stability and success to the team. The upcoming season will be a pivotal moment for the Buccaneers, and the decisions made in the offseason will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s future.
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