The NFL views Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinators as potential head coaching material. In back-to-back years, the Buccaneers have lost their offensive play-caller to teams with head coaching vacancies.
Following the 2023 season, the Carolina Panthers hired Dave Canales. This year, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a persistent push to lure Liam Coen away from Tampa Bay to fill their open position.
Josh Grizzard could be the next Buccaneers offensive coordinator in line for a big opportunity elsewhere. At 35, he’s younger than Canales, 44, and Coen, 39, but he’s been in the league since 2017, when he held an offensive quality control position with the Miami Dolphins.
In Miami, Grizzard took on various roles under three different regimes, with head coaches Adam Gase, Brian Flores, and Mike McDaniel, which illustrates his value to coaching staffs.
Last year in Tampa Bay, Grizzard served as the passing game coordinator. So, his familiarity with the passing attack could help him get the Buccaneers off to a quick offensive start despite his play-calling inexperience.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield provided insight into what Grizzard is working on for the upcoming campaign and the coach’s involvement under Coen.
“The foundation is there,” Mayfield said to reporters. “We are working on explosive plays and fundamentals in the run game. Josh is still getting used to calling plays. He was instrumental in our third-down install and passing-game stuff last year. So he has experience.”
If Mayfield tops his gaudy passing numbers (4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns) and cuts down on his interceptions (16) from last year, teams will inquire about Grizzard in 2026.