Buccaneers Make Bold Coaching Moves: Josh Grizzard Among Key Offensive Staff Departures

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are charting a new course for their offense, with Head Coach Todd Bowles making significant changes to his coaching staff. While Bowles himself confirms his long-term commitment to Tampa Bay through 2026, a major shake-up has occurred on the offensive side of the ball. Multiple reports indicate that Josh Grizzard, after just one year as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, is out. This move signals a clear intent from the organization to revitalize its scoring unit and inject new energy into the team’s attack.

The changes extend beyond Grizzard. Quarterbacks Coach Thad Lewis is also reportedly departing, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. These departures highlight a strategic pivot as the team grapples with the need for greater offensive consistency and overall performance.

Grizzard’s Brief Stint as Offensive Coordinator

Josh Grizzard’s tenure with the Buccaneers saw a swift ascent and an equally swift conclusion. He initially served as the team’s pass game coordinator in 2024, demonstrating enough promise to earn a promotion to offensive coordinator in 2025. This promotion came after Liam Coen, the previous OC, left to take on the head coaching role with the Jaguars. Early in the 2025 season, the Buccaneers’ offense appeared to operate smoothly, showing flashes of potential under Grizzard’s guidance and raising hopes for a potent attack.

However, as the season progressed, the offensive unit experienced a noticeable decline in performance. This regression ultimately led Bowles to conclude that a change was necessary to achieve the desired level of efficiency and firepower required to compete at the highest level. The decision to part ways with Josh Grizzard reflects a high-stakes environment where immediate results and sustained excellence are paramount.

The Stakes for Todd Bowles and Baker Mayfield

Head Coach Todd Bowles’ decision to overhaul his offensive staff underscores the pressure on the Buccaneers to perform. With his own job security extending to 2026, Bowles is making a proactive move to ensure the team’s trajectory is upward. His top priority now is to find a new play-caller who can effectively maximize the talent on the roster, especially that of quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Mayfield himself is entering the final season of his contract, adding another layer of urgency to the situation. A successful offensive turnaround under a new coordinator could significantly impact Mayfield’s future with the team, and potentially Bowles’ long-term outlook in Tampa Bay. The quest for a cohesive and high-performing offense is critical for both individuals and the franchise as they aim for Super Bowl contention.

What’s Next for the Bucs Offense?

The search for a new offensive coordinator will undoubtedly be a meticulous process for the Buccaneers. Bowles will be looking for a strategist capable of:

• Innovating the Playbook: Bringing fresh ideas and schemes to keep defenses guessing and exploit opponent weaknesses.
• Developing Talent: Getting the most out of young players and veteran stars alike, fostering growth across the board.
• Elevating Baker Mayfield: Crafting an offense that plays to Mayfield’s strengths and minimizes weaknesses during a crucial contract year, unlocking his full potential.
• Ensuring Consistency: Maintaining a high level of performance throughout an entire season, not just in stretches, to secure playoff berths and deep runs.

This period of transition is a pivotal moment for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The decisions made regarding the new offensive leadership will significantly shape their competitiveness in the upcoming NFL seasons. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see who steps into these crucial roles and how they plan to ignite the Bucs’ offense into a formidable force.