Buccaneers Look Inward For Coen’s Replacement

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers search for an offensive coordinator continued Wednesday with the front office looking inward for their next candidate.

Buccaneers have initiated their search for a new offensive coordinator (OC) by interviewing internal candidate Josh Grizzard. This comes after Todd Coen unexpectedly backed out of an extension agreement to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coen’s departure marks the third consecutive offseason that the Buccaneers are seeking a new OC. Previously, the team parted ways with Byron Leftwich after the 2022 season and lost Dave Canales to the Carolina Panthers’ head coaching position last year.

Coen, who has alternated between professional and collegiate OC roles throughout the decade, is now embarking on another new challenge.

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Josh Grizzard, 34, joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as pass-game coordinator after being recruited by Todd Coen, who had previously worked with him.

Grizzard’s NFL career began in 2017 with the Miami Dolphins, where he spent seven seasons under various head coaches, including Adam Gase, Brian Flores, and Mike McDaniel.

During his time with the Dolphins, Grizzard held different roles, including:

1. Quality control coach (initial role)
2. Wide receivers coach (2020-2021)

However, under McDaniel’s leadership, Grizzard was reassigned to a lower role for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The Bucs eventually hired Grizzard as their pass-game coordinator, bringing him to Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers are unlikely to permit Coen to bring any contracted staff members with him to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team was reportedly blindsided by Coen’s departure, leading to strained feelings.

General Manager Jason Licht is said to be particularly upset with Coen, who allegedly avoided calls from Buccaneers management while secretly negotiating his exit to become the Jaguars’ head coach.

As a result of Coen’s departure, Baker Mayfield will now have his sixth play-caller in the past five seasons, with Coen set to call plays for the Jaguars.

The Buccaneers are considering promoting from within to ensure continuity for quarterback Baker Mayfield, with Josh Grizzard, their current pass-game coordinator, being a potential candidate.

Although Grizzard’s recent experience as a quality control coach (as recently as 2023) may raise concerns about his readiness for the role, his familiarity with the team’s offense could be an advantage.

Additionally, the Buccaneers may also explore external options, including several staff members from the Los Angeles Rams, to maintain some continuity.

Via PFR’s OC/DC Search Tracker

– Marcus Brady (Chargers’ pass-game coordinator): Interviewed on January 25
– Nick Caley (Rams’ tight ends coach): Interviewed on January 27
– Josh Grizzard (Buccaneers’ pass-game coordinator): Interviewed on January 29
– Dave Ragone (Rams’ quarterbacks coach): Interviewed on January 28
– Nate Scheelhaase (Rams’ offensive assistant/passing game specialist): Interviewed on January 27
– Grant Udinski (Vikings’ assistant quarterbacks coach): Interviewed on January 25

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