The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are keeping it in-house. After reviewing other options, they’ve promoted Josh Grizzard, their pass game coordinator, to offensive coordinator. He replaces Liam Coen, who left to coach the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Grizzard’s experience with the team and knowledge of top NFL offenses make him an exciting pick. Fans and analysts are eager to see if he can lead another high-powered season for the Bucs in 2025.
Let’s examine what this new hire means for the team and how it will align with NFL Insights.
From Yale to the NFL
Yale (2012)
Josh Grizzard has coaching roots that go back to Yale, where he played defensive back from 2008 to 2011. He transitioned to coaching in 2012 as an assistant for the Bulldogs. Though Yale posted a 2-8 record that season, the experience put Grizzard on the map, and he soon set his sights on the big leagues. A quick internship with the Carolina Panthers paved the way for his next gig at Duke University.
Duke (2013–2016)
Grizzard’s eye for developing quarterbacks blossomed at Duke, where he worked closely with QBs as a quality control assistant. Among them was Daniel Jones, a future NFL starter.
During Grizzard’s final season at Duke in 2016, Jones completed 62.8% of his passes for 2,836 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions.
While the Blue Devils went 4-8 that year, the foundation Grizzard helped lay for Jones’ development deserves acknowledgment. His knack for working behind the scenes with talent hadn’t gone unnoticed, and the NFL was calling.
Miami Dolphins (2017–2023)
Grizzard’s longest stint was with the Miami Dolphins, where he became integral to their offensive growth. Over six years, he adapted to three different coaching styles under Adam Gase, Brian Flores, and Mike McDaniel.
Under Flores, Grizzard shifted from offensive quality control to wide receivers coach in 2020, a role where he made waves helping to develop Jaylen Waddle. Fun fact for NFL Insights junkies—Waddle posted 1,015 receiving yards and six touchdowns as a rookie during Grizzard’s tenure.
When Mike McDaniel took over as head coach, Grizzard’s responsibilities shifted again. In the offensive quality control position, he helped shape Miami into one of the league’s most exciting offenses. By 2023, the Dolphins led the NFL in total yards per game at 401.3—a stat that certainly caught Tampa Bay’s attention.
The Tampa Bay Chapter
Pass Game Coordinator (2024)
Grizzard’s work with the Bucs started in 2024 under former offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Serving as the pass game coordinator, he played a significant role in Tampa Bay’s aerial dominance:
- No. 4 in passing yards per game (246.7)
- League-best completion percentage (71.82%)
- No. 1 third-down conversion percentage (51.11%)
Translation? Tampa Bay’s passing game became a well-oiled machine, and Grizzard’s fingerprints were all over it. His ability to dissect defenses and dial-up high-percentage plays proved invaluable, cementing him as the natural choice for promotion when Coen left. With the NFL odds 2025 already shaping up, Grizzard’s contributions could be a key factor in keeping the Bucs competitive.
Grizzard Takes Over as Offensive Coordinator (2025)
Now the big question—what can we expect from Grizzard as offensive coordinator?
His background working with quarterbacks and wide receivers makes him perfectly suited to continue Tampa Bay’s reputation as a pass-first team. Grizzard has also learned under diverse coaching styles, from Gase’s aggressive air attack to McDaniel’s multi-dimensional strategies. So, expect some creative play designs—maybe even a trick play or two.
One area where Grizzard will be put to the test is maintaining Tampa Bay’s offensive efficiency. Reaching the top of the league in third-down conversions is no small feat, but staying there is a whole different ball game. Developing consistency in both the pass and run games will be essential if the Bucs want to remain a contender.
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
Grizzard’s leadership brings both excitement and uncertainty to Tampa Bay’s offense. The Buccaneers have the tools—talented receivers, a solid offensive line, and a system that thrives on calculated risks. However, the step up to offensive coordinator comes with added pressures.
Can Grizzard’s expertise transform the team into one of the NFL’s top offenses? For football enthusiasts, there’s plenty to look forward to.
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