Drastic Changes in the Buccaneers’ Coaching Staff
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced a series of significant changes to their coaching staff, including the firing of offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, after his first season in the role. The decision comes after a disappointing season for the team, which failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time since 2019. In addition to Grizzard, the Buccaneers have also fired special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, defensive line coach Charlie Strong, and cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross. These moves come in addition to the retirements of senior offensive consultant Tom Moore, 87, who amassed 62 years of coaching experience, and safeties coach Nick Rapone, 69. Head coach Todd Bowles, who according to sources will remain with the team for the 2026 season, expressed that these decisions were difficult, but necessary to meet the team’s high standards.Bowles will be looking for the fifth offensive coordinator in five seasons. The team is also considering the possibility of naming a defensive coordinator. Under McGaughey’s direction, the Buccaneers allowed an average of 28.2 yards per kick return, the third-worst mark in the league. In addition, they tied for the league lead in blocked field goals by opponents with three. Lewis had been on the team since 2020 before being assistant wide receivers coach from 2021 to 2022 and in his current role since 2023. The decision to fire Lewis, according to sources, was to allow the new offensive coordinator to bring in his own quarterbacks coach. The Buccaneers (8-9) failed to make the playoffs this season, ending a streak of four consecutive NFC South Division titles, despite winning five of their first six games. Grizzard was promoted to offensive coordinator in January 2025 to replace Liam Coen. Previously, Grizzard served as Tampa Bay’s passing game coordinator in 2024 and was responsible for the third-down play calling, which led the league with a 50.9% conversion rate that season. However, with Grizzard as offensive coordinator, the Buccaneers regressed on offense in 2025, finishing 21st in the NFL in total offense, despite having players like Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs, and Bucky Irving. Tampa Bay’s offense was also affected by injuries throughout the season. Key players such as Evans, Wirfs, Irving, Chris Godwin Jr., Luke Goedeke, Ben Bredeson, Cody Mauch, and Jalen McMillan missed significant time.“These decisions are always difficult, but the disappointing end to the season required some changes to our coaching staff to ensure we meet the high standards we have set here,” Bowles stated.
Todd Bowles
