For the third time in his Tampa Bay Buccaneers tenure that started in March 2023, quarterback Baker Mayfield has a brand new offensive coordinator. The Buccaneers promoted Josh Grizzard from cross sport coordinator to switch present Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen.
NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports activities Illustrated just lately defined how Mayfield made a giant transfer to arrange for taking part in underneath Grizzard.
“Earlier this yr, Mayfield and his spouse bought their place in his native Texas and moved full-time to Tampa,” Breer mentioned. “…The upshot has been Tampa with the ability to hit the bottom operating within the spring. With Mayfield and Grizzard establishing early on their plans to tweak the offense Coen introduced in final yr, relatively than overhaul something…the quarterback had the possibility to be the instructor for his younger receivers earlier than they even received in entrance of the coaches. That occurred through the useless interval, with Mayfield internet hosting exercises on the Tampa space coaching facility the place he does his offseason work.”
Teammates equivalent to linebacker Lavonte David and running back Rachaad White have spoken for the reason that finish of the 2024 season about how Mayfield is now the undisputed chief of Tampa Bay’s offense. Throughout his first two seasons with the Buccaneers, Mayfield performed properly sufficient for Coen and fellow former OC Dave Canales (Carolina Panthers) to obtain head teaching gigs elsewhere. Most just lately, the 30-year-old posted the most effective regular-season numbers of his profession in Coen’s offense.
Based on Pro Football Reference, Mayfield ended this previous common season ranked fourth within the NFL with a 106.8 passer ranking, tied for second with 41 passing touchdowns and third with 4,500 passing yards. He signed a three-year contract in March 2024 however might put pen to paper on an enormous extension subsequent offseason if he guides the club to what can be a sixth-straight playoff look.
“Whereas stability of coordinator, play-caller and system would clearly be preferable, Mayfield and the Bucs are clearly doing all they will with the scenario they’re in,” Breer added about how Tampa Bay has been spending springtime exercises.
Historical past exhibits that having Mayfield as a QB1 can do wonders for a Tampa Bay coordinator’s profession. One wonders if Grizzard will obtain calls about head-coach openings in January 2026 if he efficiently builds upon what Coen and Mayfield achieved of their one season collectively.
