The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were left scrambling after Liam Coen’s stunning departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they’ve quickly moved to solidify their offensive leadership. In a move that keeps continuity within the franchise, the Buccaneers have promoted Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“The Bucs are promoting Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator, sources tell The Insiders,” Pelissero reported. “A Yale alum, Grizzard spent seven years with the Dolphins before joining Tampa Bay last year as pass game coordinator. Now the 34-year-old replaces Liam Coen as OC.”
Grizzard Steps In After Extensive Search
The Buccaneers conducted a wide-ranging search for their new offensive leader before settling on an in-house promotion. While Grizzard was the first internal candidate interviewed, the team also looked at several outside options, including:
- Dave Ragone (Rams quarterbacks coach)
- Nate Scheelhaase (Rams offensive assistant/pass game specialist)
- Nick Caley (Rams tight ends coach/pass game coordinator)
- Marcus Brady (Chargers pass game coordinator)
- Grant Udinski (Vikings assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach)
After weighing their options, Tampa Bay ultimately opted for continuity, believing that Grizzard can build on the offensive momentum that Coen helped establish last season.
How Liam Coen’s Exit Blindsided the Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s coaching drama took a bizarre turn over the weekend when Coen, who was expected to return as the highest-paid offensive coordinator in the NFL, abruptly chose Jacksonville’s head coaching job instead.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Coen initially told head coach Todd Bowles that he was still dealing with personal matters and needed time. But behind the scenes, the situation took a dramatic twist.
“During the 5 p.m. hour [Thursday], Coen called Bowles and told him he was still dealing with his personal matter. He also told him that things had materially changed in Jacksonville, and that he was going to travel there to explore the opening,” Breer reported.
What the Buccaneers didn’t expect? Coen was already in the Jaguars’ building.
“Within an hour of that phone call, a Bucs staffer got tipped off by someone in the Jaguars’ facility that Coen was already in the building,” Breer added.
It was a shocking betrayal, leaving the Buccaneers scrambling to fill the void just days after they believed Coen was locked in for 2025.
Can Josh Grizzard Keep Tampa’s Offense on Track?
Now, all eyes turn to Josh Grizzard and whether he can maintain the offensive firepower Coen was supposed to lead.
A former pass game coordinator, Grizzard brings a deep knowledge of Tampa Bay’s offensive system and has already earned the trust of the organization. His challenge will be maximizing the potential of the Buccaneers’ quarterback situation, whether that means working with Baker Mayfield or overseeing a potential change under center.
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
The Buccaneers are still reeling from Coen’s departure, but they believe Grizzard can keep them competitive in an evolving NFC South. Now, the focus shifts to:
- Solidifying the QB position – Will the team stick with Baker Mayfield, or explore a new direction?
- Reinforcing the offensive scheme – Can Grizzard keep the offense explosive and balanced?
- Moving past the Coen fiasco – The Buccaneers need to rally behind Grizzard and turn the page.
One thing is certain—Tampa Bay didn’t expect to be in this situation. But with Grizzard now in command, the Buccaneers aren’t backing down from the challenge ahead.
