The saga between the Bucs and Jaguars has at least one more chapter to it, and it is likely the final one. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network has reported that Jacksonville is hiring Tampa Bay’s passing game specialist John Van Dam to the same role with the Jaguars.

If you’re wondering why this has been allowed, it’s because Van Dam’s contract had expired with the Bucs. Therefore, Tampa Bay could not block any attempt. After several attempts, Liam Coen finally is able to bring over one coach from the Bucs over to his new Jaguars coaching staff.

John Van Dam Leaves After Six Seasons With The Bucs 

Bucs TE Cade Otton – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Van Dam spent a good amount of time in Tampa Bay beginning in 2019 when he was hired by Bruce Arians to be the offensive quality control coach. He remained in that role during the 2020 season when the Bucs won Super Bowl 55. Gradually, Van Dam moved up to assistant tight ends coach in 2021 and then tight ends coach in 2022, the first year with Todd Bowles as head coach, and in 2023 when Tampa Bay hired Dave Canales to be the offensive coordinator.

Following the departure of Canales and the hiring of Liam Coen, Van Dam’s role was moved to pass game specialist. In his time as tight ends coach Van Dam worked with the likes of Cam Brate, Rob Gronkowski, Cade Otton and Payne Durham. Of course in the passing game he had the chance to coach quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. In Jacksonville he will work with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and up and coming wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.

Does This End The Gamesmanship Between The Bucs And Jags?

This adds to the ongoing saga that has been the back and forth between the Bucs and Jaguars. As the storyline goes, the Liam Coen interviewed with Jacksonville but then gave his word to Tampa Baythat he was coming back after a raise that would make him the highest paid offensive coordinator in team history. After the Jaguars fired general manager Trent Baalke, Coen spoke to them again, ignored Tampa and became their head coach.

Bucs assistant GM Mike Greenberg and co-chairman Bryan Glazer – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Once Coen was in charge he requested to interview offensive line coach Kevin Carberry and assistant coach Brian Picucci, which were denied by the Bucs. In their next attempt, the Jaguars requested to interview assistant general manager Mike Greenberg for their general manager position. There was nothing Tampa Bay could do about this since it would have been a promotion, but after consideration, Greenberg decided to turn down the request in stay in Tampa.

That brings us up to speed today with Van Dam going to the Jaguars. We’ll see if offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard decides to hire someone else on the coaching staff to take his role or just give those responsibilities to someone already on the staff. Tampa Bay did just hire Kefense Hynson as their next passing game coordinator, taking on the role that Grizzard had before moving to offensive coordinator.

Even though Van Dam is on the move, the Bucs still have most of their offensive coaches together again for next season as they look to continue the momentum they had as a top offense in the league.