Major shakeups have already began for the Bucs as they have fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Grizzard spent two seasons in Tampa Bay, first as the passing game coordinator in 2024 and then was bumped up to offensive coordinator in 2025.

Another move was made by Tampa Bay as it they have also let go of quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Lewis had been with the team since 2020 as an intern and moved up the ranks to assistant wide receivers coach, and then quarterbacks coach.

Grizzard was brought in by Liam Coen in 2024, helping orchestrate one of the best offenses in football. Grizzard specifically spearheaded third downs, which the Bucs had the best conversion rate in the league. When Lian Coen went to Jacksonville to be their head coach, Grizzard was interviewed by Tampa Bay and hired as offensive coordinator despite not having any play calling experience The idea was that he’d bring continuity to Baker Mayfield and the offense.

Josh Grizzard’s Time WIth Bucs

The hope was that his familiarity with the scheme and quarterback Baker Mayfield — who had previously flourished under stable play calling would keep Tampa Bay’s offense crisp. Instead, the unit regressed from a top-three scoring offense in 2024 to 21st in total offense and 18th in points scored this past season.

Bucs OC Josh Grizzard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

That drop  amidst turnovers, missed opportunities, and a string of second-half collapses — amplified pressure on Grizzard and the offensive staff, turning what was once cautious optimism into outright frustration. Fans and analysts alike questioned play design, in-game adjustments, and situational play calling, with some calling for wholesale change.

What makes this coaching change particularly noteworthy is the context. The Bucs invested in internal offensive continuity by promoting Grizzard — a coach who had success helping engineer an elite third-down offense and strong passing attack in prior seasons. Tampa Bay Buccaneers But expectations weren’t merely average — they were championship caliber, especially after an NFC South crown and a promising 5–1 start to the 2025 season. But the Bucs went 2-7 down the stretch and the offense regressed during it.

Bucs Offense Regressed As Season Went On

Excuses of having injured players like Mike Evans, Jalen McMillan and Bucky Irving didn’t hold up based on the production. Evans and McMillan returned from injury late in the season on Thursday night football against the Falcons and yet scored less and less despite having their best players available.

Tampa Bay finished the season averaging 22 points per game, but averaged just 17 in their last three. Teams figured out what Tampa Bay wanted to do on offense, and its no surprise that Mayfield’s numbers dropped and the Bucs never found their running game.

Bucs QB Baker Mayfield and OC Josh Grizzard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With the Bucs deciding to keep head coach Todd Bowles, it came with the notion that changes were going to be made on the coaching staff going into the 2026 season. Based on Bowles’ comments during the week about Grizzard he didn’t necessarily give his seal of approval for him.

In other scenarios, Grizzard would get another crack at calling the offense, but Bowles doesn’t have that cushion as he mst win this season. There will be more changes coming to the Bucs’ staff,  and this one is of big notice as Grizzard only had one season as the offensive coordinator. It would be wise for Tampa Bay to look for an experienced play caller, but we’ll see what the search process looks like.