Continuing their series of coaching changes, the Bucs have fired special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, per Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. McGaughey spent two seasons as the special teams coordinator and this most recent season had some dreadful results.

Special Teams Issues By The Bucs

There were a series of mistakes and errors committed by the Bucs on special teams this season, and several of them fell on the shoulders of McGaughey. Tampa Bay had two punts that were blocked this season, which was tied for the league lead. And one of them was returned for a touchdown in Week 4 against the Eagles during a game where the Bucs lost by six points, falling 31-25.

Bucs ST coordinator Thomas McGaughey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Field goals and extra points were an adventure as well. Tampa Bay had three blocked field goals on the season. The first was a blocked field goal in Week 3 vs. the Jets that was blocked by Jets edge rusher Will McDonald that was taken to the house for a touchdown and put New York ahead. It took a late drive by Baker Mayfield to get the Bucs the win in the home opener.

The next two blocked kicks didn’t happen till later in the season. But a blocked kick against Miami was big as Tampa Bay lost by three, and another in the season finale wasn’t as costly since the Bucs won, but made the game closer than it should have been.

And the biggest culprit of all that did Thomas McGaughey in was the breakdown on special teams, especially in kickoff coverage. The Bucs got so bad on kickoffs that the Bucs opted to just settle for touchbacks every time, giving their opponent the ball at the 35 rather than risk a bigger return over midfield. They flat out gave up trying to cover it and willingly gave whoever they were playing against good field position.

Two examples in the second half of the season proved how bad it really was. In a 44-32 loss in Week 11 loss to Buffalo, they gave up 234 kick return yards against the Bills. Specifically, they allowed returns of 61, 44, 41 and 44 that afternoon, essentially giving Buffalo half the field for most of it.

ST coordinator Thomas McGaughey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Their 20-17 Week 17 loss against the Dolphins is where they really committed to just kicking it into the end zone for a touchback each time. That happened on every kick except for one in the second half. Of course that lone one came back to hurt Tampa Bay.

That came early in the fourth quarter when Malik Washington returned a kick 57 yards to set the Dolphins up at the the Bucs’ 47. The Dolphins got two first downs on the drive and that’s all they needed to hit the field goal.Those were the only points the Dolphins scored in the second half. And it was all they needed to beat the Bucs.

Bucs Making Several Coaching Moves

ST coordinator Thomas McGaughey, OC Josh Grizzard and HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Huge overhauls are coming for the Bucs on the coaching staff in all areas. Earlier in the morning they fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis. Legendary coach Tom Moore decided to retire. Next is McGaughey, who is out following a frustrating special teams performance by the whole unit.

The Bucs have addressed offense and special teams thus far. Next should be the defensive side. There are still more coaching moves to come.