Bucs have requested an interview with Scheelhaase.
He's at the top of my list.
Scheelhaase has to be the clubhouse leader because he was interviewed by the Bucs last cycle. Same reason Monken is mentioned often.
More competiton now though, so maybe not.
“Bucs announce two more virtual interviews for their OC opening, in former Stanford coach David Shaw, who is the Lions' pass game coordinator, and Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork. Tampa Bay moving quickly in the first wave of interview process.”
- Auman
“Bucs announce two more virtual interviews for their OC opening, in former Stanford coach David Shaw, who is the Lions' pass game coordinator, and Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork. Tampa Bay moving quickly in the first wave of interview process.”
- Auman
good lord. Could you imagine them being that incompetent
Sure but here's the problem. McDaniel would be a hire by Licht and the Glazers, because they'd have to offer him a fairly hefty and long term deal. That means not only did Bowles not hire him, but he has more job security than Bowles. You can have a Buddy Ryan and Mike Ditka situation where the two sides of the ball don't have much to do with each other, but Ditka was a strong personality and not on the hot seat. Bowles may be the hottest hotseat in the league at the outset of the season, and obviously McDaniel would have to have a deal in place where he has job security regardless of what happens to Bowles. So I'm not against it, but it would be interesting dynamics.I think McDaniel would be good as an OC.
It’s a good idea for both sides.
It makes sense for Bowles because McDaniel is the best option by a mile. He’s old enough to be an experienced play caller but young enough to be willing to take a step back for a year or two.
It makes sense for McDaniel because of Wirfs, Goedeke, Egbuka, McMillan, Irving and hopefully Evans. And Baker to an extent. He’ll score points here. Be OC under Bowles for a year or two. Take over as HC.
“Bucs announce two more virtual interviews for their OC opening, in former Stanford coach David Shaw, who is the Lions' pass game coordinator, and Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork. Tampa Bay moving quickly in the first wave of interview process.”
- Auman
Not a fan of either. It says a lot that Campbell took over playcalling duty himself instead of turning it over to Shaw.
“Bucs announce two more virtual interviews for their OC opening, in former Stanford coach David Shaw, who is the Lions' pass game coordinator, and Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork. Tampa Bay moving quickly in the first wave of interview process.”
- Auman
Not a fan of either. It says a lot that Campbell took over playcalling duty himself instead of turning it over to Shaw.
Neither am I.
Wondering what kind of OC we'll see.
One who's established, or one that will essentially be Todd's puppet (like this past season).
Off to a very ugly head start with candidates interviewed so far…
Callahan - terrible w/ Titans. Not an experienced play caller. Pure nepo baby, imo.
David Shaw - was sitting on couch for 2 years after Stanford stint before landing with Detroit. He’s 53 and I’d prefer younger blood.
Israel Woolfork - may be a better fit for QB coach, not a player caller.
Zac Robinson - this could be the most interesting. Can see his pre-snap motion with Egbuka, Godwin, and Tez. Would Baker benefit from Pistol? ATL ran a lot of that.
As of Saturday evening, January 10, 2026, here is the current landscape of who the Bucs are talking to and who is considered a frontrunner:
Official Interviews Completed
The Buccaneers have already held virtual interviews with three specific candidates:
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Brian Callahan (Former Titans HC): He was the first to interview. He brings a high level of experience and a "veteran" presence, which suggests Head Coach Todd Bowles may want someone who has handled play-calling at a high level before.
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David Shaw (Lions Passing Game Coordinator): The former Stanford head coach is an intriguing name. He has a deep offensive background and spent this past season contributing to Detroit’s explosive offense.
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Israel Woolfork (Cardinals QBs Coach): A rising star in the coaching ranks, Woolfork is credited with helping Kyler Murray’s development.
Likely Next Steps & Rumored Candidates
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Zac Robinson (Rams Pass Game Coordinator/QBs Coach): The Bucs have reportedly lined up an interview with him. He is a Sean McVay disciple, and following the success of former Bucs OCs Dave Canales and Liam Coen (both from the McVay/Shanahan tree), he is seen as a very likely fit.
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Nate Scheelhaase (Rams Offensive Assistant): He interviewed for the job last year and is highly regarded. If the Bucs want to maintain "continuity" in their scheme for Baker Mayfield, Scheelhaase is a top name to watch.
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Mike McDaniel: While he hasn't interviewed yet, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported today that McDaniel is "willing to take on another challenge" and that a "marriage" between him and the Bucs isn't crazy. He would likely be the favorite if he decides he'd rather be an elite OC in Florida than a Head Coach elsewhere (like Tennessee or Cleveland).
Who is "Likely" to be Hired?
It’s a tight race, but insiders are pointing toward two paths:
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The "Proven" Path: If they want stability, Brian Callahan or David Shaw are the leaders.
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The "Innovation" Path: If they want to keep the "McVay-style" offense that Baker Mayfield excelled in, Zac Robinson or Mike McDaniel are the names with the most momentum.
“Bucs announce two more virtual interviews for their OC opening, in former Stanford coach David Shaw, who is the Lions' pass game coordinator, and Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork. Tampa Bay moving quickly in the first wave of interview process.”
- Auman
Not a fan of either. It says a lot that Campbell took over playcalling duty himself instead of turning it over to Shaw.
Neither am I.
Wondering what kind of OC we'll see.
One who's established, or one that will essentially be Todd's puppet (like this past season).
Maybe Grizzard is out because he didn't want to go along with Bowles at some point. Remember Grizzard was the first one fired and I do not think it was a professional courtesy. The problem now a lot of these OCs being kicked around for Bucs open OC slot with the exception of Monken, McDaniel and Callahan have the experience of Grizzard.
Why would a veteran OC want to join the Bucs at this point?
Canales one year? Bolted
Coen one year? Bolted
Grizzard one year? Booted.
Lefty was booted quickly too.
“Bucs announce two more virtual interviews for their OC opening, in former Stanford coach David Shaw, who is the Lions' pass game coordinator, and Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork. Tampa Bay moving quickly in the first wave of interview process.”
- Auman
Not a fan of either. It says a lot that Campbell took over playcalling duty himself instead of turning it over to Shaw.
Neither am I.
Wondering what kind of OC we'll see.
One who's established, or one that will essentially be Todd's puppet (like this past season).
Maybe Grizzard is out because he didn't want to go along with Bowles at some point. Remember Grizzard was the first one fired and I do not think it was a professional courtesy. The problem now a lot of these OCs being kicked around for Bucs open OC slot with the exception of Monken, McDaniel and Callahan have the experience of Grizzard.
Why would a veteran OC want to join the Bucs at this point?
Canales one year? Bolted
Coen one year? Bolted
Grizzard one year? Booted.
Lefty was booted quickly too.
I can't come with a selling point for the Bucs to use to draw in established coaching talent. The closest thing might be WT's suggestion of a future step up to HC.
Why would a veteran OC want to join the Bucs at this point?
After watching this team quit on their HC, the pickings would be slim.
