The Tampa Bay Buccaneers recently parted ways with offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard following a disappointing season. The team finished 8-9 and ranked 21st in overall offense, according to Fox Sports.
With the offensive coordinator position now vacant, the Buccaneers will be searching for a replacement. ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington suggested an intriguing candidate: former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
âCertainly, there are names out there. Letâs bring it full circle and throw Mike McDaniel into the mix,â Darlington said.
âIâve been texting with McDaniel, and heâs already willing to take on another challenge, whether thatâs an offensive coordinator role like the Bucs have, or a head coaching opportunity, perhaps with the Cleveland Browns or a team like that remains to be seen. But I can tell you that McDaniel and any vacancy for an offensive coordinator job, seems like something we should be paying attention to.”
GettyMike McDaniel.
A Look at McDaniel
McDaniel was the head coach of the Dolphins from 2022â2025 after serving as offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.
Although relieved of his duties in Miami, McDaniel is known for his strong offensive mind and creative approach.
When writing about the former Dolphins coach, Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN said, âa genuine, brilliant and thoughtful coach who also happens to be one of the NFL’s most influential minds.â
According to Louis-Jacques, in mid-December Dolphins offensive lineman Daniel Brunskill said, âMike is creating new ways to do the actual plays. People are going to steal from him because he’s actually creating new things that have never been done before.â
âThere’s a lot of coaches that do come up with something new every once in a while. But Mike is probably one of the most innovative coaches where it’s not just like, ‘Oh hey, we’re pulling this old clip.’ It’s like, ‘Hey, we’re splicing together a bunch of different clips to make something that nobody’s ever done before,’â said Brunskill.
If McDaniel does not land a head coaching position in the offseason, expect teams to pursue him as an offensive coordinator, and the Buccaneers could very well be one of those teams to reach out.
GettyMcDaniel is known for his offensive creativity.
Buccaneers OC Position is Appealing
The offensive coordinator position in Tampa Bay could be very appealing to coaches seeking a new opportunity.
One of the key things offensive coordinators look for is a strong quarterback, and the team has that in veteran Baker Mayfield.
In addition to a talented quarterback, the Bucs also have strong offensive weapons under contract, including receivers Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin, and running back Bucky Irving. Although star receiver Mike Evans is set to become a free agent in the 2026 offseason, it is expected that both sides will work toward a deal to bring back the Buccaneers legend.
With those weapons on offense, McDaniel could have a great deal of success in Tampa Bay if he were to take the open role.
GettyQB Baker Mayfield.
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