TAMPA, Fla. – Bucs QB Baker Mayfield is totally on board with their new offensive coordinator, Josh Grizzard. Grizzard was the passing game coordinator for the Bucs last season but was given the promotion to OC on Friday.
“Grizz (Grizzard) is a great guy,” Mayfield said. “Unbelievably smart. He was in Miami for, I think, seven years, but they kept him through a bunch of different staff changes, which shows his football knowledge.
Bucs WR Mike Evans says it doesn’t affect him as much as it does Mayfield. “It’s good, especially for Baker,” Evans said. “A quarterback having that many offensive coordinators and he (Mayfield) has to know everybody’s position. I think it’s going to be very helpful, having a similar offense from what we had last year.”
Grizzard steps in to fill the void left by Liam Coen, who is now the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach. Grizzard was the Bucs passing game coordinator for just one season and was actually brought in by Coen.
The Bucs interviewed six candidates for the position but opted to go in-house, with head coach Todd Bowles wanting to stay with the same offense that had Baker Mayfield and the company put up record-breaking numbers.
“We had a lot of success offensively last season, and during our conversations, Grozz (Josh Grizzard) provided some great ideas on how we can build on that. His familiarity with the offense, the players, and the staff will ensure the continuity that is crucial for sustained success.”
Mayfield set career highs with 4,500 yards passing and 41 touchdowns. The Bucs passing attack was ranked 3rd best in the NFL. Mayfield is thankful he won’t have to learn a brand-new offense.
“In terms of the offseason, the OTA’s, you’re not installing brand new plays,” Mayfield said. “That’s so helpful for a lot of young guys who stepped up this year. for them not to have to relearn a new system is huge.”
Grizzard will be the fourth offensive coordinator for Tampa Bay in four years.
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