Posted on Jan 08

Bucs fire OC Grizzard and assistant Lewis after disappointing 2025 season

Posted Jan 8, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis after a disappointing 2025 season, marking yet another chapter in the team's ongoing struggle to maintain offensive consistency.

Why it matters: This decision underscores the Buccaneers' urgent need to revitalize an offense that has seen diminishing returns over recent seasons.

After finishing 21st in the NFL in total offense in 2025, the team averaged just 21.4 points per game—a stark contrast to their 2024 performance, where they scored 28.6 points per game under former coordinator Liam Coen.
With Todd Bowles confirming his return as head coach through at least 2026, the franchise is poised for a critical overhaul of its offensive strategy moving forward.

What’s new: The Buccaneers’ front office is now tasked with finding their fifth offensive coordinator in five seasons.

This leadership turnover reflects the instability that has plagued the organization since their last Super Bowl win in 2020.
Grizzard's promotion to offensive coordinator came only a year ago, indicating a rapid decline in confidence regarding the direction of the offense.

By the numbers: The statistics tell a troubling story of regression.

The Buccaneers enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning five of their first six games, but faltered down the stretch, ultimately finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
The team's third-down conversion rate fell significantly from 50.9% in 2024 to just 41.2% in 2025, highlighting issues in sustaining drives and scoring opportunities.

Yes, but: Despite the firing of Grizzard and Lewis, it’s important to consider the broader context of player injuries that impacted the Buccaneers throughout the season.

Key offensive contributors including receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. and offensive linemen Luke Goedeke and Tristan Wirfs missed significant time due to injuries.
Running back Bucky Irving’s potential remains high, but his development was hindered by the same injury struggles that afflicted the receiving corps.

What’s next: As the Buccaneers seek a new offensive coordinator, they must not only focus on improving play-calling but also ensure that the incoming leader can effectively utilize the existing talent on the roster.

The challenge will be to integrate Baker Mayfield into an offensive scheme that maximizes his strengths while considering the talents of players like Evans, Godwin, and the young running back Irving.

The bottom line: The Buccaneers find themselves at a crossroads, needing to reinvigorate their offensive identity amidst coaching changes and a roster grappling with injuries.

The upcoming decisions made in the offseason will be crucial to restoring Tampa Bay's competitive edge in the NFC South and beyond.

Bucs fire OC Grizzard and assistant Lewis after disappointing 2025 season

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 8, 2026

Why it matters: This decision underscores the Buccaneers' urgent need to revitalize an offense that has seen diminishing returns over recent seasons.

After finishing 21st in the NFL in total offense in 2025, the team averaged just 21.4 points per game—a stark contrast to their 2024 performance, where they scored 28.6 points per game under former coordinator Liam Coen.

With Todd Bowles confirming his return as head coach through at least 2026, the franchise is poised for a critical overhaul of its offensive strategy moving forward.

What’s new: The Buccaneers’ front office is now tasked with finding their fifth offensive coordinator in five seasons.

This leadership turnover reflects the instability that has plagued the organization since their last Super Bowl win in 2020.

Grizzard's promotion to offensive coordinator came only a year ago, indicating a rapid decline in confidence regarding the direction of the offense.

By the numbers: The statistics tell a troubling story of regression.

The Buccaneers enjoyed a strong start to the season, winning five of their first six games, but faltered down the stretch, ultimately finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2019.

The team's third-down conversion rate fell significantly from 50.9% in 2024 to just 41.2% in 2025, highlighting issues in sustaining drives and scoring opportunities.

Yes, but: Despite the firing of Grizzard and Lewis, it’s important to consider the broader context of player injuries that impacted the Buccaneers throughout the season.

Key offensive contributors including receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. and offensive linemen Luke Goedeke and Tristan Wirfs missed significant time due to injuries.

Running back Bucky Irving’s potential remains high, but his development was hindered by the same injury struggles that afflicted the receiving corps.

The challenge will be to integrate Baker Mayfield into an offensive scheme that maximizes his strengths while considering the talents of players like Evans, Godwin, and the young running back Irving.

The bottom line: The Buccaneers find themselves at a crossroads, needing to reinvigorate their offensive identity amidst coaching changes and a roster grappling with injuries.

The upcoming decisions made in the offseason will be crucial to restoring Tampa Bay's competitive edge in the NFC South and beyond.