After back-to-back playoff exits, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2025-26 season with a sense of urgency-and for a while, it looked like they might finally break through. Baker Mayfield was delivering in crunch time, the offense had rhythm, and the team showed flashes of a contender.
But as the season wore on, injuries piled up and the unit lost its identity. The result?
Another offensive coordinator out the door-Josh Grizzard lasted just one year-and now the franchise is searching for its fifth OC in as many seasons.
That kind of turnover speaks volumes. It’s not just about finding someone who can draw up a few creative plays-it’s about finding the right mind to stabilize and elevate an offense that’s been stuck in neutral for too long.
The Bucs thought they had their guy in Mike McDaniel, a coach known for his offensive ingenuity and ability to maximize quarterback talent. Pairing him with a fiery, fearless competitor like Mayfield could’ve been electric.
But instead, McDaniel’s off to L.A., joining forces with Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert on the Chargers’ sideline.
That stings. But the Bucs can’t afford to dwell on what might’ve been.
The search is still very much alive, and there are several intriguing candidates who could bring this offense back to life. With Todd Bowles likely coaching for his job in 2026-27, this hire could shape not just the next season, but the direction of the franchise for years to come.
Let’s take a closer look at a few names who could be Tampa Bay’s new Plan A.
Todd Monken: A Familiar Face with Proven Pedigree
Todd Monken isn’t just another retread on the coaching carousel-he’s a proven offensive mind with deep ties to both the franchise and its current quarterback. Monken spent three years in Tampa Bay from 2016 to 2018, and he worked with Mayfield during their shared stint in Cleveland. That familiarity could be a real asset, especially for a team that needs cohesion and continuity.
Monken’s most recent success came in Baltimore, where he helped Lamar Jackson take another leap as a passer. Jackson was already an MVP before Monken arrived, but under his guidance, the Ravens’ offense became more balanced and efficient. Injuries may have limited their ceiling, but the progress was undeniable.
Now, Monken is back on the market. While he’s expected to follow John Harbaugh to the Giants, the Buccaneers may have a legitimate shot at luring him back. There’s a lot working in their favor: a quarterback he knows, a city he’s familiar with, and a division that still feels wide open.
Tampa Bay also has some enticing weapons. Rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka turned heads this season, and Bucky Irving brings some juice out of the backfield.
If Mike Evans returns for a 13th season, that’s a veteran presence and red-zone threat any OC would love to have. Add in a strong offensive tackle duo in Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, and this offense has the pieces-it just needs the right architect.
Brian Daboll: Fire Meets Ice?
At first glance, Brian Daboll and Todd Bowles don’t seem like a natural pairing. Bowles is steady and reserved; Daboll is fiery and intense. But maybe that’s exactly the kind of contrast this team needs.
Daboll is one of the most respected offensive minds available. He’s worked under legends like Bill Belichick and Nick Saban, helped turn Josh Allen into a superstar in Buffalo, and led the Giants to their first playoff win in over a decade.
Most recently, he helped Jaxson Dart develop quickly in a tough situation. This is a coach who knows how to build quarterbacks and elevate offenses.
And while Tampa Bay may not seem like the most obvious fit, there’s a case to be made. Mayfield’s toughness and energy match Daboll’s coaching style. He’s mobile enough to extend plays-something Daboll loves to exploit-and he’s shown he can thrive in a system that trusts him to make plays on the move.
The Bucs’ offensive core is solid, and Daboll could be the spark to unlock its full potential. He’s got the résumé, the edge, and the vision to make things click in a hurry.
Nate Scheelhaase: The Rising Star
If the Bucs want to go bold, they might look to Nate Scheelhaase. At just 35 years old, he’s already built an impressive coaching résumé. Currently the pass game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, Scheelhaase has spent the last two years learning under one of the most innovative minds in football-and it shows.
The Rams’ offense has been humming, and while Matthew Stafford and a talented receiving corps deserve credit, Scheelhaase has played a key role in their success. He also has play-calling experience from his time with Iowa State in 2023, where he showed creativity and adaptability in a tough Big 12 landscape.
Scheelhaase brings fresh ideas and a modern approach to offense. He understands how to scheme receivers open, use motion to manipulate defenses, and maximize quarterback strengths. For a team like Tampa Bay-looking to blend veteran leadership with youthful energy-that could be a perfect match.
There’s another layer here, too. With Bowles on the hot seat, the Bucs may be thinking about long-term succession.
Scheelhaase could be a candidate not just to run the offense, but to eventually take over the whole operation. It’s a trend we’re seeing more and more across the league-young, innovative coordinators stepping into leadership roles-and Scheelhaase has the pedigree to follow that path.
What’s Next for Tampa Bay?
There’s no sugarcoating it: this is a pivotal offseason for the Buccaneers. The NFC South is still up for grabs, but the margin for error is razor-thin. Another misfire at offensive coordinator could lead to sweeping changes at the top.
But there’s also real opportunity here. Mayfield has shown he can lead.
The offensive line is strong. The skill position group is young and explosive.
With the right coach steering the offense, this team could return to playoff contention-and stay there.
Whether it’s a proven veteran like Monken, a fiery leader like Daboll, or a rising star like Scheelhaase, the Bucs need to get this one right. The future of the franchise might just depend on it.