The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the hunt for a new quarterbacks coach this offseason, and it looks like they’ve set their sights on a rising name in the college ranks. Chandler Whitmer, fresh off a standout season with the Indiana Hoosiers, is reportedly interviewing for the role, and there’s real intrigue around what he could bring to Tampa Bay’s offensive staff.
Whitmer isn’t just another young coach climbing the ladder-he’s someone who’s already helped shape one of college football’s biggest breakout stars. As Indiana’s co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach this past season, he played a pivotal role in the development of Fernando Mendoza, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy and lead the Hoosiers to a national title. That kind of résumé doesn’t go unnoticed, especially when you’re looking to fine-tune a quarterback room in the NFL.
At just 34 years old, Whitmer has already logged a solid mix of college and pro experience. He got his coaching start as a graduate assistant at Georgia in 2019, followed by a stint at Clemson in 2020.
From there, he jumped to the NFL, joining the Los Angeles Chargers as an offensive quality control coach-a role he held for three seasons. In 2024, he took on a pass game specialist position with the Atlanta Falcons, further sharpening his knowledge of NFL systems and quarterback development.
His most recent stop at Indiana may have been his most impactful yet. Working under Curt Cignetti, Whitmer helped elevate Mendoza’s game to elite levels, crafting an offense that not only showcased Mendoza’s arm talent and poise but also put Indiana in the national spotlight. That kind of quarterback grooming is exactly what NFL teams look for when filling out their coaching staff.
If the Bucs decide to bring Whitmer aboard, he’d be stepping into a quarterback room led by Baker Mayfield, who’s found new life in Tampa Bay. Mayfield’s resurgence has been one of the more compelling storylines in recent seasons, and pairing him with a young, innovative mind like Whitmer could be a smart move to keep that momentum going.
There’s no official word yet on whether Whitmer will land the job, but the interest speaks volumes. Tampa Bay is clearly looking to inject some fresh energy and developmental savvy into its offensive staff, and Whitmer checks a lot of boxes. He’s young, experienced, and has already proven he can help quarterbacks thrive-at both the college and pro levels.
For now, it’s a wait-and-see situation in Tampa. But if Whitmer ends up on the Bucs’ sideline next season, don’t be surprised if their quarterback play takes another step forward.