The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making it clear: mediocrity isn’t the standard in Tampa. After finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs, the organization has wasted no time reshaping its coaching staff-starting with a bold attempt to revamp the offense and inject fresh leadership across the board.
The first major move came with the firing of offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. That signaled the start of an aggressive search to get more out of an offense that, on paper, has weapons but didn’t deliver in 2025.
The Bucs aimed high, reportedly setting their sights on former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, McDaniel was scheduled to interview for the role before ultimately choosing to take the offensive coordinator job with the Los Angeles Chargers.
This wasn’t McDaniel’s only suitor. He had already taken meetings for the Lions' offensive coordinator position and the Titans' head coaching vacancy before opting to head west.
For Tampa Bay, landing him would’ve been a major coup-a creative mind known for crafting dynamic offenses and maximizing quarterback play. But despite the swing and miss, the pursuit itself speaks volumes about the Bucs’ intent: they’re not just looking to fill jobs, they’re looking to elevate the entire operation.
That ambition extended to the defensive side as well. According to Sal Capaccio via Greg Auman, the Buccaneers reached out to former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott to gauge his interest in joining Todd Bowles’ staff.
It would’ve been a high-profile addition-McDermott is a respected defensive mind with deep playoff experience. However, the timing didn’t line up.
Reports indicate McDermott plans to take the year off from coaching, opting for a reset rather than jumping straight into a coordinator or assistant role after his departure from Buffalo.
While Tampa’s two biggest swings didn’t connect, they did land a veteran presence to lead their special teams-a phase that can often tilt close games and playoff pushes. Jeremy Fowler reports the Bucs have hired Danny Smith as their new special teams coordinator.
Smith brings with him an astounding 50 years of coaching experience, including 25 straight seasons coordinating NFL special teams. Most recently, he spent 13 years under Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh, where his units were consistently among the league’s best.
In Pittsburgh, Smith’s special teams were a model of consistency and discipline. His units recently ranked second in average opponent drive start and sixth in punt return average allowed-two metrics that speak directly to field position battles, a crucial but often overlooked part of winning football. He also coached up All-Pro talents like kicker Chris Boswell and special teams ace Miles Killebrew, showing an ability to both develop specialists and get the most out of his personnel.
For a team looking to rebound and reestablish itself as a playoff contender, Smith’s arrival is more than just a box checked. Special teams can be a hidden edge, and with Smith’s track record, the Bucs are hoping to turn that phase into a strength.
Tampa Bay’s offseason coaching search hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been purposeful. The front office is clearly prioritizing experience, leadership, and proven results as it reshapes the staff. And while the offense and defense are still looking for their final pieces, the hiring of Danny Smith is a step in the right direction-one that could quietly pay big dividends when games get tight in December.