The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are continuing to reshape their offensive coaching staff under newly hired offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and the latest addition brings both familiarity and upside. Former Oklahoma State offensive line coach Andrew Mitchell is joining the Bucs as their new assistant offensive line coach, stepping into a role vacated when Brian Picucci departed for Jacksonville to reunite with Liam Coen.
Mitchell and Robinson go way back - they were teammates at Oklahoma State, with Mitchell holding down the offensive tackle spot in 2008 and 2009 while Robinson was leading the offense as quarterback from 2005 through 2009. That shared history isn’t just a footnote - it’s a foundational connection that can help build cohesion on a staff trying to install a new vision for Tampa Bay’s offense.
Mitchell’s path to the NFL has been anything but linear, but it’s been filled with valuable experience. After going undrafted out of Oklahoma State, he had stints with the Bengals, Seahawks, and Jaguars, mostly in offseason or practice squad roles. He pivoted to coaching in 2013, starting as a graduate assistant at Houston and then making stops at North Carolina, TCU, and Indiana State, where he earned his first full-time offensive line coaching gig in 2016.
He made a name for himself at Snow College, taking on offensive coordinator duties and leading a high-powered junior college offense that averaged 6.7 yards per carry and 23.1 first downs per game in 2018. That kind of production, even at the JUCO level, speaks to his ability to scheme effectively in the run game - a skill that should serve him well in the NFL trenches.
Mitchell’s longest coaching stint came at New Mexico State, where he spent three seasons from 2022 to 2024. He wore multiple hats there, serving as offensive line coach and eventually assistant head coach. The team went 20-20 over that span - a respectable mark for a program trying to build consistency.
In 2025, Mitchell returned to Oklahoma State, but the reunion didn’t go as planned. The Cowboys stumbled to a 1-11 record, parting ways with longtime head coach Mike Gundy after just three games. With interim coach Doug Meachem unable to stop the skid, it became clear that a full reset was coming, and Mitchell would be moving on once again.
Now, he gets his first shot at coaching in the NFL - and it comes in a situation with real potential. He’ll be working under offensive line coach and run game coordinator Kevin Carberry, who’s earned praise for the job he’s done over the past two seasons in Tampa. Carberry’s unit has been a strength when healthy, and Mitchell steps into a room that features some serious talent.
Tristan Wirfs anchors the line at left tackle and continues to be one of the best at his position in the league. On the right side, the Bucs have another steady presence - yes, also Tristan Wirfs, as noted - though this may be a clerical slip, with right tackle likely referring to another player.
Regardless, if right guard Cody Mauch bounces back from his knee injury and left guard Ben Bredeson returns to form, Tampa Bay could be fielding one of the more complete offensive lines in the NFC. The biggest question heading into 2026 might be how much growth center Graham Barton shows in Year 3.
Mitchell’s addition marks the first offensive staff hire that clearly carries Zac Robinson’s influence, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see more familiar faces follow as the new OC puts his stamp on this group. For now, Mitchell brings a blend of experience, familiarity with Robinson, and a strong track record in developing offensive linemen - all of which should help as Tampa Bay looks to build on last season and push further into the postseason mix.