The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are once again in search of an offensive coordinator, and if it feels like déjà vu, that’s because it is. For the fourth time in as many years, the Bucs are reshuffling the offensive brain trust, trying to find the right voice to lead a unit that’s been through its share of highs, lows, and everything in between.
This year’s search has already produced seven candidates, and the list is a mix of big names, rising stars, and intriguing wild cards. The Bucs have hit on this hire before-Dave Canales and Liam Coen both parlayed their stints in Tampa into head coaching gigs.
But they’ve also missed, as evidenced by Josh Grizzard’s one-and-done campaign. So, will this next hire spark a playoff run or set the offense back another year?
Let’s break down the candidates in the mix.
Mike McDaniel - Former Miami Dolphins Head Coach
Let’s start with the headliner. Mike McDaniel is easily the most recognizable name on the list, and for good reason.
He guided the Dolphins to the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, showcasing one of the league’s most creative offensive minds. But the last couple of years didn’t pan out the way Miami hoped, and now McDaniel is in the market.
What’s interesting here is that McDaniel reportedly prefers a coordinator role with a contender over a head coaching job with a rebuilding team. That makes Tampa Bay-and possibly Philadelphia-logical landing spots.
If the Bucs can land him, it would be a major coup. McDaniel’s ability to scheme up explosive plays and adapt to his personnel is proven, and pairing him with Tampa’s current roster could unlock a whole new level of offensive versatility.
Todd Monken - Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Monken is no stranger to Tampa Bay. He held the OC job there from 2016 to 2018, and now he’s back in the mix.
The Bucs interviewed him on Wednesday, but this one’s complicated. With John Harbaugh reportedly taking over as head coach of the Giants, there’s buzz that Monken could follow him to New York as his offensive coordinator.
Still, Monken’s résumé speaks for itself. He’s helped engineer one of the most efficient and balanced offenses in the league with the Ravens. If Tampa can pull him back, it would be a reunion with real upside-though, at this point, it feels like more of a long shot.
Mike Kafka - New York Giants Interim Head Coach
Kafka is another former Buc-albeit briefly, as a player in 2014-and he’s built an impressive coaching résumé since then. After starting his coaching career under Andy Reid in Kansas City, Kafka was part of the staff that helped Patrick Mahomes win a Super Bowl. That alone earns attention.
He’s been the Giants’ offensive coordinator since 2022, and in his first year, he helped guide them to a playoff win. But things took a step back after Saquon Barkley’s departure, and now with the Giants moving in a different direction, Kafka is in search of a new opportunity. Tampa Bay conducted a virtual interview with him earlier this week, and his quarterback background and play-calling experience make him a viable option.
Zac Robinson - Atlanta Falcons Offensive Coordinator
Robinson’s stock is rising, even if the Falcons’ offense has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Under his guidance, Bijan Robinson ran for over 1,400 yards in back-to-back seasons, and Drake London nearly hit 1,300 receiving yards in 2024. That’s serious production from two young stars.
But the team’s overall scoring took a hit this past season, dropping from 13th in 2024 to 24th in 2025. That dip might raise some eyebrows, but Robinson’s ability to develop talent and create mismatches still makes him a compelling candidate. Tampa interviewed him virtually on Sunday.
Israel Woolfork - Arizona Cardinals Quarterbacks Coach
Woolfork might be the least-known name on this list, but don’t let that fool you-his trajectory is impressive. After years grinding in the college ranks at Miami of Ohio, he entered the NFL through the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship and climbed the ladder quickly.
Now the quarterbacks coach for the Cardinals, Woolfork has helped guide Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett to a combined 4,300 passing yards and a 29-to-11 touchdown-to-interception ratio. That’s no small feat, especially on a team that’s struggled to find its footing. At just 35 years old, Woolfork could be a high-upside hire who brings fresh ideas and strong leadership to the table.
David Shaw - Detroit Lions Pass Game Coordinator
Shaw is best known for his long, successful run as Stanford’s head coach, where he led the Cardinal to four top-10 finishes and built a reputation as a steady, smart offensive mind. He stepped away from college football in 2022 but returned to coaching this past season with the Lions, helping them finish third in passing yards per game.
He’s never been an NFL offensive coordinator, but his leadership skills and offensive acumen are undeniable. At 53, he brings a wealth of experience without being over the hill, and his ability to manage a staff and develop quarterbacks could be a real asset.
Brian Callahan - Former Tennessee Titans Head Coach
Callahan’s recent stint as Titans head coach didn’t go as planned. He was let go after a 1-5 start this season and finished with a 4-19 record overall. But he’s still a respected offensive mind with experience in multiple systems, and prior to his time in Tennessee, he was considered one of the league’s top young coordinators.
Sometimes a head coaching stint doesn’t work out, but that doesn’t mean the offensive chops disappear. If the Bucs believe in his ability to refocus and return to form, Callahan could be a redemption story waiting to happen.
Final Thoughts
The Bucs’ offensive coordinator search is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing of the offseason. There’s a wide range of experience, philosophies, and coaching styles among the seven candidates, and each brings something different to the table.
Whether Tampa opts for a proven leader like McDaniel or Shaw, a creative mind like Kafka or Robinson, or a rising star like Woolfork, this hire will be pivotal. The right OC could elevate this roster into a legitimate contender.
The wrong one? Well, we’ve seen that movie before.
For now, the Bucs are doing their homework. And with this list, they’ve got plenty to think about.