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After suffering tough playoff losses in back-to-back campaigns, fans were hoping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would break through during the 2025-26 NFL campaign. The first six weeks foretold tons of promise, as Baker Mayfield looked invincible late in the fourth quarter. The offense eventually sputtered, however, suffering a barrage of injuries and struggling to attain cohesion on the field. The Bucs fired Josh Grizzard after one season and are now searching for their fifth offensive coordinator in five years.
Mike McDaniel was tapped to be the revitalizing force this franchise needed after coughing up the NFC South to the Carolina Panthers. Pairing him with a versatile and fearless QB like Mayfield could have produced dazzling results. Unfortunately, the time for fantasizing is over. The former Miami Dolphins head coach is choosing to work with Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert on the Los Angeles Chargers, inadvertently driving a dagger into the heart of Tampa Bay.
Fans do not need to mourn the 2026-27 season, however. There are still multiple candidates who can liven up the offense. Todd Bowles and company must stay focused amid the disappointing McDaniel news. This OC hunt is crucial and could greatly determine the state of the franchise in the coming years.
Tampa is hovering over shark-infested waters. Another turbulent campaign could knock it off the edge and impel ownership to make sweeping changes. The right offensive mind can help guide the squad to safety and back toward a trajectory of success. Let’s take a closer look at some of the guys the Buccaneers should be considering for their new Plan A.
The former Bucs, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator could be a polarizing choice. He is garnering significant praise for having success with a quarterback who was already an MVP before his arrival, but Lamar Jackson enjoyed his best years as a passer during Todd Monken’s time in Charm City. The respected OC helped an accomplished signal-caller and terrific athlete achieve all-round excellence. If not for injuries, the duo could have produced more fireworks this past season.
Now, he is back on the market. Monken is expected to follow John Harbaugh to the New York Giants, but the Buccaneers may be one of the few teams that actually have a shot at luring him away from the Meadowlands.
The 59-year-old spent three years in Tampa Bay (2016-18) and has a prior relationship with Baker Mayfield from the season they spent together in Cleveland. The NFC South also offers a potentially favorable path to the playoffs, which Monken will surely value at this stage of his career. In addition to knowing the organization, area and quarterback, he would also have impactful weapons to wield like impressive rookie Emeka Egbuka and dynamic running back Bucky Irving. Mike Evans could also return for a 13th year.
Throw in a high-end offensive tackle duo in Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, and the Buccaneers have what they need to make a compelling pitch to Todd Monken....
