TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are parting ways with first-year offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.

The team made the announcement on Thursday, stating that four other coaches were let go.

Head coach Todd Bowles is expected to return for the 2026 season.

What You Need To Know

Bucs fire OC Josh Grizzard, along with QB coach, special teams coordinator, defensive line coach and defensive backs coach

Head coach Todd Bowles expected to return for 2026 season 

Bucs finish season at 8-9, missing out on division crown and playoff berth to Carolina

Quarterback coach Thad Lewis, special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, defensive line coach Charlie Strong and defensive backs coach Kevin Ross have been dismissed.

“These decisions are always difficult, but the disappointing end to the season required some changes to our coaching staff in order to ensure we live up to the high standards we have set here,” Bowles said.

“These coaches have all put in tremendous amount of work and effort, but unfortunately, the results were not there this past season. Our goal is to compete for championships every year, and it is my responsibility to make these tough decisions in order to reach those expectations. I want to thank these coaches for all that they have contributed to our success over the years, and I wish them well,” he said.

Tampa Bay missed out on the playoffs last weekend, finishing the season at 8-9. After a 6-2 start to the year, the Bucs struggled to a 2-7 finish to miss out on the postseason on the last day of the regular season.

The Bucs’ offense ranked 18th in 2025 (fourth in 2024).

The Carolina Panthers won the NFC South Division because of a tiebreaker, ending the Bucs’ run of four consecutive division crowns and five seasons in a row of playoff appearances.

Grizzard had been promoted from pass game coordinator to offensive coordinator after Laim Coen left the Bucs to become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach.

Grizzard was Tampa Bay’s fourth different play-caller in four years. The previous two became head coaches after quarterback Baker Mayfield had Pro Bowl seasons under their guidance.

Mayfield, who threw for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2025 after 4,500 and 41 the season before, will have a ninth different play-caller going into the 2026 season.

Meanwhile, senior offensive assistant Tom Moore and safeties coach Nick Rapone have elected to retire, the team said.