The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got part of the formula right at least for fans. They decided to fire offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, but decided to retain Todd Bowles as head coach, leading many to wonder what direction the team will take.
What now has turned into a fascination offensive coordinator search could lead them to a highly intriguing name: former Dolphins head coach Mike Mcdaniel.
While some will say that pundits are fanning the flames of a rumor that will eventually die out, it is entirely plasuible the Bucs could request an interview with him. Still, certain fans could be hoping that a former Browns castoff can help them reach higher heights yet again.
Why Mike McDaniel Makes Sense for Tampa Bay
Most importantly, Mike Mcdaniel can be forgiven for the decisions that Tua Tagovailoa made this season and specifically throughout his career both on and off the field. He did not necessarily make the best in-game decisions himself, but Baker Mayfield is a much more decisive QB than Tua is and could thrive in Mcdaniel’s system.
According to ESPN insider Jeff Darlington, Mike Mcdaniel would be willing to forgo a potential head coaching position and is willing to step back and take the reins as an offensive coordinator again.
Furthermore, Darlington also said this of Mcdaniel: “I’ve been texting with McDaniel, and he’s already willing to take on another challenge, whether that’s an offensive coordinator role like the Bucs have, or a head coaching opportunity, perhaps with the Cleveland Browns or a team like that remains to be seen. But I can tell you that McDaniel and any vacancy for an offensive coordinator job, seems like something we should be paying attention to.”
Obviously, Mcdaniel will have a lot on his plate as the interviewing cycle continues, and as his name gets bandied about, Bucs fans will grow ever more impatient should the team not be able to request an interview. Still, the fact that the job has some appeal to him could spell good news for Bucs fans.
Competition, Timing, and the Risk of Waiting
The only potential road block could be the fact that there are several more positions that could become open in the future, such as the potentially highly coveted Philadelphia Eagles job which could see him work with Saquon Barkley and Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts. The Detroit Lions could be another premier option with all the weapons they have at their disposal. They also could prove to be more stable as well.
Still, Mcdaniel could see the potential in an offense that is seemingly skewing younger. What with Mike Evans potentially playing his final years and Chris Godwin suffering countless injuries, chances are younger weapons such as Emeka Egbuka, Jalem McMillan, and Bucky Irving will be the leaders for this offense going forward. And while Baker has regressed mightily, he still has one of the highest ceilings in the NFl in terms of sheer grit and perseverance.
The NFL world is Mcdaniel’s oyster. It is up to him if the Bucs are the true pearl of his eye.
Bucs Could Be Linked to Former Dolphins Head Coach In OC search