Managing to successfully replace one successful offensive coordinator is impressive. Being tasked to accomplish that feat two years in a row could be a tall order.
Well, one Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach enters training camp as the top storyline for one ESPN Analyst.
Bucs Offensive Coordinator Josh Grizzard Has Big Shoes to Fill in 2025
Benjamin Solak of ESPN recently dropped his top storylines entering the 2025 NFL season and pinpointed Bucs OC Josh Grizzard as being saddled with a heavy burden replacing Liam Coen in 2025.
Solak wrote, “On the other hand, Josh Grizzard isn’t looking to rebound, but sustain. The new offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, Grizzard steps into Liam Coen’s shoes as the playcaller for Baker Mayfield and a Bucs offense that returns every single starter from last season (and adds Emeka Egbuka, a first-round wide receiver from Ohio State). But Grizzard has never called plays before, and he was a fast riser through the Dolphins’ offensive ranks before his one season as the Buccaneers’ passing game coordinator last season. What’s his DNA?”
The DNA of the Bucs’ offense finally became firmly established once the Tampa Bay offense leaned into a heavier power running scheme over the back half of the season, but there is no guarantee Grizzard will follow directly in Coen’s footsteps regarding this strategic approach.
Solak appropriately pointed out that the Bucs managed to keep their entire starting offense in tact this offseason and potentially made this offense even more dynamic with the addition of Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka in the 2025 NFL Draft.
This could help elevate a team who has won the division four years in a row and defeated some of the heavyweights in the NFC last year in firm contention in the conference… if the Bucs’ offense remains an elite unit in 2025 under Grizzard.
Solak added, “The Bucs were one bounce away from a wild-card win over the Commanders last season, and that was with an injury-riddled defense. If they are healthier on that side of the ball, they look like a bona fide NFC contender … so long as you assume the offense doesn’t take a step back with Coen’s departure. A huge responsibility is on Grizzard’s shoulders.”
How Much Could the Injury to Tristan Wirfs Impact the Bucs in 2025?
ESPN also recently reported that Bucs OT Tristan Wirfs will miss the some time with a knee injury, which will be impossible to replace along one of the better offensive line units in the league to start the NFL season.
If Wirfs misses a significant amount of time to start the year and WR Chris Godwin isn’t fully recovered from the lower leg injury he sustained against the Baltimore Ravens that prematurely ended his 2024 season, then Josh Grizzard could be tasked with some big challenges to start his play calling tenure in 2025.
The loss of Wirfs can impact the Bucs both in pass protection and the running game, which could lead to this offense getting off to a slower start than expected.
Assuming the Bucs eventually get fully healthy, Grizzard is put in a great position to succeed in 2025.
