QB Coach Target Surfaces
January 22nd, 2015
Volunteers OC Mike Bajakian is reportedly in the running as new Bucs QB coach.
If the Twitter whispers are to be believed, the Bucs have a new quarterback coach. And Joe hopes you are sitting down for this: it’s a college guy who was an offensive coordinator.
Breathe easy, however, Bucs fans, this is not a guy who coached at an extinct football program.
This guy comes from the SEC and it is Tennessee offensive coordinator Mike Bajakian, per Thayer Evans of Sports Illustrated.
Tennessee OC Mike Bajakian is leaving to become QBs coach for Tampa Bay Buccaneers per source.
— Thayer Evans (@ThayerEvansSI) January 22, 2015
Bajakian has never been anything more than a quality control guy in the NFL for — wait for it — Lovie Smith with the Bears.
However, Bajakian has been part of interesting offenses, namely at Central Michigan under Butch Jones, who he followed to Knoxville. Bajakian’s offenses at Central Michigan were the three highest-scoring teams in school history and tied or broke 30 school records.
Bajakian coached quarterback Dan LeFevour, who set an NCAA-record 150 touchdowns (102 passing, 47 rushing, 1 receiving). So it seems Bajakian is a balanced offensive guy like his boss Dirk Koetter professes to be. Upon getting hired at Tennessee, Bajakian noted in the interview below that he believes in molding an offense around the talents he has, whatever and whoever that may be. How refreshing.
Of course, the Bucs have yet to confirm any of this.
UPDATE: It seems Bajakian may be using the Bucs as a backup plan, as he is in the running for the head coach opening at Central Michigan.
UPDATE II: Bajakian has interest in the Central Michigan head coaching position, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also are interested in him as their quarterbacks coach, a source said.
Per Adam Caplan and Brett McMurphy of BSPN, if Bajakian is to take the Bucs gig, it may not be for a while. The Central Michigan gig just opened up and Bajakian is a candidate.
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:32 pm
Anyone check his EKG before hiring him?
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:41 pm
Resume lists Bears OCQ from 2004-06, so, there’s your Lovie connection. OCQ? Is that a quality control coach title?
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:43 pm
hahahaahahahahhahahaahahahahahahahahaaahahahahahahahahahahaaoooohoaaahaahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahaahhahaahahahah
good one buctrooper. making fun of someone’s heart ailments…so clever.
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:44 pm
“… he believes in molding an offense around the talents he has on the roster, whatever and whoever that may be.”
Hmmm. Maybe no QB at #1?
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Did Tennessee run the spread option?
So far that’s 2 new hires that tell me they won’t take Mariota.
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:45 pm
“No huddle, uptempo”
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Yeah Hawk…hmmm I’m sure the the QB coach is going to have very little input on draft day.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:01 pm
“What is your offense?”
Bajakian: “We’re no-huddle, up-tempo.”
Sounds like Mariota to me!
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:01 pm
Another one of Lovie’s flunkys
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:04 pm
Bucs aren’t hiring coaches based on who they will take @1. At least I hope they aren’t. Both quarterbacks, and every other prospect, should still be in an evaluation period. The Bucs will hopefully at least talk to Jameis and Mariota before they decide what they’re going to do. Guessing they are leaning towards Mariota or Winston based on a coaching hire doesn’t make sense to me.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:05 pm
87ForJameisNoMariota Says:
January 22nd, 2015 at 1:46 pm
Yeah Hawk…hmmm I’m sure the the QB coach is going to have very little input on draft day.
—————————————
True, but it could be a clue as to the way the organization is leaning…..
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:06 pm
I am so stoked about this! Super Bowl for sure! The missing piece has been found. Finally I can slee at night.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:06 pm
Sound ‘logic’, 87ForJameisNoMariota. Now try thinking without the Gold-N-Garnet aluminum foil cap. I did NOT say that the QB coach was going to MAKE the choice or even have a SAY in it. But as has been said, on this very site MANY times, the choice of OC AND QB coach may tell us what the Lovie/Licht thinking is. I was just contemplating that line of thinking based on Lovies’ choice(s). Gee whiz, you Winston groupies are so touchy. I noticed that the Mariota groupies haven’t (yet) taken offense to my remark.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:08 pm
So when he had Dan Lefevour at Central Mich. he scored 102 passing TD’s and 47 rushing TD’s. so he has worked with a runnung QB. Wonder if that tells us anything?
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:10 pm
Youtube this below.
2014 Tennessee Volunteers Mid Season Football Highlights
Then you will see how UT uses a drop back passer…not spread.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:11 pm
slow down people he’s just a quarterbacks coach, it’s not like he’ll end up being the offensive coordinator. oh wait
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Bucs4lyfe
LOL Priceless
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:32 pm
Jim Zorn
Scott Frost
Cam Cameron
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:39 pm
@Mr. Patrick
I was thinking the exact same thing. Joe said a more balanced, but I think he is avoiding the reality of the situation.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:41 pm
He works for Dirk, and will spend most of his time with qb’. Hopefully they lock Lovie out of the offensive meeting room. Like Manning did to Dungy when he got hired at Indy.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:46 pm
I don’t love this hire. Why a Lovie guy? Shouldn’t Koetter have the connection to one of his previous people? He has been an OC long enough for this to be a slightly weird move. Or am I being overly suspicious of Lovie at this point? Some of his decisions have just been so bad.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:47 pm
@87ForJameisNoMariota
Unbelievable. You said
87ForJameisNoMariota : “Did Tennessee run the spread option?
So far that’s 2 new hires that tell me they won’t take Mariota.”
Then, when Posey99 Said
“No huddle, uptempo”
You suddenly backpeddle…
87ForJameisNoMariota Says: “…hmmm I’m sure the the QB coach is going to have very little input on draft day.”
I just love how people are looking at signs pointing to Mariota, and trying their best to twist it to point to Winston. Dirk is more likely to want Mariota because of his coaching background. The Glazers will not want a bad rep guy. Lovie will not want a bad rep guy. The new QB Coach worked with a running QB. “Uptempo, no huddle is obviously NOT Winston. It’s Mariota.
And yet…all of you ignore the signs.
I’m sorry to say you are going to be disappointed.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:48 pm
BuccaneerBonzai…I don’t think it means diddly squat what the QB of Central Michigan did seeing how he did say he adapts to the players he’s dealt with.
Again Koetter is the OC…not Mike Bajakian.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:48 pm
Funny, teams that have released entire coaching staffs, have inevitably replace their
predecessors. Yet the team with the worst record in the NFL, is still looking….smh
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:49 pm
You speak of people twisting “signs” but your here telling us what Lovie will want and not want as if you know him personally. Lol To funny.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:50 pm
…But go ahead and over-speculate…
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:51 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
Why do you always name these impossible choices? A dream team of coaches? lol.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Couch, it’s easy to settle this. In April. I will be right. Of course, I don’t expect props, because people here just don’t give acknowledgement unless it is negative.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:54 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
By Impossible you mean 0% chance?
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:55 pm
Dont worry Bonzai. I wont be giving you props, I’ll just be laughing at you while Famous is announced as the newest Buccaneer. I expect you’ll be disappointed and most likely a no show for a little while. I just hope you dont let Winston destroy your fandom and force you to root for another team.
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:55 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
Have you looked around the league, and viewed some of the amazing staffs that have been assembled?
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:58 pm
The staff Fox just put together in 5 days is freaking insane.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:00 pm
UPTEMPO!!!! SO NO GROUND AND POUND?
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:02 pm
@Luv
As sad as it is for me to say this, Since the end of the season i had a suspicion that Lovie wasn’t going to change the coaching staff much. You would think after a 2-14 season there would be numerous changes. Apparently not. It appears the greatness of Lovie is showcasing itself again.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:05 pm
The way that things work in the NFL and with the Bucs, on draft day we could ALL get a surprise or shock
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:06 pm
@Couch
Its sad brotha, but loyalty comes with a price.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:06 pm
@LUV it’s mostly just guys from Denver. Hard to say how good Gase is when he’s had Manning calling the shots for him the last 3 years. QB coach is the only real opening right now with the Bucs, so what if they haven’t filled it yet? As long as we have a guy in place before the season starts, we’re good.
Everyone will point to Warhop but maybe he was too busy holding Arroyo’s hand last season to put his full focus where it should have been.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:09 pm
@JFat
Lol, brotha did you check out the rest though.
Vic Fangio defensive coordinator
Ed Donatell defensive backs coach
Sam Garnes assistant defensive backs coach
Dave Magazu offensive line coach
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Everyone stop calling it a spread. It’s Zone Read. Every team runs a spread in someway shape or form. Geeeeezzzz.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Jeff Rodgers special teams coordinator
During Rodgers’ four seasons in Denver, the Broncos ranked 10th in the NFL in gross punting average (45.6 yards per punt) and 11th in net punting average (39.6 ypp). Denver’s six total kick return touchdowns (four punt and two kickoff) were tied for second most in the NFL during Rodgers’ time with the team with the Broncos 24.5 kickoff return average ranking ninth in the NFL since 2011.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Dave Magazu
Magazu had spent the last eight seasons as an NFL offensive line coach, including the last four with the Denver Broncos (2011-14). He has spent the last 12 seasons as a part of Bears head coach John Fox’s coaching staffs.
During his four seasons with the Broncos, Denver’s offensive line allowed the fewest sacks in the NFL (100). The Broncos permitted the fewest sacks in the NFL in 2014 (17) and 2013 (20) and allowed the second-fewest sacks in 2012 (21). In 2011, he coached the second-youngest starting offensive line in the NFL, as the unit helped the Broncos finish atop the NFL with a team-record 164.5 rushing yards per game.
Under Magazu’s tutelage, three Broncos offensive linemen were named to the Pro Bowl: G Zane Beadles (2012 season), T Ryan Clady (2011-12 and ’14) and G Louis Vasquez (2013). For Beadles and Vasquez, it was their first-ever Pro Bowl nods. Clady (2012) and Vasquez (2013) were also named first-team NFL All-Pro’s by the Associated Press during that time.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Mr. Patrick Says:
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:05 pm
“The way that things work in the NFL and with the Bucs, on draft day we could ALL get a surprise or shock.”
Now THAT I can agree with…
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:16 pm
BuccaneerBonzai Says:
January 22nd, 2015 at 2:51 pm
@LUVMYBUCS
“Why do you always name these impossible choices? A dream team of coaches? lol.”
Ha ha ha now you’ve got LUV all riled up. Look at all the stuff he’s posting now..
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:18 pm
@87ForJameisNoMariota
Lol
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:19 pm
I love how everybody just knows who’s at #1 because of the coaches. lol
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:19 pm
“@87ForJameisNoMariota
Unbelievable. You said
87ForJameisNoMariota : “Did Tennessee run the spread option?
So far that’s 2 new hires that tell me they won’t take Mariota.”
Then, when Posey99 Said
“No huddle, uptempo”
You suddenly backpeddle…
87ForJameisNoMariota Says: “…hmmm I’m sure the the QB coach is going to have very little input on draft day.”
I just love how people are looking at signs pointing to Mariota, and trying their best to twist it to point to Winston. Dirk is more likely to want Mariota because of his coaching background. The Glazers will not want a bad rep guy. Lovie will not want a bad rep guy. The new QB Coach worked with a running QB. “Uptempo, no huddle is obviously NOT Winston. It’s Mariota.
And yet…all of you ignore the signs.
I’m sorry to say you are going to be disappointed.”
You know what i hate about college football? I hate the pathetic trash talking between the Seminole and Gator fans… and this mariota winston crap is starting to sound like it…mostly fueled by the Seminole fans and the gator fans hate winston. Funny part is half the people talking trash about the other team didn’t even attend the school.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:19 pm
R.O. the zone read is part of the spread offense that Mariota runs. It’s not all zone read.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:24 pm
Posey99…ha ha ha I went to FSU for a year and a half. Then partied my way out of the school. My brother completed and graduated. I never missed a game while he attended the school. We had season tickets for 3 years in a row back in the Charlie Ward days.
FSU games are too much fun. I made the trip from Pasco county all the way to Tally, many many times. Long ass trip though. Like 5 1/2 hrs.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:25 pm
Just a small bar of Indy’s insane staff
Chuck Pagano Head Coach
Pep Hamilton Offensive Coordinator
Rob Chudzinski Special Assistant to the Head Coach
Clyde Christensen Quarterbacks Coach
Greg Manusky Defensive Coordinator
Jeff FitzGerald Linebackers Coach
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:27 pm
@Posey
Agreed. This Gator/Nole’s thing is idiotic. At some point you have to put your allegiances to the side and realize what is best for the Bucs. I’m a Die hard Gator fan but can clearly see what is best for my Bucs. And thats the Creminole.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:29 pm
^^Remember *Bruce Arians was apart of that staff^^^
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:34 pm
The reason I like this move the most is because this means theres a possibility we could draft Tennessee’s QB Worley. Has anyone else seen this kid play? If not I encourage you to watch the Ten vs Georgia game on youtube. Worley looks like a pretty good QB to me, and if Bajakian had a hand developing him, then I’m optimistic that he can tuter any QB we draft. Seriously, go watch the kid play, I think he’s going to be a good one.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:43 pm
@LUV I get what you’re saying, some teams have put some solid staffs together pretty quickly, I actually remember thinking that about the Bucs last off-season actually. Chicago could be in good shape with that group but they don’t have near the talent on defense that the Broncos have.
Presently, our staff isn’t all that bad tho imo, not the best in the league by any stretch but they addressed our primary issue, OC, quickly and with a solid choice. I was happy enough with the defensive side of the ball after the bye and think they’ll benefit if we can muster up some kind of offense.
We’ll never know the trickle-down effect having Arroyo at OC caused for the rest of the coaches on offense. If you’ve ever worked for someone that sucked at their job, you’d know the impact it can have on your day to day responsibilities. I’m willing to give them a bit of a leash I guess and not write the rest of the staff off until I see what they can do with a competent leader.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:47 pm
cbssports has him going undrafted, but as Joe like to say, I’m bullish on him being a good QB.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:47 pm
Bonzai said we’d be getting Rod Marinelli guaranteed….
Bonzai no doubt thought we’d be getting Tony Sporano too…
Moral of the story? He’s wrong a lot.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:50 pm
more proof that Lovie does not know how to evaluate talent. He just goes with someone he knows.
Successful managers know that the secret of success is to hire people smarter than you are.
If you have an ego, that will not happen. Ala Lovie.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:54 pm
@bucrightoff – Yep. We’re all probably wrong a lot, but not everyone boasts about how right they are, only to be proven wrong.
I don’t believe anything until I see the Stroud confirmation.
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:57 pm
@JFat
I hear you, and well said brotha. The only problem have right now is with QB, Offensive line, and special teams coaches.
QB coach-Did we have one last year?
On the offensive line-To watch LT & LG completely miss their assignments on simple stunts… time after time.. after time. (sad)
Special Teams: O’shea thinks Michael Koenen is the best punter in the world..nuff said
January 22nd, 2015 at 4:27 pm
I dont comment often but when i do its always the truth.
If the gm can pull this hire off he could get the bucs to the playoffs
In 2015 with the right players, i watched tennesse offence and it seemed very nfl compatible easily in i stand by this with the new oc already having experience and success bringing in bajakian knowledge with the offense tennesse ran could be what the glazers need to last another 20 years in the nfl
All jokes aside!!!!! We have to draft one of the the top five quaterbacks in this draft this is 20 years in the making the foundation for a successful projects already has been built we have most of the players we need this draft is the biggest in most important for the history of the buccaneers!!! Hire this guy in watch something good unfold, with any young quaterback or drew brees, lmao all we need is a real quaterback in the sky is the limit the defense is back!!
January 22nd, 2015 at 4:55 pm
I understand that he worked for quite some time as a babysitter….but he was also a Boy Scout Troup Leader…..so….that cuts both ways on Winston or Mariota!!!
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:06 pm
bucrightoff Says
“Bonzai said we’d be getting Rod Marinelli guaranteed….
Bonzai no doubt thought we’d be getting Tony Sporano too…
Moral of the story? He’s wrong a lot.”
I was wrong on Marinelli, which I freely admit.
However, you are making things up in regard to Tony Sporano. I could care less about him.
And being wrong ONCE is hardly a lot. I challenge you to find where I was wrong a lot. Or even twice. You can’t, because it rarely happens.
Even if wrong, say, 5 times, that is hardly a lot, considering I’ve made more correct predictions than anyone here.
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:08 pm
Actually, predicting picks outside the first round my record is so-so, but so is everyone elses.
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Since Koetter is the QB guru this guy or whomever they hire will simply implement Koetter’s offense. I think Koetter will be very hands on this year when it comes to QB whether it’s Glennon, one of the Heismans or another draft pick.
I’m not that excited about who is QB coach.
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:21 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
LMFAO…Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:25 pm
For the Mariota Mob members, if this guy was indeed Dan LeFevour’s college OC, LeFevour ran a version of the spread with great success.
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:44 pm
This is soooooooo funny, bc we are not even out of January yet. Lmao
Mariota ppl, go watch his tape. He doesn’t know what a tight window is. His WR are WIDE open 90% of the time. He is a great athlete. But if you think the Bucs are going to risk the #1 pick on someone who has that kind of question mark AND has not worked under center, you are greatly mistaken
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:44 pm
BuccaneerBonzai Says:
January 22nd, 2015 at 5:06 pm
I was wrong on Marinelli, which I freely admit.
However, you are making things up in regard to Tony Sporano. I could care less about him.
And being wrong ONCE is hardly a lot. I challenge you to find where I was wrong a lot. Or even twice. You can’t, because it rarely happens.
Even if wrong, say, 5 times, that is hardly a lot, considering I’ve made more correct predictions than anyone here.
_____________________________________________________________
I can’t be the only one who got dizzy with this spin job right?
January 22nd, 2015 at 6:17 pm
So when do we change our names to the Tampa Bay Bears?
January 22nd, 2015 at 6:52 pm
Couch Fan Says:
January 22nd, 2015 at 3:02 pm
@Luv
As sad as it is for me to say this, Since the end of the season i had a suspicion that Lovie wasn’t going to change the coaching staff much. You would think after a 2-14 season there would be numerous changes. Apparently not. It appears the greatness of Lovie is showcasing itself again
It’s called self confidence dude, you don’tlet offensive coordinator comeback at the end of the season and ruin your chances for the top pick, you don’t change your entire staff and try to teach people all over again how we need this to be done and besides that seems a bad message to other coaches front office and players that there’s no stability which important to win in any league
January 22nd, 2015 at 7:10 pm
[…] will be a perfect match for working alongside Koetter. As you can see in the video below (h/t Joe Bucs Fan) and take a trip into how the mind of the new coach works, Bajakian echoes nearly the same words […]
January 22nd, 2015 at 7:12 pm
Lovie is on his third OC already and his last chance! this will be a prove it year for Lovie. All of those who said that he learned a lot from being fired and the failures from Chicago have been exaggerated.
He better have the right OC and QB coach and players, or he will be back in the basement again watching family guy and the cleveland show reruns!
January 22nd, 2015 at 7:46 pm
[…] You can read all about Bajakian here. […]
January 22nd, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Bonzai thats where you are wrong if they draft Mariota we will all be disappointed because we will suck for another 10 years.
January 22nd, 2015 at 8:59 pm
Look at that mug!…
… can we get him at the D-end spot instead
January 23rd, 2015 at 12:12 am
“No huddle, up tempo….” who does that sound like?