Are Bucs Waiting For Kyle Trask’s Old Offensive Coordinator?
February 10th, 2023
Eagles QB coach Brian Johnson.
A guy with a pipeline to shot-callers high up the Bucs’ food chain tossed out a very, very intriguing scenario last night on Twitter.
Joe’s not going to give away the man’s contacts at One Buc Palace, but trust Joe, they would know what the Bucs’ plans are.
A casual observer might see the Bucs as dragging their tails trying to fill the opening at offensive coordinator, the void left by failed former playcaller Byron Leftwich. But a delay often signals that a team wants to have a formal interview with a coach whose team is still alive in the postseason.
Joe is confident one reason the offensive coordinator gig remains open is that this job is not attractive. Who will be the Bucs quarterback? And how does a candidate know he’s not going to work for a lame-duck coach facing a one-and-done season if he loses in 2023?
The delay also could be because no candidate to date has blown the Bucs’ socks off.
JC Cornell, the founder of TheDraftNetwork.com, Twittered something very, very interesting last night about the Bucs’ potential offensive coordinator. He suggested fans should not be surprised if, immediately after the Super Bowl, the Bucs interview Eagles quarterback coach Brian Johnson.
(No, not that Brian Johnson. This Johnson doesn’t live in Sarasota and sing for AC/DC.)
Why is that? Well, Johnson was the offensive coordinator for current Bucs backup quarterback Kyle Trask at the University of Florida.
Joe took a peek at Johnson’s bio from the Eagles’ official website and here’s a very telling excerpt.
As the offensive coordinator [at Florida], Johnson led the Gators to the most prolific passing offense (387.6 ypg) in the FBS while ranking seventh in total offense (509.8 ypg) and eighth in scoring offense (39.8 ppg).
Under Johnson’s direction in 2020, quarterback Kyle Trask completed 301-of-437 attempts (68.9 pct.) for 4,283 yards, 43 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 180.0 efficiency rating en route to Heisman Trophy finalist and second-team All-America honors. The senior signal caller led the entire FBS in touchdown passes and ranked second in completions and passing yards.
So if the Bucs plan to start Trask this fall, wouldn’t it be smart to bring in a guy who was successful and comfortable with Trask? And the transition to Johnson’s offense probably would be minimal since Trask would know elements of it.
Johnson did a helluva job helping turn Air Raid quarterback Jalen Hurts from a pass-heavy player under Lincoln Riley in college into sort of a top-shelf hybrid Oklahoma/NFL offense QB with the Eagles.
Johnson, 36, already had talks with the Jets and Rams this offseason for their open offensive coordinator gigs.
If the “slow learner” statement is true about Kyle Trask than Brian Johnson makes perfect sense as the Bucs next OC. This annoyingly long search for a coordinator for the Bucs might be the result of waiting for a formal interview of Johnson who was Trask’s OC at Florida and could… pic.twitter.com/Jlq8XVwef7
— JC Cornell (@CornellNFL) February 10, 2023
February 10th, 2023 at 7:00 am
I’d rather have Brian Johnson from AC-DC. He wrote all of the lyrics to Back in Black while in the Bahamas a month after getting hired. I think he can draw up a play.
Even if he can’t, he’d be an upgrade over Leftwich.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:02 am
QB coach to OC
figures
Who knows
Who really cares with this ownership
February 10th, 2023 at 7:03 am
Sounds good to me – we dont have the cap space to go sign someone and keep Dean, LVD etc
The TE was a huge part of his O also, Kyle Pitts went off
February 10th, 2023 at 7:22 am
This is the best OC candidate we’ve discussed so far
February 10th, 2023 at 7:24 am
I’ve always been suspicious that Back in Black was pretty much created with Bon Scott, then they just had new guy sing the songs. They never had anything remotely as good since
February 10th, 2023 at 7:29 am
USa today said Ronde made HOF class. Hope I’m reading it right.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:32 am
I have no idea if the “slow learner” tag is true for Trask (see Tweet above), but if it is that’s 3 strikes against him, along lack of mobility and an unimpressive arm.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:33 am
Perhaps not only for Trask but also AR15!!
February 10th, 2023 at 7:39 am
Do we get a comp pick because he’s black? Why didn’t we get one when Bowles was made HC?
February 10th, 2023 at 7:41 am
Yes I also think that’s a decent deal to bring in Brian Johnson @ OC. We all knew something was going on when the Bucs has brought in at least 7 OC candidates and haven’t hire anybody. Many say the job it not that attractive but my question is why are so many people interviewing. In the NFL any decent position coach get fired on this day and tomorrow they’re hired by another team and usually the old team still owe them the rest of their contract. So go Bucs
February 10th, 2023 at 7:42 am
He also worked with Dak Prescott at Mississippi State. He may be a threat to Bowles. Hes a hot commodity I would offer him OC and assistant head coach.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:42 am
Brian Johnson has his “short bus” driver’s license it seems. That’s good for Kyle!
February 10th, 2023 at 7:44 am
I’m in on Johnson as an OC but not because he coached Kyle Trask in college. More because he’s helped develop Jalen Hurts and has benefited by being part of the Eagles team that offensively has been very successful.
If Kyle Trask starts for the Bucs this season, the team will be back in the cellar of the NFC South. They need a proven winner like Jimmy G, who has the maturity and experience in winning systems to manage games and move the ball.
Jimmy is a solid quarterback and can’t carry a team on his back. He does have good vision to see the defenses, he gets the ball out quickly and he doesn’t throw a lot of interceptions. He doesn’t have a great deep ball but the Bucs don’t have the WR’s that get behind the secondary anyway.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:45 am
Johnson, 36, already had talks with the Jets and Rams this offseason for their open offensive coordinator gigs.
So….why haven’t we talked to him?
February 10th, 2023 at 7:45 am
Joes says: “they would know what the Bucs’ plans are.”
LOL. Joe is using woke pronouns so as not to say “he” or “she”.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:46 am
Mark2001 Says:
February 10th, 2023 at 7:29 am
USa today said Ronde made HOF class. Hope I’m reading it right.
__________
Old news if you check JBF hourly like you should.
😀
February 10th, 2023 at 7:49 am
Dooosh…was it last night? I turn in early…have to get my beauty sleep. And at my age, I need a lot of beauty sleep to look decent. LOL.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:50 am
Joe look back at some of my old posts. I’ve been wondering why we haven’t interviewed this guy for weeks. If you’re going to go the young QB coach as OC, why not the guy who had success with Trask in college? Look at the job he’s done with another 2nd round pick who everyone was down on Jalen Hurts. Does it make to much sense for the Bucs to do this is my only concern.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:57 am
Naw, they are waiting on someone dumb/desperate enough to say yes.
February 10th, 2023 at 7:59 am
Those amazing passing stats from Kyle’s 2020 season in the SEC cannot be true. The SEC has the most speed of all conferences in college football and Rod Munch says Kyle has a noodle arm. 😛
February 10th, 2023 at 8:01 am
Doosh. I was probably getting my beauty sleep. And at my age, we older guys need all the beauty sleep we can get.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:05 am
If that’s what Bowles is doing then we’re absolutely cleaning house in 2024.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:13 am
We shouldn’t get a guy just because Trask is associated with him. Why are handing Trask the job? We should pick the best guy, period! If Trask was the designated starter, then it would be a good idea. He’s not.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:14 am
Ed,
You make no sense. You say you like Johnson for OC because he developed Jalen Hurts at the Eagles but then say you don’t like Kyle Trask because we need a “proven winner”.
Do you not know that Jalen Hurts was anything but a “proven winner”? That he was horrible his 2020 rookie season, playing all games and finishing with a lowly 33.8 quarterback rating? That he struggled again during his 2021 training camp? That he struggled again in his second season, 2021? That he didn’t flourish until his THIRD SEASON, 2022, and only now – AFTER 3 SEASONS – he is in the Super Bowl?
Hurts was the farthest thing from a “proven winner”. In fact virtually all NFL analysts wrote him off. Now they’re all eating crow.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:17 am
The SEC is the best college conference, the combination of Trask and Johnson tore it up together. 40 plus TDs with only 8 picks. Our oline will have Jensen and Stinnie back. Our run game will be much better.
The price is right and will help keep some our free agents.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:22 am
👀👀👀
February 10th, 2023 at 8:29 am
Everything about this franchise is JV
February 10th, 2023 at 8:33 am
If we are indeed planning on going with Trask, than this makes alot of sense and I think I would feel pretty good about it.
On a lighter note, Beej….. what about “For Those About to Rock” — That was also classic album with Brian.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:39 am
Can see the Glazers examining each OC candidate’s potential HC abilities during these interviews. Def think they’ll promote whichever OC they eventually hire to HC in ’24 if Bowles doesn’t alter his approach and the team falters in any way this upcoming season.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:40 am
Arron rodgers.. new big n fast beast wr ..
Draft some dline edge beast or olb ..
A safety and cb ..run it back
February 10th, 2023 at 8:49 am
Face it, no NFL owner wants to fire a black head coach after only 2 seasons and replace him with a white guy. It’s just a reality. For the Glazers, Johnson makes sense because if they fire Bowles then Johnson can step in.
February 10th, 2023 at 8:59 am
The new improved Lefty. Pffft.
February 10th, 2023 at 9:06 am
Hey SB. I’m probably as vocal as anyone. And we have had quite a few dry spells. But we have had some great defenses, and SB Champs. And 4 HOF guys fron that great 1999-2002 defense. So let’s not over react.
February 10th, 2023 at 9:16 am
surferbuc Says:
“Face it, no NFL owner wants to fire a black head coach after only 2 seasons”
_________
The LAST team in the NFL that needs to worry about anything like that is the BUCS. No team has a track record like them. They have had 4 African American Head Coaches. No other NFL team has had even 3, and most have not had 2.
February 10th, 2023 at 9:20 am
Perhaps this is why the Bucs have not signed an OC yet.
Waiting until the SB is over…
This guy or the dude from Cincinnati would be fine to help us win 2-4 games next season.
As long as we get a top three pick in the draft next year.
February 10th, 2023 at 9:33 am
Still wondering why JL did not go after Kavarius Toney when he was available by the giants, especially since we have no speed. He has a rapport with Trask, how much would it have cost us, so we let him go to KC, who is already loaded with speed
February 10th, 2023 at 9:38 am
I am on board with this. Has experience calling plays and then nfl experience. Unless he says he doesn’t believe in pre snap motion or play action (BL) hire him.
February 10th, 2023 at 9:39 am
If Shane Steichen, Eagles Offensive Coordinator , gets a Head Coaching job, then Johnson will be promoted to Eagles’ O/C job. If that doesn’t happen, Bucs should jump at chance to hire Johnson. Hurts, Prescott, Trask – pretty good development resume.
February 10th, 2023 at 9:43 am
So….Monken is the only one we’ve talked to who is still available?
February 10th, 2023 at 9:58 am
They are definitely waiting on someone…..guessing it’s Monken, the Bengals QB coach or this fella from Philly.
February 10th, 2023 at 9:59 am
rrsrq Says:
February 10th, 2023 at 9:33 am
Still wondering why JL did not go after Kavarius Toney when he was available by the giants, especially since we have no speed. He has a rapport with Trask, how much would it have cost us, so we let him go to KC, who is already loaded with speed
^^^^^^^^
Why did the Giants want to get rid of Toney? That question probably answers your question.
February 10th, 2023 at 10:01 am
Johnson could install a offensive that Trask wouldn’t have to learn. This hire makes a lot of sense, he coach at Florida and knows the no tax state plus the weather beats Philly hands down. Give the man a three contract 1.5 million a year and get done next week.
February 10th, 2023 at 10:01 am
@ Beej
No. Tierney, Dan Pitcher and Dave Canalas are all still available.
As is Jim Bob Cooter.
It appears Dan Pitcher (current QB Coach for the Bengals) is the front runner -as he is the only candidate to be interviewed twice so far.
I would prefer Dan Pitcher over anyone else who has been interviewed.
February 10th, 2023 at 10:05 am
This is the best article Joe has qritten about an OC speculation. Certainlybthe best option!
Licht could screw this up and hire the wrong Brian Johnson. But this could be the guy. He had done it at college with less talent; a QB and a TE!
I’m all for giving someone new the job. Especially one who is qualified and knows our future QB.
February 10th, 2023 at 10:12 am
I think they also be waiting for kevin petullo who is eagles passing game coordinator. He was Bowles offensive coordinator with the jets and Bowles did say that he want to bring in some of his guys.
February 10th, 2023 at 10:18 am
Look at his results. I like this guy.
February 10th, 2023 at 10:26 am
Lots more coaching candidates will be available after the SB
February 10th, 2023 at 10:31 am
I very much like this guy, and feel he will benefit Trask very much.
Trask’s last year at Florida was no joke!
February 10th, 2023 at 10:50 am
The 2020 UF stats that concern me with Johnson is
Rushing attempts – 367
Rushing Yards – 1575
Yards per rush – 4.0
Rushing Yards per game – 131.3
All look good, yet the top 4 rushing yards carriers are:
Rb Dameon Pierce 106 att -503 – 4.7 ypc – 4 td
Rb Malik Davis 66 att – 310 – 4.7 ypc – 0 td
QB Emory Jones 32 att- 217 – 6.8 ypc – 2 td
Rb Nay’Quan Wright 54 att – 213 – 3.9 ypc 2 td
This is not what I would call a strong rushing game. If we have this as our rushing totals next season do we really think this will be a successful season, regardless of who is our QB?
Go!!!!! Bucs!!!!!
February 10th, 2023 at 10:55 am
@ Rusty
If the Bucs average 131 rush yards per game it would put the Bucs in the top ten rushing offenses in the NFL.
Compared to last year – top ten is pretty good…
February 10th, 2023 at 10:59 am
This guy Johnson knows how to put a passing offense together.
Bowles wants somebody that can put a running game together
February 10th, 2023 at 11:13 am
Those numbers are great in college but this is the nfl. This guy helped trask n made him look great in college , he had a hand in dak Prescott idk if that’s tru just basing off another poster but for sure know he helped with jalen hurts. I say bring this guy in for OC with trask at QB n throwing the ball to ME13,CG14 Otton and having a hopefully healthy oline we deff could win the division again.
February 10th, 2023 at 11:16 am
In general, that’s correct. But remember Trask mostly played SEC games. Joe’s not an SEC honk at all but that is often a defensive league. So it’s not like Trask was putting these numbers up against a no-defense league like the Big XII or the Mountain West or even the PAC-12.
February 10th, 2023 at 11:33 am
The stats Trask put up in college are mind boggling. If the Bucs hire Johnson, maybe he can get the best out of Trask.
February 10th, 2023 at 12:00 pm
I’ve been mentioning the past 2 weeks that I think they are after someone from the superbowl teams. I didn’t know of this connection.
I think it’s a great idea.
February 10th, 2023 at 12:02 pm
BrianBucs Says:
February 10th, 2023 at 10:59 am
This guy Johnson knows how to put a passing offense together.
Bowles wants somebody that can put a running game together.”
We don’t actually know that.
February 10th, 2023 at 12:06 pm
If they get him as OC, then that tells us they are more sold on Trask than we were led to believe.
February 10th, 2023 at 12:09 pm
Unless Dan Mullen absolutely doesn’t want to do the job, why go get the baby calf when the Bull is out there looking to coach, don’t get the cheeseburger go get the prime rib
February 10th, 2023 at 12:12 pm
It’s entirely possible the guy could excel
February 10th, 2023 at 12:24 pm
The more I read about this guy the more I like him. He woukd be a perfect fit.
Yahoo sports just did a story about him and QB development. Head coach Nick Sirianni speaks highly of him.
February 10th, 2023 at 12:35 pm
Been saying this for a week now, gotta wait till super bowl is over
February 10th, 2023 at 12:44 pm
Joe hit on it!
2020 was the pandemic year where the schedule was 10 games all conference which means the stats Trask put up was against all SEC teams for 10 straight weeks… Arguably the toughest conference… 40+ TDs and only 8 ints…
IF (big IF) he can translate that to the NFL, he could possibly become the 2nd best Bucs qb only to Tom Brady!
February 10th, 2023 at 12:48 pm
IM ON BOARD FOR HIRING THIS GUY!
LETS GET IT DONE ON MONDAY!
February 10th, 2023 at 12:53 pm
I started talking about him the day after Leftwich was fired.
Would not mind this as well, he’s clearly worked magic with several QBs now at college and pro level.
February 10th, 2023 at 1:22 pm
Makes sense if they are going with Trask. Actually, makes sense even if they aren’t. Todd Monken and this guy seem like the best options right now. The other guys they’ve been talking to are coming from horrendous offenses.
February 10th, 2023 at 1:38 pm
Kevin Patullo on the Iggles staff (passing game coordinator) might also be a candidate — was Bowles QB coach in NYJ and also attended USF.
February 10th, 2023 at 2:13 pm
Ding ding ding! This one rings the bell for me. This would be an outstanding hire. Kyle will be ready this year. He will succeed, especially with this coach.
February 10th, 2023 at 4:27 pm
FYI Mullen was the true OC for the Gators. Johnson, while called OC, was effectively the QB coach. Mullen called the plays. Hire Mullen?
February 10th, 2023 at 4:34 pm
Monken if they want a head coach in the waiting. If he has one good year with Tampa, he’ll get a HC job somewhere.
Johnson if they go with Trask and they hope for a few years of continuity and believe in Bowles.
Either way, I think they should stick with Trask. They are strapped for at least 2yrs with the cap and he is the cheapest option. By the time you’d need to resign him, your out of cap hell. spend this draft on the O-line and another power back.
A solid D, solid O-line and a strong running game will help any developing quarterback.
February 10th, 2023 at 4:44 pm
Dusthty Rhothdes Says:
February 10th, 2023 at 12:09 pm
Unless Dan Mullen absolutely doesn’t want to do the job, why go get the baby calf when the Bull is out there looking to coach, don’t get the cheeseburger go get the prime rib
Yet, all of Mullens best seasons were when Brian Johnson was with him.
Kinda like all of Bill Belichicks best seasons were when Brady was with him.
February 10th, 2023 at 4:46 pm
Jack Burton.
Mullen may have been the OC for the Florida Gators that year effectively. But again, Mullens best years have also been tied to when Brian Johnson was with him.
So, unless we were in the room, we might never know who was more important to the success those teams had.
February 10th, 2023 at 5:17 pm
Perfect marriage/hire if they can get it done. I am not sure how some of the fans are referring to the Bucs QC Coach who labeled Kyle as a slow learner of the Bucs system. He also said Kyle was not allowed to compete for QB2. That was a poor comments. How do you learn the system without taking any snaps. Thanks God he is gone. Hire Johnson and give Trask a chance to start.
February 10th, 2023 at 10:17 pm
If that’s the case, just hire Dan Mullen instead
February 11th, 2023 at 1:08 am
But why would Johnson leave a Superbowl team (more successful) to join the Bucs in a lateral move as OC? Scratch that. A downgrade from what he already has?…especially if the Eagles win the Superbowl. Could it be the potential to become a head coach if things don’t go well for Bowles?? If things don’t go well for Bowles, things wouldn’t be going well for Johnson. I can see a reason for waiting to hire with this logic, just can’t see any logic in it from Johnson’s side.
February 11th, 2023 at 11:23 am
I would like this hire, Eagles quarterback coach Brian Johnson, tired of same ole same ole retread hires. Let’s do something out of the box…(for Bucs anyway)
Now, I’ll hate this hire if we draft AR15, while Jalen hurts struggled as a Rookie NFL QB – he was an excellent college QB…(not AR15)
Go Bucs!
February 12th, 2023 at 5:04 pm
He will be the next Eagles OC
That is a done deal