Baker Mayfield Should Have Heaviest Hand On Offensive Coordinator Choice
January 25th, 2025
“I’ll get my guy, Mike.”
One NFL certainty in a sea of snakes and clowns is that Baker Mayfield is severely underpaid.
He’s played the past two seasons like a top-10 quarterback but this year earned about $20 million less than the average salary of the top 10 highest-paid QBs.
That bargain won’t last forever. Mayfield has two more seasons remaining on his contract (2025 and 2026) and Joe thinks Mayfield would have massive demand in free agency.
Just look at all the Sean McVay disciples around the NFL in head coach positions and calling plays. Mayfield is proven in that system and he only turns 30 in April.
That means the Bucs need to create an environment that keeps Mayfield happy and wanting to stay in Tampa.
If Mayfield doesn’t respect and love his new offensive coordinator before he’s hired, then that could become an issue on so many levels. Damn, Joe doesn’t want to think about what could go wrong, especially knowing Todd Bowles enters the 2025 season with massive expectations on his back from fans and the Bucs heirarchy.
The Bucs acknowledged that Mayfield was a key cog in choosing Liam Coen a year ago. Mayfield’s role needs to get even stronger this time around.
It’s what makes it easy to point to guys Mayfield has worked with, assistant coaches like Jake Peetz in Seattle and Alex Van Pelt, just launched from the Patriots’ regime, and in-house candidate Thad Lewis, the Bucs’ quarterback coach.
Or, as Joe was dead serious about, USC head coach Lincoln Riley.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:37 am
Todd did well with Canales and great with Coen. I’m confident that he will do well with the next OC.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:39 am
If his relationship is anything like him and Coens with the next coordinator make sure you check for snake knifes cheap tricks you know things that we didn’t look for with the last guy it’s crazy that I have more respect for Dave Canales than Liam Coen at this point
January 25th, 2025 at 10:40 am
I wouldn’t say a heavy hand. They should absolutely ask for his opinion but he’s not established enough to have a say in the OC search. Allow the people you hired to do their job. If Baker doesn’t like it. Tough. But maybe that is just me.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:40 am
I believe Mayfield gave the Bucs a bargain because they were the only team to give him what would have been his last shot in the NFL. We wanted him and he wanted to be here. Had to work with what salary cap was available. Unfortunately, it looks like the Bucs in 2025 only have 2.5 Million. I’m guessing Mayfield will get an extension in 2026.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:41 am
Looks like it doesn’t matter who the OC is Mayfield will do fine. I mean the guy has been in the league eight years and has eight different OC’s.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:43 am
What about are in house candidates as mentioned our QB Coach and what about our pass game coordinator/3rd down caller? He did an excellent job of helping us convert 3rd downs at the top of the league.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:46 am
Baker, Bucky, Mike, and the offensive line—how about we just ask them for their opinions and go from there? They know what they’re good at, what they like, and what worked for them last year. Canales was a first-time playcaller, and Coen had only one year of experience. It’s going to be fine when you consider that Todd Bowles literally had to help teach Canales how to call plays. Both men have admitted that Canales had no idea what he was doing until training camp and had to learn as the season progressed. Thad Lewis is the guy at this point, and if he’s not, then why has he been on the coaching staff for the past four years?
January 25th, 2025 at 10:48 am
It’s going to be Alex VanPelt. Quick speculating.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:49 am
Didn’t Mayfield’s “heavy handed” choice last year just give us a hand job. Here’s looking toward a happy ending
January 25th, 2025 at 10:53 am
Josh
Largely agree with your post except for Bucky. He’s a super talented RB for sure but he does it with a gift from God. His ability to see and cut just screams memories of Barry Sanders. Not calling Bucky Barry…YET.
ME13 OTOH is a wiley old vet and so I agree with you, like Baker his opinion should carry significant weight. In addition ME has paid his dues with the franchise and staked his entire career on being a Buc. That’s why Coach Bowles getting him that record is HUGE.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:54 am
@ChiBuc
“Here’s looking toward a happy ending”
Smiling here…the offensive improvement last year WAS our “happy ending”
Now we’re left to clean up the mess.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:59 am
LOL Chi…twas very dry
January 25th, 2025 at 11:00 am
Every player who will be on the team playing offense next year should be brought together in a room and asked what they want, as well as what they are looking for as a cohesive unit moving forward. This is an opportunity to identify the coaching styles that work best for them and the team. I don’t have a preference for who coaches or who plays—I want the Buccaneers to win Super Bowls, and I want to see many of them. Don’t care who you are or what your name is or how you even get it done.
I WANT TO ROOT FOR A WINNING TEAM!
A WINNING FRANCHISE!
THAT DOESN’T ACCEPT MEDIOCRITY!!!
January 25th, 2025 at 11:15 am
I’m slightly curious as to why Bowles/Licht doesn’t interview anyone with real experience. Is he not confident enough to have someone on staff that will tell him no?… I’m not bashing him. Just genuinely curious as to why they are always so inexperienced at the position.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:17 am
A few things the Bucs have been great at since JabooWins was here… Cam Brate got paid, Adam Humphries got paid, Godwin got paid, even Justin Watson played with Winston. Now look at Bowles and his OC’s, Canales promoted, now Coen’s and possibly Larry Foote. Jon Robison didn’t last as a GM, but now Spytek… Bucs are great at getting people paid but not great on capitalizing on all that we have fed the NFL. They have success at Tampa, but after that, hmmm
January 25th, 2025 at 11:21 am
I would choose an in-house option IF they have what it takes to become a great play-caller. Someone mentioned in the comments section some days ago a suggestion to have Bruce Arian come in and mentor someone during the off-season. That’s a great idea IMO.
The Bucs had a great offense last season so they shouldn’t fix what isn’t broken. Promoting a coach from within who already knows the offense would prevent a situation where Baker and the offense have to start from scratch again.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:25 am
Promoting from within sends a great message that when you do great work, you will be rewarded. That is important for future hires to see their quality work does not go unnoticed in Buc Nation.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:27 am
“I’m slightly curious as to why Bowles/Licht doesn’t interview anyone with real experience.”
Nah curiosity has nothing to do with it. You’re simply looking for even more ways to diminish any success Todd has. The worst lies are the ones you tell yourself.
So of course you haven’t been curious as to how Todd SUCCESSFULLY found two OC’s.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:35 am
SO Riley will leave a HC Position to be a OC .
January 25th, 2025 at 11:41 am
The Lincoln Riley thing has some merit. They just hired a new Football GM at USC from Notre Dame. The GM he is replacing was brought in by Riley. Hmmmm.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:42 am
Fasten your seatbelts! Follow the bouncing ball. Coen is gone. Bucs need an OC. Byron Leftwich was an OC. He is unemployed and actively looking. He is tight with Bowles. Bowles REALLY LIKES him.
Caution – objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:46 am
St Pete My #1 Super Todd fan. Crying like usual because not everybody adores the Super Todd like him!
Perhaps St Pete would like to answer the question or perhaps he would prefer to keep twerking for the Super Todd?
January 25th, 2025 at 11:53 am
Just let Baker run the offense and call his own plays, he has the knowledge of 7 coordinators.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:53 am
All I know is that the Buc’s best find someone quick!!
January 25th, 2025 at 12:03 pm
Whomever they hire i hope they teach discipline, Coen’s guys committed a few too many penalties.
January 25th, 2025 at 12:07 pm
Baker is the OC. Just put someone in the booth to communicate what they’re seeing and radio it to Baker
January 25th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
Licht/Bowles have plenty to keep them busy. Staff interviews, scouting new players, working with the ones here contract-wise. Winning your 2nd SB in your home stadium has attracted a lot of attention. Next season will be scary.
January 25th, 2025 at 12:31 pm
Promise Riley a 2 year stint as OC and the third year Bowles goes to front office and Riley takes over as HC! A guy can dream!!
If his ultimate dream is to be a NFL head coach then this is the place to be
January 25th, 2025 at 12:36 pm
I don’t understand the point of hiring people whose ceiling is assistant and then keep renewing their contracts. Bucs are really going to keep people on their staff who they would never even interview as an OC. It’s pathetic like Drafting a quarterback in the second round and not even allowing him to throw passes in mop up duty. In house candidate or first coordinator. Not everyone will hit the ground running like Coen so would we really go all in unless we have an experienced play caller
January 25th, 2025 at 12:55 pm
Baker the King Maker
January 25th, 2025 at 1:32 pm
Couch fan, that is just you, baker should have a major say in who the offensive coordinator is, just like he did when it came to cohen. Baker knows what’s going to work for the offense and what’s not going to work. I don’t think it’ll make a difference who the oc is, offense is loaded and ready to take another step forward
January 25th, 2025 at 1:59 pm
The process should be no different than last year. So if Baker had a role last time, certainly give him a role this time. If he had no role last time, then he should have no role this time.
Bowles has done a great job with the last two picks, so there is no reason to suddenly change up the process now.
January 25th, 2025 at 2:32 pm
Baker has always prioritized his teammates’ welfare. The Bucs need to hire an OC who treats all players with respect. If they bring in a loudmouth, I suspect Baker will go elsewhere.
January 25th, 2025 at 2:39 pm
100% agree, Baker needs to have substantial input, if only to set up his next contract. I am sure that he not looking to bounce around the NFL again.
If there was an in-house candidate that the Bucs liked, he would be in place today. Or at least a rumor that he’s the guy.
If I were Licht, I would definitely try to hire an OC that has the potential to take over after Bowles fails. Sadly, there aren’t many out there.
January 25th, 2025 at 4:01 pm
Munch is right. The process should be no different than last time. No way this offense, led by at least two future HOFs, is stepping backwards. Now let’s resign Godwin for 3 years and get us some linebackers for LaVonte to train. We were mighty close to getting to the Super Bowl this year. Let’s not tweak things too much.
January 25th, 2025 at 4:05 pm
Baker has one year left. Maybe two. Why is he picking coaches?
January 25th, 2025 at 4:50 pm
Baker will help next OC get a head coaching job and will help Todd Bowles keep his for another year. Whomever is the OC in 2025, Baker will exceed his 2024 performance. Bucs will want to renegotiate Mayfield after 2025. Either way, Baker will end up with a mega guaranteed contract to take him through the rest of the decade. Anticipate next contract $50-55/mil per year with the majority guaranteed. Hope it is with Tampa.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:09 pm
Watch out for a bidding war for Chris between Raiders, Jags, Panthers, Bucs.
Lets wrap Chris up early. The trade him and a second rounder for crosby.
January 25th, 2025 at 6:14 pm
Gipper Says:
January 25th, 2025 at 4:50 pm
Baker will help next OC get a head coaching job and will help Todd Bowles keep his for another year. Whomever is the OC in 2025, Baker will exceed his 2024 performance. Bucs will want to renegotiate Mayfield after 2025.
———-
I said before the Redskins game, if Baker comes out on fire and wins the game, then the Bucs will be going to Philly were Bowles owns Hurts, which means at worst they’d be in the NFC Championship game with a very good chance of making it to the Super Bowl. If Baker could turn his regular season success this year into playoff wins, I had no doubt the Bucs would this offseason redo his contract and make him paid like a top QB – and he would have earned it, had that happened.
Instead Baker choked, lost the game, and now we’re talking about the OC that left and the draft, and not Baker’s new deal.
Maybe next year… Maybe next year…
January 25th, 2025 at 6:22 pm
Let em Bake Says:
January 25th, 2025 at 6:09 pm
Watch out for a bidding war for Chris between Raiders, Jags, Panthers, Bucs.
Lets wrap Chris up early. The trade him and a second rounder for crosby.
—————
The Bucs have $2m in cap space right now. They will free up some cap space, but that won’t be remotely enough to sign Godwin, so you’d have to get creative and get a deal done via a bunch of salary cap tricks, with deferring salary and void years and probably a big bonus. Of course if you sign a deal like that, the one thing you literally can’t do is trade the player, since all those cap tricks come due immediately as result of a trade.
January 25th, 2025 at 7:28 pm
One part of the interview should be the interviewing OC showing bakers his playbook and ideas. And let them talk and see how he feels about his philosophy and gage his vibe
January 25th, 2025 at 7:51 pm
Honestly, I’m confident Bowels will find the right guy. If they can get similar production out of the Offense, all they would need to do is fix the D and they are a very dangerous team.
Who would you all like to see us sign? I’m assuming they are going the McVay tree.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:05 pm
Baker has to be involved because he is a one dimensional qb
Everything must be done within the box, lord knows he can’t think outside of the box
Last year throws the ball to Detroits linebacker, out of the playoffs everyone saying wait till next year. Next year comes, this year, fumbles ball, out of playoffs. Hear we are again, groundhog day, wait till next year. When push comes to shove he is not the one to have confidence in, that goes for the head coach todd also.
As far as Evan’s goes as long as who ever is getting him the rock so he can set records and make history he’s all for it.
January 25th, 2025 at 8:13 pm
I think Baker’s guaranteed money is up after the 2025 season. If so, should the Bucs go ahead and sign him to an extension since the quarterback market will only go up?
January 25th, 2025 at 8:39 pm
Muncher,
Know you are looking for attention. Baker didn’t “choke” as much as you would like him to have. People who actually play and coach the game know that McMillan was 2 yards deeper than he should have been on that jet sweep. Have said that once Baker realized that McMillan over ran the play, he should have just eaten the ball and fell down. Mayfield, as we have seen with his scrambles, is always reluctant to give up on a play. Mayfield, as you know, has the highest QB playoff passer rating of all time. Yes, eclipsing even your heartthrob, Tom Brady.
Always easier from the couch to say what so and so should have done. The high school band is as close to a football field as you ever got. Stick with shuffleboard and leave talent evaluation to people who actually played the game. Here is why, I know you were a wannabee football player. People who actually played the game have a high degree of respect for people who play. Further, they are aware of how difficult the game is at the skill positions.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Gipper, I don’t believe you could find anyone here who has competed at a high school or above level in football who would call Baker a choker. I don’t know if Rod Munch played in the band or not, but he sure wasn’t on the field after about the eighth grade.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:03 pm
Gipper – No one talks about the outdated passer rating that QBs exploited many years ago – literally just throw a bunch of short passes and let you WRs run and you got a ridiculously high passer rating. Also only 5 appearances in the plays (along with a 2-3 record) doesn’t even qualify you for all-time stats.
Meanwhile, look to QBR, where you take into account things like fumbling the ball in key situations, and throwing a 2 yard pass that your receiver takes 20 yards, and suddenly his numbers look a lot different. For example, a 64.5 QBR vs the Redskins, vs Daniels 80.4 QBR. Or 55.4 vs the Lions, and 43.9 vs the Eagles last year. Those numbers match what we saw on the field.
Also, yes, I know, Baker wasn’t at fault last year vs Detroit in the playoffs, with 2 minutes left and the game on the line and he throws a pick – it was Code Otton at fault. This year it’s not Baker who fumbled the ball, no it’s someone else once again. It’s never Baker’s fault – we get it – he’s amazing, the GOAT, the MVP, and everyone is against him trying to make him look bad.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:07 pm
Kenton Smith Says:
January 25th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Gipper, I don’t believe you could find anyone here who has competed at a high school or above level in football who would call Baker a choker.
———
Lets see, a player who in the last two playoff games….
1) The defense makes a huge goal line stand vs an elite offense, gives the Bucs the ball back with about 7 minutes left and the ability to go up two scores and put the game away. The defense is completely spent, only given up 16 points on the day, way overperformed, and what happens? Baker almost immediately fumbles the ball, loses the game.
2) Last year vs the Lions. 2 Minutes left, with 2 TO’s, and the game on the line Baker has the ball in his hands… and, immediately throws a pick and the game is over.
How many playoff games in a row do you have to lose because of huge mistakes late in the 4th quarter before you start seeing a trend? Give me an answer, I’m interested to hear what your number is.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:25 pm
Baker should have input into the next OC. He has earned it. But I hope Bowles and Licht have the wherewithal to pick an OC that keeps a similar or better yet same offensive scheme. The McVay offense and Baker are a match. But the new OC should also push Baker from top 5 QB to top 3. Baker won some games for us this year. But he also contributed heavily to some losses. He had 16 interceptions and 13 fumbles. It doesn’t matter he only had 2 fumble losses. Those are big negative plays he needs to clean up. Lamar, Burrows and Josh Allen were elite because they played clean. Those flaws in Baker’s game when eliminated could be the difference between a 10-7 record and one with 12 or 13 or 14 wins which is very achievable in this division. Better records mean better seedings to play weaker teams in wildcard and better home advantage in divisional rounds. That’s how you go deeper in the playoffs. And that’s how Baker turns his contract into top 3 money after 2026.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:36 pm
Munch,
Grab your clarinet and march around in your backyard reliving your high school glory.
January 25th, 2025 at 9:55 pm
@Gipper
He’s a marching band reject. Not even the worst band would want him
January 25th, 2025 at 9:57 pm
@Munch
And how many playoff games do you have to lose because your defense can’t do anything. They literally got the one stop all night, and let the commanders decimate the clock on them because they couldn’t do anything against the commanders. You are so stupid and insufferable. Just do everyone a favor and become a ballerina fan And go root for the Chiefs.
What a idiot. Never met a fan dumber than you.
January 25th, 2025 at 10:30 pm
Here we go Rod. Stop lying. The fourth quarter fumble against Washington was early in the fourth quarter. I’m sure Baker was thinking “thanks defense for the great field position. Only 97 yards to go.” Our defense couldn’t make a stop on 4th down when it counted and we’re down 20-17. After tying it up with over 5 minutes to play our offense never got another snap. It’s a team game and overall we played well. We lost to the better team that night. Baker made a mistake, he didn’t choke. He played a great game. But the QB on the other team played better. That’s what Baker is gnawing on this offseason “how we beating Daniels in the future” not that lost fumble.
January 25th, 2025 at 11:53 pm
Well the Muncher has spoken and we all he is never wrong. What a joke. He has been wrong about EVERYTHING Baker Mayfield. If there was a wrong-O-meter on this site and after so many times of that thing going off you were banned Munch would have been banned a year ago. How can you be wrong about everything Baker and still come on here and act like people value your opinion? I don’t get it. I guess you would have to be a psychologist to figure that one out.
Regardless you can bet Baker will continue to thrive in this system. Bowels has the talent to pick out a good OC and he will fix the defense this off season and next year it will be the year of the Bucs. Oh and whatever you do keep Godwin.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:00 am
I wouldnt argue with him, he has a mental issue. He doesn’t even hear you, not really. It’s like he said my opinion is valuable and that’s all he hears and knows. If you notice his comments are long and full of bs. He is an artist at it. Of course he usually just states the obvious until it comes to Baker then he automatically goes off the reservation due to his hate for him. I think he has taken the place of Odell Beckems dad. Maybe he is OBJ’s dad. How would we know??
January 26th, 2025 at 12:02 am
Let me see, Tom Brady threw 3 interceptions and they lost a playoff game is Tom Brady of choke artist??
January 26th, 2025 at 12:05 am
Oh yisn’t. Quarterback Envy’s own standard Tom Brady is a choke artist. Can’t have your cake and eat it too. That is either the standard or it isnt.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:08 am
Wow there you go again Envy, wrong as usual. The NFL is who uses the passer rating. They refuse to use your QBR. So once again you don’t know what you are talking about.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:09 am
It’s called “The NFL Passer Rating” for a reason, they developed it and use it. ESPN developed your QBR and the NFL doesn’t like it so…
January 26th, 2025 at 12:13 am
Wow Envy that actually isn’t how you get a high passer rating, what a liar you are or an idiot you decide which is true. Talent evaluation sure isn’t your talent.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:32 am
Rod Munch, stop already you really need to stop. You are full of misinformation tonight. Stop. You cause so many problems on this blog with all your hate and misinformation on our quarterbacks part. Either tell the truth or leave man, people are tired of it.
You don’t get to say a qb that scored 146.5 passer rating in a playoff game is a choker. I read that is a top 20 play off passer rating of all time. Not if you’re a fan you don’t.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:38 am
Rod where did you read that is how qb get a better passer rating??
Because that is just not so.why do you hate our qb so bad? Is it worth it to come on here and say things that just aren’t true?
The passer rating has nothing to do with how far the WR runs after he catches the ball. Where do you get this stuff? Keep it real dude. You are getting exposed as someone that says anything whether it’s true or not if it fits your desired end.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:05 am
Baker and the OL should have input, however the Bucs need to make a big move now and choose an OC that has integrity and is true to their words too.
January 26th, 2025 at 10:32 am
Rod
Please don’t have your own opinion
Because it seems to me that you are constantly attacked for have your own opinion. I may not agree with everything everyone else believes but I respect everyone’s right to their own opinion, that is what having a healthy conversation is about not a toxic one.
January 26th, 2025 at 11:25 am
Mike, Rod is one whose opinions need fact checked. I love Rods opinions just sometimes, like most of us, he hasn’t got his facts straight.
January 26th, 2025 at 12:42 pm
If Baker understands blocking schemes as well as he knows receiver routes then he should be asked to look at the potential OC’s schemes. Coen’s offensive scheme gave is our most explosive output ever because it exploited the skill level of Baker and our oline. Baker has removed any doubt in my mind that he is an excellent qb and perfect for our team and any scheme less intricate than Coen’s will be a step back.
Looking at an extreme close up of the exact play on You Tube and I believe it was supposed to be a pass play not an end around because Baker turned to his right and not to his left. McMillan wasn’t expecting to receive a hand off. This fumble was a freak accident both are to blame because both touched the ball. The biggest blame I put on McMillan because it seemed he was too close to the line and hit the ball as Baker was pulling it back.
January 26th, 2025 at 3:55 pm
The fumble was MacmillanS fault. he should have slowed down. Furthermore, Coen should not be calling trick plays that deep.
January 26th, 2025 at 5:22 pm
Forget about this year it is in the books and over, Liam is gone, it happens. Concentrate on next year and hope it is better. My motto is next man up this is pro football not sandlot
January 26th, 2025 at 6:25 pm
So the commandos just had a dillion turnovers. Daniels threw one in the end zone . Applying the same standard Munch my Rod applies to Baker. … Daniels is clearly a choke artist. Cut him immediately. But wait he won 2 playoff games and had great stats in a loss. So does Baker but it does not matter. Choke artist dump him.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:41 pm
Rod can have his opinion all day long but when his opinion is brain dead and proven wrong 50 times over 2 years he can expect the same type of push back he gives out. If it’s respectful he will get respectful, if it’s disrespectful he’ll get disrespected. So it’s totally up to Quarterback Envy Rod.
January 26th, 2025 at 6:51 pm
It’s just like when he says the qb get a better passer rating by the receivers running further. That is ridiculous and we all know why he said it. I could talk all day on his ridiculous comments, they are many and they are all aimed at making Baker look bad and for one I am tired of it. It doesn’t help the effort in fact it could hurt it. But he doesn’t care.