“Slam Dunk” Josh Grizzard
February 27th, 2025
Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard spent seven years on the Dolphins’ sidelines.
Rookie Bucs offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard is a protégé of Dolphins offensive guru Mike McDaniel, so Joe made sure to get private time with McDaniel this week at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Joe already shared McDaniel talking about Grizzard’s preparation for securing a high-profile playcaller gig at just 34 years old.
Today, it’ll be what McDaniel saw in Grizzard when he took over the Dolphins program in 2022 at 38 years old. Grizzard was a young holdover from the Brian Flores regime, but McDaniel didn’t send him packing like often happens when a new head coach arrives.
“It goes back to, you know, in my reflection of my career, I’m not here if I didn’t have the fortune of being around Mike Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan and Gary Kubiak,” McDaniel said. “So I was very fortunate in my situation. As a new head coach, you evaluate a situation and you see a guy with talent that maybe wasn’t afforded the same opportunity.
“So it was pretty easy to keep [Grizzard] on because he had the work ethic and the desire, and honestly I thought he would really do well being able to learn our system. And he’s absolutely taken that and run with it. That’s why he was a for sure slam dunk in my opinion to follow Liam Coen. So I’m really fired up for him and can’t wait to see what they do.”
It’s worth noting that Grizzard and McDaniel played football for Yale University but not at the same time. Surely they must have bonded through their shared life experience, but Grizzard didn’t stick through three head coaches in Miami because he’s an Ivy League grad.
In fact, McDaniel never even mentioned Yale to Joe.
The “for sure slam dunk” description by McDaniel really struck Joe. If Grizzard really is a hidden gem, the Bucs should be able to maintain their high offensive output of last season and remain contenders.
February 27th, 2025 at 6:30 am
Joe , once again you are worrying about the wrong g side of the ball . When canalas left you thought since baker at the time had a career year with him , the offense would take a step back & you didn’t feel baker could not regress . He was better with El snake . Now that grizz will be running the show I feel just fine about it . Focus on what in the heck the defensive side of the ball can & will do to get better is what I and another of people will do . Some of the pieces flat out suck . Including the play calling & the 20 yards off coverage . The dropping DE’S into coverage , the lack of created turnovers , the zero punts allowed in a playoff game , and just the overall lack of talent on that side of the ball is really bad . We know it , you know it & the bucs better frigging know it .
February 27th, 2025 at 6:58 am
I appreciate the inside intel and it certainly helps calm the concerns of changing OC – one of the major storylines of the off season
Certainly no lack of posts on the woes of our far undermanned D
Keep em coming Joe(s)!
February 27th, 2025 at 7:06 am
One of the major differences between Canales & Coen IMO was the personnel each had to work with. Coen had Bucky, Barton, Bredeson & McMillan as upgrades, plus a couple of assistant coaches (Carberry & Picucci especially) who seem to have made a significant difference.
Griz takes over with mostly those same upgrades being available, although we do need to re-sign (or replace) Bredeson. Coen only had Godwin for part of the season, but he made some major contributions in his 7 games. Hopefully Chris is back with us for a full 17 this season. As long as Baker stays healthy, I fully expect this season’s offense to be at least as productive as last season’s.
February 27th, 2025 at 7:16 am
At least now, Bucs fans are extremely optimistic about the team being a contender. Back in the day, we’d already be resigned to them sucking air again. We’d enthusiastically root for them, but deep down, knew they weren’t going anywhere. What a refreshing change.
February 27th, 2025 at 7:26 am
It’s a nice story. I’m not worried about the offense too much. I’m pretty sure Grizz will be just fine.
February 27th, 2025 at 7:31 am
McDaniel played football? With dudes?
February 27th, 2025 at 7:31 am
Amen PSL!
February 27th, 2025 at 7:35 am
Great post Joe. You are fire 🔥
February 27th, 2025 at 7:40 am
Hope so!
February 27th, 2025 at 7:51 am
I’m glad to hear it.
Unfortunately, the Bucs will probably have to play defense at some point next season.
February 27th, 2025 at 8:17 am
Grizz will do well, but we need HOF’er Khalil Mack at the edge.
February 27th, 2025 at 8:33 am
So every year since Baker has been here the offenses got better with different oCs. What is consistent about this? Baker. Again Baker makes everybody better. Baker inherited a 1-31 coach Hugh something. He got fired, A DC took over and Freddie the Kitchen Sink was Oc. Won 6 then 7 with him as HC. His second year was marred by Miles Garrett going ballistic abd smashing backup Steelers Quarterback with the droids helmet. Needless to say a long suspension followed. Bakers third year even 11 games and stomped the Steelers in the playoffs. Who cares who the OC is. We got Baker.
February 27th, 2025 at 8:40 am
Bake gets something close to OC continuity for back to back seasons. Not sure if he has ever had that. Now, defense…?
February 27th, 2025 at 8:58 am
“ In fact, McDaniel never even mentioned Yale to Joe.”
Wow, if you ever knew a Yale graduate, then they are usually reminding you they were a Yale graduate.
February 27th, 2025 at 8:59 am
Just like vegetarians
February 27th, 2025 at 9:24 am
Adios, el Serpiente! Dos mas Cervezas, por fa vor.
February 27th, 2025 at 9:41 am
The offense will be good this year, depending on injuries and playcalling. Grizz needs lots of playcalling reps during the offseason. I could see the Bucs picking up a WR in the late rounds if they don’t have faith in Trey Palmer. Still the focus has to be on the D.
February 27th, 2025 at 10:55 am
Better coaches get improved performance from the same players. Something we see the opposite of on defense as regression and decline have been obvious since BA stepped down.
February 27th, 2025 at 11:31 am
The defense sucks and that is putting it lightly!
February 27th, 2025 at 1:15 pm
The problem is the coaches on defense. Every one of them should have been let go.
February 27th, 2025 at 1:37 pm
The problem is the players on defense. An edge rusher makes all stars. Same as a good QB.
February 27th, 2025 at 4:22 pm
Coaches can make a difference in players. Our defensive staff including the leader do the opposite. It’s proven over the head coach’s tenure.
February 27th, 2025 at 5:30 pm
Well i for one DO NOT want to see if we can strike gold 4 times in a row if this cat dips after one year!!! They should of put clauses in his contract that made it very difficult to vanish after a successful year