Josh Grizzard’s OC Path Started Two Years Ago; Ex-Bucs QB Gets An Assist
February 6th, 2025
New Bucs playcaller Josh Grizzard.
“Two years ago I really started thinking like a coordinator,” Bucs rookie offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard responded to a question from Joe today.
Joe wanted to know when Grizzard, 34, who has never called plays, believed he was ready for his new job as a first-time NFL playcaller.
Was there a moment or a specific year?
Nothing concrete, Grizzard said, but he’s been preparing mentally since before he left the Dolphins after the 2023 season to join the Bucs.
“When you’re in the booth and looking at coverages and just doing your mundane quality control work, you start thinking, ‘Ok, what do I call next? What do I call next? What’s this situation?'” Grizzard said. “Whatever it might be, so over the last two years trying to think in that way to prepare myself for this day.”
Grizzard was promoted last week and met with assembled media today for about an hour. Some was on camera but most was in a more casual sitdown chat with no cameras allowed.
Much to dissect, but Joe is starting with some of Grizzard’s recent evolution into his gig.
The former high school quarterback turned Yale safety was an offensive assistant with the Dolphins from 2017 through 2023 through six Miami offensive coordinators.
He soaked up plenty, but he also got a massive assist from former Bucs quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Grizzard told Joe that Fitzpatrick, who was a Dolphins QB in 2019 and 2020, used to take time to call things to Grizzard’s attention with an eye toward Grizzard becoming a playcaller one day. Sort of, “hey, be very aware of X, Y and Z when it comes time that you’re the boss. Don’t approach this defense in this way or that way. Always remember X when you’re dealing with Y.”
Grizzard remains extrmely grateful to Fitzpatrick for that approach with a young coach in his 20’s with plenty to prove.
The real-time action of a playclock counting down is nothing new to Grizzard. In response to Joe’s question about his game-day role last season, Grizzard said he was on the headset to Liam Coen regularly, talking to him about defensive alingments and serving up his takes on what plays could be set up to work later in games.
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February 6th, 2025 at 7:12 pm
Sounds ready to come out blazing. I like this pick. When someone has the kind of passion for something they usually excel. Sounds like he has been waiting for this opportunity so hopefully he takes off. Everyone has to be given a start somewhere
February 6th, 2025 at 7:16 pm
Joe, that was something I mentioned and ask about last week. Was Coen successful because he was a great play caller or was he calling plays from Grizzard and the other assistant game planning and in game planning?
February 6th, 2025 at 7:44 pm
Seemed a little nervous in the limelight today. Never met the man so could be wrong about that. Doesn’t matter anyway as long as he can keep the offense clicking that is all that matters. Never occurred to me before but I would imagine Fitzpatrick has all the tools to be a coach of some sort. Of course why would he do that seems to be doing quite well without taking on that that kind of aggravation.
February 6th, 2025 at 7:50 pm
Durango, yeah he seemed a little nervous for the first couple of minutes and then he settled down. I wouldn’t hold it against him if he did not give energetic and bubbly 5 minute responses to each question like Dave Canales used to do. Dude seems pretty comfortable in his own skin. Good point from Pahpamike on whether Coen benefited from the fact he had an awesome staff of asistants contibuting to the play schemes…..
February 6th, 2025 at 8:08 pm
After hearing Grizz’ press conference, I’m convinced that we will be even better on offense next year.
February 6th, 2025 at 8:49 pm
Heard it on youtube. Very encouraging and thoughtful. Not worried a bit.
Go Bucs!
February 6th, 2025 at 9:02 pm
Off topic but I don’t think any player deserves the Walter Payton award more than Mike Evens
February 6th, 2025 at 9:10 pm
With impeccable grammar and not saying “y’know” even once, I feel certain that communication problems will vastly improve.
February 7th, 2025 at 4:14 am
I really respect Mike McDonald/Miami coach. Grizz worked under him. Sounds good to me. Not worried at all.
February 7th, 2025 at 4:15 am
*McDaniels. Don’t know why I was thinking McDonalds.