Tampa’s Pass Game Coordinator Has Big Success in First Year
In his initial year as Tampa’s pass game coordinator, Grizzard played a crucial role in an offense that propelled the Buccaneers towards their fourth consecutive NFC South title. The unit finished third in the league in total yards per game (399.5) and boasted the NFL’s third-best passing unit (250.4 YPG). This aerial attack allowed the Bucs’ ground game to flourish, finishing fourth in the league (149.2 YPG).
Under Grizzard’s direction, quarterback Baker Mayfield had a remarkable season, setting career highs in completions (407), completion percentage (71.4%), passing yards (4,500), touchdowns (41), and passer rating (106.8). Mayfield accomplished this despite losing key players, including Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, indicating the great job done by the staff and players who stepped up to fill the void.
The Buccaneers hope that continuity will maintain Mayfield’s resurgence, and they will now entrust Grizzard, a 34-year-old coach with seven seasons of experience, including a stint as a quality control coach with the Miami Dolphins, to lead the team forward. Prior to his coaching career, Grizzard played defensive back at Yale for three seasons and ended his collegiate career as a student coaching assistant.