Ex-Titans coach Brian Callahan interviewing for Bucs OC job

The Bucs’ search for a new offensive coordinator began with former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan, who interviewed with the team in Tampa on Friday. The Bucs fired five coaches Wednesday, none more important than offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, who held the job for only one season.

Former Titans head coach Brian Callahan previously had success with the Bengals, helping develop Joe Burrow. ©Ross D. Franklin
Former Titans head coach Brian Callahan previously had success with the Bengals, helping develop Joe Burrow. ©Ross D. Franklin

The Bucs’ search for a new offensive coordinator began with former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan, who interviewed with the team in Tampa on Friday.

The Bucs fired five coaches Wednesday, none more important than offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, who held the job for only one season.

Callahan, 41, would give the Bucs something they didn’t have this season: an experienced play caller. He served as Titans head coach from 2024 until being fired partway through the 2025 season after a 4-19 overall record. He relinquished play-calling duties to quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree after an 0-3 start.

Callahan is best known for helping to develop Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow while serving as Cincinnati’s offensive coordinator from 2019-23.

Under Callahan, the Bengals set a franchise record with 472 points and were top-5 in total touchdowns and big-play passing metrics, including leading the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

Callahan is the son of former Raiders head coach Bill Callahan, whom the Bucs beat in Super Bowl 37.

Not only did the Bucs dump assistant coaches they lost credibility, too

The Bucs are wasting no time interviewing candidates for Todd Bowles’ staff, with their priority to find an offensive coordinator.

The Bucs fired Grizzard and four other assistant coaches, including special teams coach Thomas McGaughey, quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, defensive line coach Charlie Strong and defensive backs coach Kevin Ross. Safeties coach Nick Rapone, 69, and senior offensive consultant Tom Moore, 87, are retiring.

Depending on whether they remain available, other candidates likely will include former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Rams passing game specialist Nate Scheelhaase and former Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.

It wouldn’t be surprising if the Bucs focus their search on proven play-callers at the NFL level. Bowles will have his fifth offensive coordinator in as many seasons. He fired Byron Leftwich after the 2022 season. Dave Canales, who was a first-time play-caller, left after one season to become the Panthers head coach.

Bowles’ offense had its most success under Liam Coen, who left after one season to become the Jaguars head coach.

Hoping to finally provide some continuity, the Bucs hired Grizzard, who had spent one season as the team’s passing game coordinator.

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Category: General Sports