By Jeremy Morrow – Bucs Report special to Sports Talk Florida
With news breaking that Dave Canales is taking the job in Carolina it’s time to find a new offensive coordinator. Though there are options outside the Tampa staff the search should start from within. There is n fact one up and rising talent in the coaching ranks already here. Enter Thad Lewis.
History
After leaving Baltimore as a player in 2017 Lewis found himself in the pipe line for coaching. His first stop, offensive analyst for UCLA from 2018-2019. Chip Kelly, coaching the UCLA Bruins after a disastrous stint in the NFL, had coached Lewis during his time in the NFL. There Kelly likely found his back up quarterbacks insights and knowledge helpful during tape review an game planning. Making Lewis a logical hire at UCLA.
Following his stint at UCLA Lewis was selected as a representative of the Bill Walsh coaching fellowship program. This placed him squarely into One Buc Place with new acquisition Tom Brady. His arrival was expertly timed as he assist the offense with his analytics. That season the Buccaneers won the Super Bowl. Impressed by his acumen the Buccaneers promptly moved him to the wide receivers assistant coaching position. There, under Kevin Garver and Lewis’ tutelage, the wide receiver corps for the Buccaneers would lead the league in yards touchdowns, receptions, and first downs. Though it was a pass happy offense the skill set was clearly there from the coaching staff. Following that stellar performance the reviving corps would again impress in 2022. Both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin would amass over 1,000 yards on the season on their way to the playoffs.
As the 2023 season rolled around Lewis found himself back to aiding a very familiar position. The quarterback. Now, with a question mark at the position Lewis worked his magic with Baker Mayfield helping him achieve one of his best season to date. Baker would post his best yardage and touchdown total and secured a playoff win.
Not a bad track record.
Final Thought
With Dave Canales moving on to be a head coach for the rival Panthers the Buccaneers are now with an open offensive coordinator position. The issue is this. The Raiders have just asked to interview Thad for what could be an offensive coordinators position. So if the Buccaneers want to promote from within and provide Baker (presuming he comes back) with someone he’s familiar with they need to do something now!
If they do not then the Buccaneers will need to fill two positions.
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