NFC South

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly found their new offensive coordinator after Liam Coen left to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported Friday that Tampa Bay promoted pass-game coordinator Josh Grizzard to the role. Garafolo noted Tampa Bay "keeps continuity and hands the play-calling reins over to a coach who is highly regarded in the building" with this move.

Coen's departure was certainly a roller-coaster ride for the franchise.

As Nick Shook of NFL.com detailed, Coen was initially a candidate for the Jaguars but pulled out of consideration and appeared to be heading back to Tampa Bay with a pay raise. However, he went back to visit with Jacksonville after it fired general manager Trent Baalke.

The Buccaneers attempted to get a hold of him when he was visiting the Jaguars, and Coen eventually reached out to head coach Todd Bowles.

Still, the result was Coen moving to the AFC South and leaving the Bucs with a sudden OC opening.

That vacancy is no more following the promotion of Grizzard.

The 2024 campaign was his first season as Tampa Bay's pass-game coordinator after he spent seven years on the staff with the Miami Dolphins. He was a quality control coach and a wide receivers coach at different times during his tenure with Miami.

Grizzard found success in his first year with the Buccaneers, as quarterback Baker Mayfield set career highs in completion percentage (71.4), passing yards (4,500) and passing touchdowns (41) while leading the team to an NFC South crown.

It was the fourth straight division championship for Tampa Bay and second straight with Mayfield under center.

There is something to be said about maintaining some continuity in the system with a quarterback who is playing the best football of his career, and that is exactly what the Buccaneers did with this move.

The New Orleans Saints may be waiting until Kellen Moore is done leading the Philadelphia Eagles' offense in Super Bowl LIX to announce their next head coach.

The Saints plan on meeting with Moore again after the Eagles play the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 9 in New Orleans, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero noted that Saints general manager Mickey Loomis told other head coaching candidates on Friday morning about the plan to move forward with Moore.

Moore has already "been working on staff" but cannot be officially hired until after the Super Bowl, according to Pelissero.

Hired as the Eagles' offensive coordinator ahead of the 2024 season, Moore's previous stints included four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and one with the Los Angeles Chargers.

By centering Philadelphia's offense around star running back Saquon Barkley, Moore helped the Eagles rank second only to the Baltimore Ravens for the most rushing yards per game in both the regular season and postseason.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic recently reported on her Scoop City podcast that Moore could be concerned about the uncertainty surrounding whether Derek Carr will be playing for the Saints next season, but that there is a belief he has "come around" because the franchise wouldn't expect success in his first year as head coach.

The Saints could hope to lean on a coach with a track record of offensive success as the team works out who will be starting under center.

For the Eagles, Moore's potential departure could be concerning, and not just because it means the franchise may need to find a new offensive coordinator ahead of the 2025 season.

The fact that coaching interviews coincide with the NFL postseason sets up a potential conflict between staffers' concentration on their current team and their focus on their next stop. The Detroit Lions, for instance, lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears' head coaching vacancy less than 48 hours after the team's upset playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.

The Eagles will hope Moore can keep his focus on overcoming the Chiefs' defense, even while reportedly already planning his staff in New Orleans, as Philadelphia gears up for the team's second Super Bowl in three years.

With Kliff Kingsbury returning to the Washington Commanders and Mike McCarthy reportedly pulling his name out of contention for the New Orleans Saints' head-coaching vacancy, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is now the "favorite" to land that job, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"It has been very clear," he continued. "They have not officially made any sort of decision—they can't finalize any deal until after the Super Bowl—but certainly, you talk to people around the league, talk to people involved with this, at least right now it appears the signs point toward Moore."

Moore, 36, has ascended quickly in the coaching ranks after a short playing career as a backup quarterback, starting with the Dallas Cowboys in 2018 as a quarterbacks coach before taking over as the offensive coordinator (2019-22).

When Mike McCarthy decided to take over play-calling duties for the Cowboys after the 2022 season and parted ways with Moore, the Los Angeles Chargers came calling, and Moore served as the team's offensive coordinator for the 2023 campaign.

But he found himself on the coaching market yet again after Jim Harbaugh was hired in Los Angeles and brought aboard his own staff. This time, Moore landed with the Philadelphia Eagles as the offensive coordinator after head coach Nick Sirianni made major changes to his coaching staff.

That move was arguably Moore's best one yet, as he helped guide Philadelphia's offense to top-10 ranks in both points (27.2 PPG, seventh in the NFL) and yards (367.2 YPG, eighth). Moore devised a run-heavy offense around Philly's superstar running back Saquon Barkley and the team's vaunted offensive line while asking Jalen Hurts to take less chances in the passing game.

The approach has worked, as the Eagles are now in the Super Bowl, have rushed for an absurd 227.7 yards per game in three postseason contests and have yet to turn the ball over in the playoffs. Combined with an excellent defense, Philly's conservative but effective offensive style of play has led them to the Super Bowl.

And Moore has now guided his offenses to four top-10 seasons in points scored and three top-10 seasons in total yardage.

It is fair to question if leaving Philadelphia for a Saints team with a mediocre roster and brutal cap situation is the best move for the young offensive mind. But head-coaching opportunities are scarce and Moore may jump on this one while he has the chance, barring the Saints reversing course and going with a different candidate.

The belief around NFL front offices is that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will work to re-sign free agent wide receiver Chris Godwin, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"Multiple execs expect the Bucs to try to re-sign Godwin, who has that Buc-for-life feel similar to Mike Evans," Fowler wrote.

The Bucs signed Evans to a two-year, $52 million deal last March ahead of his 11th season with the franchise.

Godwin, who has played eight seasons in Tampa Bay, was leading the NFL with 50 receptions through seven games in 2024 before he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Spotrac projects he will get a three-year, $67 million deal on his next contract.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht selected Godwin in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft. He has gone on to become one of the most successful receivers in franchise history, ranking second behind only Evans in career receiving yards (7,266), receiving touchdowns (39) and receptions (579.)

Godwin also played a key role in the Bucs' Super Bowl win following the 2020 season, when he led Tampa Bay with 232 receiving yards in four playoff wins.

Although Godwin has proved to be a consistent producer with three straight 1,000-yard campaigns following the championship win, there could be some concerns about his health going forward after undergoing surgery on his dislocated ankle in October.

Given that he was on pace for a fourth consecutive quadruple-digit receiving yards total before the injury, he will still likely command a high price in free agency as he prepares to return to the field next fall.

The Buccaneers may need to decide whether they can compete with the offers Godwin might receive on the open market, or if they can turn to cheaper, younger options like Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer next season.

That would mean even more turnover for an offense already set to undergo major changes in 2025. The Bucs are currently in search of a new offensive coordinator after losing Liam Coen to the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coaching vacancy.

Keeping Godwin in the fold could help Tampa Bay, which successfully implemented one of the highest-scoring offenses in the NFL last season, lean on their veteran receiving duo while adjusting to a new system next fall.

Baker Mayfield couldn't beat Jayden Daniels in the NFC Wild Card Round, but he is replacing the Washington Commanders quarterback in the Pro Bowl.

Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reported Tuesday that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signal-caller was named as a Pro Bowl replacement for Daniels after the latter decided to pull out of the event after leading his team to Sunday's NFC Championship Game.

Mayfield will join Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions and Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings as the three quarterbacks representing the NFC.

This marks two Pro Bowl appearances in two years with the Buccaneers for the No. 1 overall pick of the 2018 NFL draft. It is a testament to his ability to stabilize his career after inconsistency in Cleveland and bouncing around to the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams that he will be in Orlando, Florida, for the event.

The Oklahoma product led the Buccaneers to the NFC South crown, which marked their second division title with Mayfield under center and fourth straight overall.

He did so by completing 71.4 percent of his passes for 4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. While the interception number was something of a concern as the highest in the league, he also set career-best marks in completion percentage, yards and touchdown throws.

While the Buccaneers fell short in a 23-20 loss to Daniels' Commanders in the postseason, Mayfield threw for two touchdowns without an interception and looks like the long-term answer for the club.

Mayfield will be part of a Pro Bowl that doesn't exactly look like the Pro Bowl of old.

Instead, there will be a Pro Bowl Skills Show with events such as a passing competition, dodgeball and a relay race. There is also a 7-on-7 flag football game that is designed to minimize injuries while ensuring there is still an actual game-like competition included.

The Skills Show is Thursday, while the flag football game is Sunday.

The New Orleans Saints interviewed Kellen Moore for the team's head coaching vacancy in Philadelphia on Monday night, the team confirmed Tuesday morning.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport first reported the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator is on the team's interview list. The Saints are searching for a new head coach after parting ways with Dennis Allen in November.

The Eagles and Moore have more on their plate for now, as they head to Super Bowl LIX after defeating the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday.

Following their departure from Allen, the Saints promoted special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, who had previously interviewed for the head coaching position in 2022. Saints general manager Mickey Loomis revealed that the timeline for hiring the next coach is "dictated."

"The timetable and time frame is dictated ... mostly by the league policies and rules that we have to adhere to ... and some of these candidates are still involved in playing games, and so that'll dictate the timing," Loomis said, per ESPN's Katherine Terrell.

Moore certainly fits that description, as his focus remains firmly on the success of the Eagles franchise.

The Eagles' offensive coordinator completed a virtual interview with the Saints on Jan. 18, in addition to interviews with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Dallas Cowboys.

Moore started out in Dallas as the offensive coordinator in 2019 before taking the same position with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. In his first season with the Eagles, he has helped lead the team to its second Super Bowl since 2022.

The 35-year-old spent one season in the NFL with the Cowboys where he started in two games and averaged 259.7 yards per game with four touchdowns.

In addition to Moore, several other candidates have completed interviews including Rizzi, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, per Terrell.

In addition, several others have been requested for interviews, including former Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

The New Orleans Saints are the last team with a vacant head coaching position, and their search is reportedly set to pick up in the coming week.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on SportsCenter on Sunday that the Saints are interested in interviewing Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and have already talked with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. Schefter also mentioned former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy along with a few other names as potential options.

They had some interest in talking to the Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury," Schefter said. "They've spoken to the Eagles' offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. And so, we'll see how today's games play out. One of those individuals will be available either way. Keller Moore is expected to interview this week with the Saints, no matter what happens. If the Commanders lose, then Kliff Kingsbury would be eligible to talk to them. And at some point this week, I would expect that the Saints are going to be talking to Mike McCarthy, the former Cowboys head coach. I think he's right there amongst the favorites, if not the favorite for the job right now. Anthony Weaver from the Dolphins had a great interview this past week. Mike Kafka, the Giants offense coordinator was in. I think most people around the league believe that McCarthy is a name here to watch moving forward, but let's see how today's games play out.

Kingsbury and Moore will square off on Sunday as the Commanders take on the Eagles in the NFC championship. According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football, Kingsbury has not yet decided if he will interview with the Saints, instead keeping his focus on Washington's season.

Moore, however, could get one step closer to the Saints head coaching job this week as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that New Orleans is eyeing a second interview with him.

McCarthy, who parted ways with the Cowboys after the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract, is set to interview with the Saints this week, Schefter reported on Thursday. While McCarthy's tenure in Dallas never resulted in more than a divisional-round appearance, he remains one of the more experienced coaches and could be what New Orleans needs after years of struggle.

As Schefter noted on SportsCenter, Anthony Weaver already had a "great" interview with the Saints. Weaver has no prior experience as an NFL head coach, but has done a tremendous job in his sole season as the Miami Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Under Weaver, the Dolphins went from having the 22nd-ranked scoring defense in 2023 to 10th this season.

Mike Kafka, who has been the New York Giants offensive coordinator since 2022, has been a candidate for both the Saints and the Chicago Bears, who ultimately hired Ben Johnson. According to ESPN's Jordan Raanan, Kafka is expected to bring Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale with him to New Orleans as his defensive coordinator if he lands the job.

Schefter mentioned that McCarthy appears to be the "name here to watch," but that could change as New Orleans continues its interviews in the coming days.

The strange saga that reportedly ended with Liam Coen deciding to become head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars is not sitting well with his now-former employer.

Appearing on Friday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adam Schefter explained the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are "irate" over Coen's actions prior to accepting the Jags job.

It appeared Coen was going to return for a second season with the Bucs as offensive coordinator in 2025. He withdrew from consideration for the Jaguars job on Wednesday and was going to sign a new deal with Tampa Bay.

Per Greg Auman of Fox Sports, Coen's extension with the Bucs was going to make him one of the highest-paid offensive coordinators in the NFL with an annual salary close to $4.5 million.

A few hours after Coen's decision, the Jaguars announced a parting of ways with general manager Trent Baalke. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported on Thursday that Coen was in Jacksonville for a second interview with the team.

Per The Athletic's Jeff Howe, Coen informed the Bucs he was taking the Jaguars job.

In between Coen's interview and being hired by the Jaguars, he was reportedly doing his best to avoid all contact with Buccaneers officials.

ESPN's Jenna Laine did note Coen reached out to Bucs head coach Todd Bowles to let him know he was interviewing with the Jaguars.

Despite the roundabout way this whole thing happened, the Jaguars should be very happy with how it worked out. Not only did they fire Baalke, which should have happened immediately after the regular season ended anyway, but they landed an intriguing coach with a terrific background in developing quarterbacks to work with Trevor Lawrence.

Coen has four years of experience working with Sean McVay during his time with the Los Angeles Rams. His one season as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay produced the best year of Baker Mayfield's career, including 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.

The Buccaneers are absolutely right to feel like they were jilted, but the bigger frustration is having to replace Coen after a terrific offensive performance in 2024.

Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore are each one win away from facing each other in the Super Bowl.

They may also be going against each other when it comes to landing the head-coaching job of the New Orleans Saints.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the NFC South team wants to interview Brady and Moore for a second time. The second interviews would be in person for a team that Rapoport also noted is interested in former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.

New Orleans has been seen as a potential landing spot for McCarthy after the Chicago Bears went a different direction with Detroit Lions O.C. Ben Johnson, but Moore and Brady are the ones generating headlines at this point.

The Saints are familiar with Brady, as he was an offensive assistant with the team for two years in 2017 and 2018. Since then, he was the passing game coordinator for the national-champion 2019 LSU Tigers, the O.C. of the Carolina Panthers (2020 and 21), the quarterbacks coach of the Bills (2022 and 2023) and the O.C. in Buffalo (2024).

That means he has worked with Josh Allen and Joe Burrow, among other quarterbacks, and is someone who could help the Saints bounce back from finishing 24th in the league in points per game in 2024.

As for Moore, he also brings an offensive background to the table and could help revitalize that side of the ball.

He was the O.C. for the Cowboys for four seasons from 2019-22 before holding the same position with the Los Angeles Chargers last season and the Eagles this season.

Moore's offenses have finished in the top seven in the league in points in four of his six campaigns as an offensive coordinator, including this year in Philadelphia. Working with weapons such as Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jalen Hurts helps, but the production has been consistent at multiple stops.

As for Brady, his Bills were second in the league in scoring this season.

Either one would be seen as a boost for a struggling offense, which is surely why they are in line to get second interviews in New Orleans.