The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reshaping their offensive staff for the third straight year as they prepare for a clash with the Steelers. After guiding Baker Mayfield and the 2024 attack to new heights, offensive coordinator Liam Coen is moving on to become the Jacksonville Jaguars’ head coach, leaving Josh Grizzard to carry the play-calling duties in 2025.
Tampa Bay has also added a new weapon to the offense in the draft, selecting wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round. Egbuka has been turning heads in training camp and is already drawing praise for his NFL-ready polish. He is joined by second-year wideout Jalen McMillan, who also impressed in limited preseason action.
Head coach Todd Bowles commented on the rookie pair after the preseason opener, noting both players showed promise in a small snap count. “They came out strong. They did some good blocking. They only had a few chances to catch [in the preseason opener]; they both caught their balls. They were only in there for maybe 10 plays, I want to say, but they’ll play more this week. But they did a good job last week,” Bowles said.
Egbuka, viewed as one of the most NFL-ready receivers in his draft class, is expected to help bolster Tampa Bay’s depth at a position that also features veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Godwin’s recovery from a serious leg injury could keep him sidelined early, which could give Egbuka and McMillan additional run in the early stages of 2025 and help them accelerate their integrated role with Mayfield and the offense.
The shift in the coaching staff comes as Grizzard takes on a bigger role in shaping how the offense operates without Coen, while the rookie duo looks to translate college success into immediate NFL contributions. If Evans returns to full strength and Godwin progresses on schedule, Tampa Bay could have a dynamic mix of veteran leadership and young playmaking around Mayfield, potentially maintaining the explosive production the unit displayed in 2024.
In the broader context, the Buccaneers appear to be betting on a fast-tracked development path for Egbuka and McMillan, hoping their ability to block, run precise routes, and catch on contested throws will complement the offense’s spread-attack mindset. The early impression from the camp and preseason suggests both players could carve out meaningful roles sooner rather than later, especially if Godwin is limited at the outset.
Summary: Tampa Bay is betting on a blend of proven veterans and fresh talent to keep its offense dynamic after a staff change and a high-profile rookie addition. Bowles’ early praise for Egbuka and McMillan, combined with Godwin’s health question marks, points to a potentially meaningful early impact for the two youngsters as Grizzard installs the system this season.
Positive angle: If the rookies seize the opportunity and Godwin’s rehab progresses smoothly, the Buccaneers could enter 2025 with a young, fast-recovering receiving corps that grows into a formidable unit alongside Evans and Mayfield.