The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are actively seeking a new special teams coordinator following the dismissal of Thomas McGaughey. With the search widening, the team has recently added three candidates to their interview roster.
Among the candidates is Craig Aukerman, a seasoned NFL coach with experience as a coordinator for teams such as the Chargers, Titans, and Dolphins. The Buccaneers completed their interview with Aukerman yesterday. He is coming off his first season with the Miami Dolphins, but with their ongoing search for a new head coach, it’s likely he will be exploring other opportunities ahead of the 2026 season.
Today, the team announced they interviewed Anthony Levine Sr., who has built a notable career as a special teams player and coach. Levine began his coaching journey with the Ravens, later transitioning to the Titans in 2022 as an assistant special teams coach under Aukerman. He returned to the Ravens in 2025 to continue his coaching development as an assistant ST coach.
Additionally, the Buccaneers spoke with Michael Clay, currently the special teams coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. As his contract does not expire until next month, the Eagles granted permission for the Buccaneers to conduct the interview. Clay has held his position in Philadelphia since 2021, contributing to the team’s special teams strategies.
These interviews come after the Buccaneers previously met with Jett Modkins, the Lions’ assistant special teams coordinator. The team is looking to enhance their special teams unit, which finished with the third-lowest grade from Pro Football Focus in the past season. With a variety of candidates on their radar, the Buccaneers are hopeful for a fresh approach that could revitalize their special teams performance.