Featured Columnist IVFebruary 1, 2025
Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield quipped he “left him on read” when asked about his final conversation with Liam Coen when Coen took the Jacksonville Jaguars coaching job.
At the Pro Bowl Games in Orlando, Florida, Mayfield told reporters he “can’t be mad” at Coen deciding to leave the Bucs for a bigger job:
Rick Stroud @NFLSTROUD
#Bucs Pro Bowl QB Baker Mayfield on Liam Coen FaceTiming him and the OLine in the Bahamas to tell him he was taking the Jaguars HC job. “I left him on red a little bit,” he said. But Mayfield understood it was an opportunity Coen couldn’t pass. pic.twitter.com/6mQPiCXbjq
Mayfield may not begrudge Coen for his decision, but he’s probably not thrilled about the idea he has his third different offensive coordinator in as many seasons with Tampa.
Coen replaced Dave Canales, who left to become the Carolina Panthers head coach last offseason. The Bucs tried to preserve some continuity by promoting Josh Grizzard to replace Coen rather than going with another outside hire.
Mayfield spoke positively about Grizzard, calling him “a great guy” and “unbelievably smart.”
Adam Slivon @AdamLivsOn
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield shares more about what kind of guy OC Josh Grizzard is behind the scenes. pic.twitter.com/idBffV44ma
Coen’s hiring by Jacksonville was a testament to his success during a brief run in Tampa.
The Buccaneers averaged the third-most yards (399.5) and fourth-most points (29.5) per game. Mayfield tied for the league lead in interceptions with 16 but blew past his previous career bests in passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41). Wide receiver Mike Evans extended his streak of 1,000-yard seasons to 11.
Grizzard will have big shoes to fill. Should Tampa Bay’s offense take a big step backward in 2025, Mayfield might be leaving him on read for a much different reason.
