Todd Bowles Applying Bruce Arians Method To Josh Grizzard
April 29th, 2025
Bucco Bruce Arians may be playing lots of golf and helping whiskey sales in the southeast, but he does live on in the Buccaneers’ current culture.
After firing Arians’ favorite offensive coordinator, a merciful act following the 2022 season, head coach Todd Bowles is now on his third first-time NFL playcaller in three years. Josh Grizzard took over for Liam “El Serpiente” Coen, now the Jaguars head coach, who took over for Dave Canales, currently Year 2 as Panthers head man.
Bowles told SiriusXM NFL Radio this week that breaking in a new guy is tough on his relaxation game.
“It hasn’t been good for vacation at the end of the season; I can tell you that much,” Bowles said.
As for Grizzard having a great first season, however, Bowles is not worried.
“Bruce Arians taught me a lot about offense and how to handle offense, and how to get coaches better without them knowing they’re trying to get better,” Bowles said.
Grizzard, per Bowles, will have so much simulated experience before Week 1, he’ll feel no pain on game days.
“He’ll be through a ton of situations that he’s going to feel comfortable calling the game in,” Bowles said of Grizzard. “You know, we kept the offensive staff in place, so this one’s a little different than the other two [previous coordinators].”
Indeed, Grizzard, just 34 years old, should benefit from extreme continuity within the Bucs offense: same coaches, same players.
All he has to do is prove up to the job.
April 29th, 2025 at 1:39 pm
Grizz will do fine
April 29th, 2025 at 1:40 pm
Same coaches, same players… more weapons, an O-Line with much better chemistry and a better understanding of who our RB 1 is.
Oh, and a better defense and a more experienced Mayfield.
Sounds good.
April 29th, 2025 at 1:47 pm
The Grizz next head coach of the Falcons..sigh
April 29th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
@Drunk
“The Grizz next head coach of the Falcons..sigh”
I’m not sure about the sigh. That can’t happen unless the Bucs crush the Falcons next season and win at least ten games with the offense leading the way into the playoffs a 5th consecutive year.
Ironically it means if the defense has improved as much as it looks on paper and plays a lot better than last season the offense will not get the same credit. Not to disparage Big Red but he was in the right place at the right time. Not sure that is the case with Grizz.
I’d gladly give the Falcons Grizz if it meant the Bucs reach a 5th straight playoff.
IF the Bucs reach a 5th straight playoff at some point people will HAVE to give Bowles SOME/TINY SLIVER of credit and trust that between he and Jason the organization is in GREAT HANDS WITH GREAT OWNERSHIP.
April 29th, 2025 at 1:57 pm
Wonder where Grizzard will be HC next year?
April 29th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
… Or next head coach at the Saints.
April 29th, 2025 at 2:22 pm
Grizzard will be good, but he will be a first time play caller. There are going to be bumps and bruises. Glad he has support to get past those bumps.
April 29th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Culp needs come designed plays.
HB wheel route. Let him line up like Keift does as an HB, then fly up the field. No LB can keep up with him.
And
A tight end screen for Culp. He can fly and break tackles. More screens for Culp.
I know Kieft is good for the culture. And he’s tough.
But Culp is showed how strong and fast he is.
Culp needs more reps.
Rashad White also needs come snaps at FB.
Both RBs on the field more.
Don’t run Bucky into the ground. It’s not worth it.
Our target is the Super Bowl.
Give all 3 backs games where they are featured.
Almost like a bye week for Bucky after 5 games. Feature Tucker.
After 5 games, maybe Bucky will be sore with a nagging injury.
Ok. No big deal. Start Rashad or Tucker that week.
We really need to divide up their carries with the Super Bowl in mind.
April 29th, 2025 at 2:37 pm
I agree Teacherman.
Grizzard is gonna do well. With the talent on offense it’s near impossible not to.
2 things for me…
– Don’t telegraph runs up the middle on early downs ala Lefty and Canales
– Be aggressive in crunch time and short yardage (offense closes games, not the D)
April 29th, 2025 at 2:39 pm
6th straight playoff appearance hopefully 2020,2021,2022,2023,2024 good try
April 29th, 2025 at 2:42 pm
Send everyone wide and let Culp go down the middle with a MLB tr H ing to catch him.
April 29th, 2025 at 2:54 pm
Teacherman … Great comments, and I think the Bucs will do pretty much that. Culp earned more snaps this season with his quality play at the end of last season. I’ve been a big advocate for using 2 RB formations more for a long time. And you’re spot on … ‘Our target is the Super Bowl’. Easiest way to win that is to stay healthy, and using good rotations is the best way to do that IMO.
April 29th, 2025 at 3:19 pm
i’ve asked this before, but, if griz is balling at the midseason mark do we extend him?
April 29th, 2025 at 3:27 pm
@Jeffrey Becker
We can, but it won’t lock him in for the next season. I believe there are rules regarding holding a coach back from advancing to the next level.
It would protect from another OC position elsewhere.
April 29th, 2025 at 3:38 pm
Won’t be long now! September is just around the corner! This season will be special!!!!
April 29th, 2025 at 3:58 pm
Based on last year, and the comments here, MANY would suggest we fire Todd and give Grizz the HC job. Like they did last year with the ginger Messiah 🤣🤣🤣
April 29th, 2025 at 4:40 pm
I can’t believe this, but I’m actually going to agree with Todd Bowles.
“Bruce Arians taught me a lot about offense and how to handle offense, and how to get coaches better without them knowing they’re trying to get better,” Bowles said.
He now needs to apply this strategy to the defense.
Bring in a young and hungry DC to take over those duties.
If Bowles then focused on getting the new DC ready like he does the OC, we might actually have something.
The best HC’s in football delegate responsibility and keep a steady hand on the coordinators.
Where is that HC in Todd Bowles?
If he brings that out I too could believe.
April 29th, 2025 at 4:42 pm
So what team is Grizz the HC of next year?
AZ, Browns, or NYG
April 29th, 2025 at 4:45 pm
Hope the tickets don’t go much hire for front row because the sanders kid I need 2 games on the west coast this season
April 29th, 2025 at 5:01 pm
Grizz doesn’t have the same experience as Coen or Canales. He’s still a little green, so I don’t think he’ll be headed straight for the HC ranks even if they light up the league… Canales may not have had playcalling experience, but his variety of experience and long time under Pete Carroll, along with his energy, leadership, and confidence made him a natural HC candidate even if he wasn’t a known offensive wizard… As for Coen, he worked for McVay, he called plays in the SEC, and then he transformed the Bucs offense. That’s resume. Grizzard has a lot to prove in the coaching ranks before he ascends, IMO.
April 29th, 2025 at 5:24 pm
But can he call plays?! The pressure is on.
April 29th, 2025 at 5:30 pm
I want to see some creative stuff. I mean things like 4 receivers on 1st down, and frequent 3 back sets. Do the totally unpredictable. Go to a 3 back set right after a 4 receiver set, even if it’s a longer 3rd down. Use a 4 receiver set on 3rd and short, etc.
The Bucs have great pass catchers at running back and damn good blockers playing receiver, so do the unorthodox could be highly effective.
April 29th, 2025 at 5:37 pm
WilieG Says:
April 29th, 2025 at 5:30 pm
The point is winning, not having the wildest personnel groupings. Variety and unpredictability certainly help make life more difficult for the defense. It can also make it more difficult for the offense. You have to practice these new personnel groupings and figure out how to run a variety of plays from the same formation. There’s something to be said for getting really good at the core of your offense and not trying to be too clever all the time. As with all these things, you have to strike a balance.
April 29th, 2025 at 5:45 pm
bucs released wide receiver Marquez Callaway and waived cornerback Dallis Flowers, outside linebacker Daniel Grzesiak and wide receiver Tanner Knue, the team announced Tuesday.
April 29th, 2025 at 6:07 pm
Teacherman Says:
April 29th, 2025 at 2:30 pm
Culp needs come designed plays.
Saskbucs Says:
April 29th, 2025 at 2:37 pm
I agree Teacherman.
Famu_Rattler Says:
Ha Ha Ha …..I like what you guys are saying. I am Hollering the same thing. Special plays, more rep for Devin Culp TE#2. I like the rotation concept for the RB’s as well. one game Bucky, one game Tucker, one game all 3 in back field. Switch out the TE’s as well. Keep the other team off guard as who will be in the back field on any given game plan. Run Bucs Run, Run Bucky Run, Run Tuck Run …Run Everybody…..Go Bucs Go.
April 29th, 2025 at 8:00 pm
First, I like teacher man’s ideas on using Culp. I feel like when the forging and whetting is done we will have a very fine sword. Or should I say cutlass? He’s not very big, but he is quite talented and a fine Buccaneer. Are we not Pirates?
April 29th, 2025 at 8:06 pm
Screwy Hughy Culverhouse envisioned Errol Flynn. I imagine Jack Sparrow.
April 29th, 2025 at 11:44 pm
Algo says “Todd does a great job.”
April 30th, 2025 at 2:07 am
Sean Tucker will become a bigger factor this year. You can see him on the verge of exploding onto the scene. At 205lbs running a 4.3–4.4 40 he is a weapon to be used. I’m not sure he dropped a pass last year either.
In 2024 we drove the field and arrived in the red zone many times in 6 or 7 plays, an amazing feat. However, many times we ended up with a field goal after totally dominating the defense. If Grizzard can figure out how to score a touchdown vs. another field goal we will be unstoppable. If everyone stays healthy, the offense will keep defensive coordinator up all night because they will realize there isn’t much they can do to stop us. It’s going to be an awfully fun year.
April 30th, 2025 at 5:24 am
Grizz…do yourself a favor. Rely on the people around you to do thier jobs and do not change stuff just because you can.
Go Bucs!
April 30th, 2025 at 7:49 am
KABucs Says:
April 29th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
… Or next head coach at the Saints
How dare you sir!!!! FTS!!!
April 30th, 2025 at 8:41 am
Here comes the ‘Toilet Bowles’ yahoos. Wonder when they would start surfacing? I trust Bowles and 3rd time in a row is a charm. That said, I hope (!) Grizzard pans out and hangs around for a few seasons. This OC musical chairs is getting old.
April 30th, 2025 at 12:42 pm
Let’s just play solid football. We don’t want to out smart ourselves trying to be too slick. Good teams do what they do well again and again. Stop us if you can. Trick plays are great. Once in a while