As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers open training camp, one of the key storylines is the debut of new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Promoted from pass game coordinator in January, Grizzard steps into his first play-calling role at the NFL level, inheriting a unit that ranked among the league’s best in 2024.
The question now is how much of his own offensive style he’ll showcase during camp, and how much he’ll keep under wraps.
Grizzard’s promotion ensures continuity. Last year’s playbook remains largely intact, giving the team a head start with concepts, formations, and timing already familiar to players. That said, Grizzard has hinted at tweaks, particularly a stronger emphasis on vertical passing and a more physical run game. While major scheme changes are unlikely during camp, fans should expect to see a gradual introduction of these new pages.
Training camp will also be a proving ground for Grizzard’s real-time decision-making.
He’ll get valuable reps simulating game-day pressure. These drills are designed to test both players and coaches, offering insight into Grizzard’s ability to make in-game adjustments. One area where Grizzard already has a proven track record is on third downs. The Buccaneers led the NFL in third-down conversions last season, a result of his planning and situational strategy. That strength is expected to remain a central focus in his approach, with camp drills likely reflecting his attention to detail in critical downs.
While he won’t roll out the entire playbook during camp, Grizzard will begin to imprint his personality on the offense. Look for calculated deep-pass attempts mixed into team periods, along with continued emphasis on third-down execution. Perhaps most importantly, Grizzard already has buy-in from the locker room. Veterans like Mike Evans and young guys like Bucky Irving have praised his communication and leadership, signs that the transition is off to a smooth start.
In all, camp won’t offer a dramatic showcase of a new system, but it will mark Grizzard’s voice.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: How much will new Bucs OC Josh Grizzard reveal during training camp?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
