TAMPA — Short on time after a recent training camp practice, Baker Mayfield suggested a quick walk-and-talk on his way to the weight room.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ dynamic signal-caller, fresh off a record-setting campaign featuring 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns, spoke with quick confidence as we walked along.Now entering his eighth NFL season,
Mayfield faces another transition, as Josh Grizzard has stepped up from pass game coordinator to offensive coordinator following Liam Coen’s move to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
-
How many coordinators have you worked with since entering the league?”
Right outside the weight room, Mayfield paused, taking a moment to tally the number.NFL STATS HUB: Keep track of the newest NFL scores, schedules, betting odds, player stats, and much more.Let’s think. In my rookie year, I had two,” Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, told USA TODAY Sports, referring to Todd Haley and Freddie Kitchens.
-
In year two, it was Todd Monken. That makes three. Then Alex Van Pelt, four. Plus, Kevin Stefanski called plays — I count that as four and five.
“After that, in Carolina, it was Ben McAdoo. Then with the Rams, Sean McVay. At this point, I’ve lost track.”For the record, that brings the total to seven.Mayfield wrapped up by listing his Tampa Bay chapter: “Dave Canales. Liam Coen. And now Josh Grizzard,” he said.
That makes 10 coordinators in total — a clear sign that the 30-year-old quarterback, who has earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nods, has become an expert at adjusting to constant change.
This season, he’s paired with yet another first-time NFL play-caller. Both Canales and Coen were in the same position before him, and after just one season working with Mayfield under center, each secured head coaching jobs.
So, what sets Grizzard apart?
The difference is, he’s already been here,” Mayfield explained.Grizzard joined the Buccaneers last season after a seven-year run with the Miami Dolphins, where he primarily served as the wide receivers coach.He sat in on every quarterback meeting we had last year. So, this isn’t a full reset where I’m trying to learn who he is or how he thinks.
I already know his approach and what he likes.
Now it’s just about him handling the play-calling. We’ve been running plenty of simulated game situations to get him comfortable and keep us aligned. So far, it’s been really smooth.
Sign up for the 4th and Monday newsletter to get weekly NFL insights, game highlights, and key results delivered straight to your inbox every Monday.
When asked about Baker Mayfield adjusting to yet another offensive coordinator, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles—who has appointed a new OC every season since taking over from Bruce Arians in 2022—couldn’t help but laugh at the question.
He’s dealing with the same situation I am,” Bowles remarked.
This time, I don’t think the adjustment is as tough. Sure, we haven’t played a real game yet, but since Josh was already part of the system last season, there’s built-in chemistry. It’s about as close to continuity as we’ve had. Of course, the play-calling will carry Josh’s own touches, but the familiarity makes things smoother.”
The Buccaneers, fresh off their fourth straight NFC South title in 2024, showcased one of the league’s most balanced offenses. They were the only NFL team to finish inside the Top 5 in both passing (3rd) and rushing (4th), ranked fourth in scoring at 29.5 points per game, and led the league with a 50.9% third-down conversion rate.
On top of that, Tampa Bay made history as the first team ever to complete 70% of its passes while averaging at least 5 yards per carry.Mayfield closed the seasonAchieving a milestone, he established a new franchise record with a 106.8 passer rating.The standard set by last season is undeniably high, but reaching or surpassing it might be exactly
what the Buccaneers need to establish themselves as true Super Bowl contenders.
Grizzard has already emphasized a desire to push the ball deeper downfield, and Mayfield is eager to embrace that challenge—provided the offensive line holds firm, especially with All-Pro left
Standout offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected to miss the opening games of the season as he recovers from arthroscopic knee surgery.
With Grizzard’s experience in Miami, there’s also speculation that the offense could incorporate more pre-snap motion, creating easier releases for veteran star Mike Evans and giving promising rookie Emeka Egbuka more opportunities to shine.
Ultimately, though, every scheme comes down to the quarterback.
Mayfield, who once faced doubts about his future in the league, has found the perfect environment in Tampa Bay to prove himself again. Just ask Evans, now entering his 12th season, who continues to rave about Mayfield’s energy and playmaking ability.
He brings incredible positivity,” Evans shared with USA TODAY Sports. “He keeps everyone accountable, but always in a constructive way.
Honestly, he’s a much better passer than people give him credit for, and he’s also more dangerous as a runner than most realize. In today’s NFL, where mobility is key, he’s the type of quarterback you want—dynamic, adaptable, and built for this era.”
On Jan. 5, 2025, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (No. 6) was seen dropping back for a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
We were fortunate Baker was on the market,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht told USA TODAY Sports. The timing couldn’t have been better.
We didn’t have the budget for a big signing, and he was looking for the right place to rebuild his career.
Like Tom, he recognized we had strong receivers, a solid offensive line, and a system that suited him. Everything aligned at the right moment.
Part of the Buccaneers’ vision for Baker Mayfield was simple: just let him be himself.GM Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles weren’t concerned about his fiery and at times controversial image. What they valued above all was genuine authenticity combined with on-field results.
-
Still, with years of experience behind him, what advice would he give to the “rookie version” of Baker Mayfield?
“Focus on what’s within your control,” Mayfield said. “I’m not the type to look back and say I’d do things differently.Each experience, whether positive or negative, shaped my journey. You evolve, adjust, and take lessons from it all I wouldn’t change a thing.
Looking back, there are definitely some things I’d approach differently off the field,” Mayfield admitted. “When it comes to relationships and priorities, my perspective now is much different. I wouldn’t have invested as much time into certain areas.
But at the end of the day, it’s all about controlling
what you can. One thing that never changes is how you treat people and the impact you leave on them. If you can consistently lift up those around you and make them better, that’s the lesson I’d pass on to my younger self.
Challenges have served as some of Mayfield’s most valuable lessons, molding his career with determination and sharper focus. The competitive fire is still there, but according to GM Jason Licht, the quarterback has never been more locked in.
Since signing his three-year, $100 million extension in 2024, Mayfield has shown a level of commitment and precision that not only elevates his own game but also strengthens the performance of everyone around him.
MORE: Michael Penix Jr. displays toughness in Falcons-Titans practice scuffle
Baker never had to force leadership on this team,’ Licht explained. ‘It came naturally through his competitive spirit. His ultimate goal is to win a Super Bowl, no question, but beyond that, I’ve noticed a drive to show his critics they made a mistake by giving up on him.
Readmore Javelin gold Arshad Nadeem at Asian Athletics Championship with 86.40m 2025
It’s less about maturity and more about proving that he belongs at the top.
-
Cocky isn’t exactly the right word,’ Licht noted with a grin. ‘But it’s close.’
- As our conversation wrapped up, the thought naturally came to mind: the Browns once invested so much in Mayfield when they selected him out of Oklahoma, only to move on after four seasons in favor of Deshaun Watson.
-
Has he kept up with Cleveland’s ongoing quarterback saga?
‘No,’ Mayfield answered firmly, choosing his words carefully before heading back into the weight room.
That’s not my concern,” Mayfield remarked.
Still, he offered a parting thought for the loyal Browns fan base.
“I’ve got love for Cleveland, the city itself,” Mayfield said. “It takes too much criticism that it doesn’t deserve.”
Now, with promising opportunities ahead and another strong season on the horizon in Tampa Bay, Mayfield has little reason to look back. His focus is forward, fueled by the momentum of what’s to come.
