3 OC options Buccaneers should consider after Chargers hire Mike McDaniel

After suffering heavy play-off defeats in back-to-back campaigns, fans were hopeful Tampa Bay Buccaneers would break ground during the 2025-26 NFL campaign. The first six weeks foretold tons of promises, like Baker Mayfield looked unbeatable late in the fourth quarter. The offense ultimately fell apart though, suffering a series of injuries and struggling to achieve cohesion on the field. The Bucs fired Josh Grizzard after one season and are now looking for their fifth offensive coordinator in five years.

Mike McDaniel was tapped to be the revitalizing force this franchise needed after the NFC South flipped to the Carolina Panthers. Pairing him with a versatile and fearless QB like Mayfield could produce stunning results. Unfortunately, the time for fantasy is over. The former head coach of the Miami Dolphins is choosing to work with Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert on the Los Angeles Chargers, inadvertently driving a dagger into the heart of Tampa Bay.

The 2026-27 season, however, need not be lamented by fans. There are still multiple candidates who can revitalize the offense. Todd Bowles and the company must remain focused amid the disappointing McDaniel news. This OC hunt is crucial and could go a long way in determining the state of the franchise in the coming years.

Tampa floats over shark-infested waters. Another turbulent campaign could push him over the edge and prompt ownership to make sweeping changes. The right offensive mind can help guide a team to safety and back to a path of success. Let’s take a closer look at some of the guys the Buccaneers should consider for their new Plan A.

Todd Monken

The former Bucs, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator could be a polarizing choice. He gets considerable praise for his success with a quarterback who was already an MVP before his arrival, but Lamar Jackson enjoyed his best years as a passer during Todd Monken’s time in Charm City. The respected OC helped a successful signal caller and great athlete achieve all-around excellence. If not for injuries, the duo could have produced more fireworks this past season.

Now it’s back on the market. Monken is expected to follow John Harbaugh to the New York Giants, but the Buccaneers may be one of the few teams that actually have a chance to lure him away from the Meadowlands.

The 59-year-old spent three years in Tampa Bay (2016-18) and is past relationship with Baker Mayfield from the season they spent together in Cleveland. The NFC South also offers a potentially favorable path to the playoffs, which Monken is sure to appreciate at this stage in his career. In addition to knowing the organization, the area and the quarterback, he would also have powerful weapons at his disposal like impressive rookie Emeka Egbuka and dynamic running back Bucky Irving. Mike Evans could also return for a 13th year.

Throw in the top offensive duo of Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke, and the Buccaneers will have what they need to make a convincing shot at Todd Monken. Fans can only hope the team goes through with interviewing him.

The former New York Giants head coach is in demand during this busy cycle. Building connections is important in this industry, and Brian Daboll has made some important ones throughout his career. The Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders are reasonable landing spots given his past ties to Josh Allen and Tom Brady. A chance to fix the Philadelphia Eagles offense is safe and enticing, and the appeal of Cam Ward on the Tennessee Titans cannot be understated.

Honestly, the Buccaneers don’t jump out like a typical matchup. Aside from a quip or two, HC Todd Bowles isn’t usually too animated. His personality is a seemingly stark contrast to the fiery Dabol. However, perhaps it’s the clash of styles that this team calls for. From a footballing point of view, a potential union could definitely be beneficial for both parties.

The Bucs have a decent foundation. Mayfield exudes intensity and competitive ferocity that Daboll craves. They could form quite a collaboration. The No. 6 has no problem using his feet to extend the play, something the longtime coach/assistant likes to incorporate into his offense. Besides being a good fit for Mayfield, Daboll is undoubtedly qualified for the role.

The 2022-23 Coach of the Year served under all-time greats Bill Belichick and Nick Saban, helped develop Allen into a superstar quarterback, led the Giants to their first playoff win in 11 years and quickly developed a relationship with Jackson Dart. With those credentials, Brian Daboll could quickly ignite an offense that boasts plenty of promise.

Nate Scheelhaas

While there has been a lot of mystery surrounding Dave Canales and Liam Cohen, they have each enjoyed varying levels of success in their one-year OC stints in Tampa. The former didn’t oversee an effective offense as a whole — the team ranked last in rushing yards and in the bottom half in total yards and points — but he had a positive impact on Mayfield and helped inject vital energy into the group. The latter transformed the Bucs into one of the NFL’s best offenses.

Canales and Cohen have exhausted their head coaching opportunities and failed to secure huge playoff wins this year. Can Nate Scheelhaase continue that trend? The 35-year-old pass game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams is another under-the-radar prospect who is brimming with potential. He already has a decade worth of coaching experience and boasts playing experience (with Iowa State Cyclones 2023).

And, oh yeah, he’s spent the last two years learning from one of the most innovative offensive figures in the game today. Scheelhaase is a powerful attractive OC option for the Buccaneers. Matthew Stafford had a Super Bowl ring before working with the former Illinois QB, and an elite wide receiver tandem certainly helps, but Schellhas certainly played a role in what expected to be an MVP season.

He is rising up in the ranksand a stop in Tampa Bay could only add to his stock. Todd Bowles is in an uncertain position after a lackluster year, so Nate Scheelhaase could theoretically become his successor if he gets the OC job. There is a youth movement in the coaching staff, and the 2013 All-Big Ten second-team selection deserves serious consideration for the position.