Bucs face brain drain as NFL rivals poach key staffers
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Liam Coen's departure means the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a new offensive coordinator — again. Photo: James Gilbert/Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rarely mentioned among the NFL's elite franchises, but plenty of teams in the league would be thrilled to hoist four straight division titles.
- It's no surprise, then, that less-successful teams have hired away key behind-the-scenes figures since Tampa Bay was ousted from the postseason.
Why it matters: While staff turnover is a fact of football life, the Bucs now have to replace the team's offensive architect, a top personnel mind and a valued defensive coach.
Liam Coen
When the Bucs' young offensive guru became a contender for the Jaguars' head coaching gig, Tampa Bay sought to craft an offer he couldn't refuse: In exchange for Coen withdrawing from contention for the Jacksonville job, the Bucs would make him the league's best-paid offensive coordinator.
Friction point: All was well … for a day.
- After reportedly agreeing to the Bucs deal, Coen ghosted the team — re-engaging the Jags, who made their top coaching job more attractive by firing their embattled general manager.
- On Monday, Coen was introduced as Jacksonville's new head coach.
What they're saying: "It came down to family and business and a dream that was right in front of you," Coen told the Tampa Bay Times. "How do you say no to that?"
Threat level: The Bucs scored the fourth-most points in the league under Coen, who helped craft one of the NFL's most potent rushing attacks.
- Now, the offense will have a new leader — again. (Coen's predecessor, Dave Canales, was hired away by the Panthers last offseason.)
Sour grapes: Coen is getting roasted online for botching his first public attempt at the Jags' "Duuuval!" chant.
John Spytek
A member of the Bucs' front office since 2016, Spytek was hired last week as the Las Vegas Raiders' new general manager.
Zoom in: As assistant GM for Tampa Bay, he was the top lieutenant to GM Jason Licht, helping identify talent.
- Recent draft steals — like running back Bucky Irving, tight end Cade Otton and corner Zyon McCollum — bolstered the Bucs' roster, along with Spytek's credentials.
The intrigue: In Las Vegas, Spytek reunites with former Bucs quarterback Tom Brady, now a minority owner with the Raiders who reportedly helped recruit him.
Kacy Rodgers
The Bucs' defensive line coach since 2019, Rodgers left Tampa Bay to take the same job with the Detroit Lions.
- Rodgers had helped build the Bucs into a strong rushing defense and develop key players, like linemen Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey.
The big picture: While a lower-profile departure than Spytek and Coen, Rodgers takes a wealth of NFL experience with him, contributing to the Bucs' brain drain.
- Maintaining playoff form depends on Tampa Bay's ability to fill gaps with fresh talent. Luckily, boasting four straight division titles should help with that, too.