The Tampa Bay Buccaneers began cleaning up their coaching staff Thursday, showing offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and seven other coaches the way out.
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No fewer than four MPs responsible for attack, two others in defense and the head of special teams were fired. Quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen, offensive assistant Rick Christophel and outside linebackers coach Bob Sanders have all opted to step down.
“We thank these coaches for their hard work and contribution that has brought us success over the past four seasons. As a group, we did not meet the high standards we set ourselves this year. My focus now is on doing what it takes to ensure we have success in 2023,” head coach Todd Bowles said in a statement, saying he made difficult but necessary decisions.
It all follows a disappointing run for quarterback Tom Brady’s lineup. Despite being down 8-9, she clinched the NFL National Association South title only to lose to the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the playoffs.
Leftwich, a former Goodell Tour pivot, has been in charge since 2019. His offense had troubles, particularly on land, despite Brady’s presence in 2022. The Bucs’ rushing game was their last in the league, averaging 76.9 rushing yards per game. The club’s inefficiency in this regard forced the number 12 to throw more passes: in Monday’s setback he attempted 66.