OC Byron Leftwich: Buccaneers offense won’t change without Bruce Arians

Before word broke in late March that Bruce Arians was stepping down as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and becoming a senior consultant with the organization, a report surfaced the previous month that claimed Arians’ relationship with quarterback Tom Brady “was souring” through the second half of the 2021 season. That story added Arians allegedly would take “the red pen” to game plans formulated by Brady and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich before contests. 

Interestingly, Arians told reporters last month that both he and Brady received “too much credit” for what Leftwich had done with the club’s offense over the past two campaigns. Per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Leftwich, who is still in his role under new head coach Todd Bowles, was asked Tuesday if Arians will assist with the club’s offensive game-planning moving forward.

“Probably not from an offensive game plan standpoint, and I don’t think that’s new,” Leftwich responded. “I remember last year you guys talking about ‘red line.’ That’s never happened. I don’t know where that came from. That is not what he’s ever done, I think. The good thing with B.A. and him knowing me, I would struggle with that. I would struggle myself with that. And nobody was telling B.A. what to call, either. So he understands that. So that type of stuff, it will be the same as 2019. 

“I guess I [was] an offensive coordinator with an offensive-minded head coach, so guys think [the head coach is leading the offense]. But it was never nothing even close to that from the time I walked in, in 2019 with Jameis, it’s been me full-go. I’m just no-risk-it, no-biscuit, too. . . . Nothing will change. Everything should be status quo.” 

Assuming Brady will be ready to enter the broadcast booth next year, this upcoming season could present Leftwich with final opportunities to audition for clubs regarding head-coaching openings with the G.O.A.T. running what continues to be advertised as his offense.