Bucs Gameday

Former Buccaneers QB has strong belief in new Tampa Bay OC Josh Grizzard

Ryan Fitzpatrick once played for Josh Grizzard in Miami, and apparently, the Bucs' new OC left a strong impression.

Collin Haalboom

Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Ryan Fitzpatrick on the Thursday Night Football Tonight set at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Ryan Fitzpatrick on the Thursday Night Football Tonight set at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Former NFL journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick remains one of the most popular NFL personalities in the business.

Due to his outspoken personality and flare for the dramatic, Fitzpatrick has managed to remain a fan favorite in nearly every city he's ever played in. Tampa Bay was certainly no exception, as Fitzpatrick provided the fans at Raymond James Stadium with plenty of thrills during the two seasons he was there backing up Jameis Winston.

What a quarterback duo that was.

These days, Fitzpatrick works as a Thursday Night Football analyst for Amazon Prime. Thankfully, Fitz has continued to make his opinions known, whether that be on the TV desk, online, or when interacting with fans at the various NFL stadiums he visits throughout the season. It's part of what has allowed him to maintain such a positive reputation among the general public.

READ MORE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran starter at risk of being released

On Friday, shortly after it was announced that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had named Josh Grizzard as their new offensive coordinator, Fitzpatrick made his opinion known.

"I was with Grizz in Miami for two years and knew he would get this chance at some point in the near future…Despite his questionable decision making when selecting a college, I am really happy and excited for him and the Bucs."

The comment about Grizzard's choice of college is simply a former Harvard graduate (Fitzpatrick) having some fun at the expense of a former Yale graduate (Grizzard).

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers. / Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

More important, though, is the fact that Grizzard clearly made an impression on Fitzpatrick when he was one of his coaches with the Miami Dolphins just a couple of seasons ago. The fact that Ryan Fitzpatrick — who has played for as many coaches as almost anyone in the history of the NFL — thought Grizzard was destined to ascend into this type of role, speaks to the potential that the Bucs' new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard has possessed for some time now.

READ MORE: Ex-Buccaneers Tom Brady, Derrick Brooks named to all-time Super Bowl roster

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2024 season.

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More Tampa Bay Buccaneers News

• Ex-Buccaneers Tom Brady, Derrick Brooks named to all-time Super Bowl roster

• Buccaneers to hire pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard as new offensive coordinator

• Buccaneers NFC South rival Saints zeroing in on new head coach

• Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield named loser of NFL coaching cycle after Liam Coen bolts

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Collin Haalboom
COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.

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