The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking significant steps in their quest to fill the offensive coordinator position, recently conducting virtual interviews with two noteworthy candidates: Israel Woolfork and David Shaw. Woolfork, who currently serves as the quarterbacks coach for the Arizona Cardinals, and Shaw, the passing game coordinator for the Detroit Lions, were both considered for this critical role within the team.
This search comes on the heels of the Buccaneers parting ways with Josh Grizzard, one of five assistants who were let go last Thursday. The move signifies a shift in strategy as the team looks to revamp its offensive approach.
In 2025, Woolfork had the opportunity to work closely with prominent quarterbacks Jacoby Brissett and Kyler Murray, who collectively amassed impressive statistics—throwing for a total of 4,328 yards, achieving 29 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions. Under his guidance, the Cardinals boasted the seventh-best passing offense in the league and ranked 11th in interception rate, a testament to the effectiveness of their aerial game.
Woolfork’s journey in the NFL began in 2022 with the Cleveland Browns, where he earned the esteemed Bill Willis Coaching Fellowship. His coaching prowess caught the attention of Jonathan Gannon, the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who brought him on board in 2023 to mentor the team’s quarterbacks. Despite starting the season on the reserve/PUP list, Murray managed to return for the final eight games, throwing for 1,799 yards, rushing for an additional 244 yards, and scoring a total of 13 touchdowns. In the subsequent season of 2024, Murray exhibited a remarkable completion rate of 68.8%, tossing for 3,851 yards and securing 21 touchdowns, all while maintaining an impressive passer rating of 93.5.
Before his NFL tenure, Woolfork dedicated nine years to college coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at Miami (OH) from 2013 to 2014, where he later took on roles coaching running backs and wide receivers. Notably, Woolfork enjoyed a successful college playing career as a wide receiver at Grand Valley State, contributing to the team’s triumph in the D-II national championship in 2009.
On the other hand, David Shaw brings a wealth of experience to the table, not only from his extensive background in the NFL but also from a remarkable 12-year head coaching tenure at Stanford University from 2011 to 2022. During the 2025 season, Shaw played an instrumental role in shaping the Lions' offense, which ranked fifth in the league for points per game (28.3) and yards per game (373.2). Furthermore, the Lions excelled in several categories, including third place in yards per play (5.97) and passing yards per game (253.1), while achieving an interception percentage of just 1.37. They also showcased one of the league's most effective red zone offenses, ranking eighth.
Shaw departed Stanford as the program's winningest coach, amassing 96 victories, three Pac-12 championships, and leading his teams to eight bowl appearances, including two prestigious Rose Bowl games. His coaching accolades include being named the conference's Coach of the Year four times, the most in Pac-12 history. Shaw’s relationship with Stanford dates back to his time as an assistant coach, where he spent five years, first mentoring wide receivers before moving up to serve as the offensive coordinator and eventually taking over as head coach.
Before his latest role with the Lions, Shaw gained valuable NFL experience from 1997 to 2005, having coached with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders, and Baltimore Ravens. Within the Ravens organization, he specialized in coaching both quarterbacks and wide receivers under head coach Brian Billick from 2002 to 2004, and then focused solely on receivers in 2005.
As the Buccaneers continue their search for an offensive coordinator, it's clear they are considering candidates with diverse backgrounds and proven track records in developing successful offensive strategies. What do you think about their choice of candidates? Are there specific attributes you believe the Buccaneers should prioritize in their new offensive coordinator?
