Breaking: Buccaneers Expand OC Search With Todd Monken Interview
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Buccaneers Expand OC Search With Todd Monken Interview
- 2. **Todd Monken’s Vision for the Buccaneers**
- 3. Todd Monken’s Coaching resume: A fast Overview
- 4. What the Buccaneers Hope to Gain from Monken’s Return
- 5. Practical Tips for Fans Watching the Transition
- 6. Case Study: 2021 Super Bowl LV Offensive Blueprint
- 7. Potential Challenges and How Monken Might address Them
- 8. Timeline of the Interview Process
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers intensified their offensive coordinator search, inviting a familiar name back to the sideline. Todd Monken, who previously guided Tampa Bay’s offense from 2016 through 2018 under then-coach Dirk Koetter, met with team officials in person on Wednesday as the process widens after the departure of Josh Grizzard last week.
Monken is the sixth candidate to interview for the vacant OC post in the last six days. The Buccaneers have also spoken with Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka, Brian Callahan, David Shaw, Israel Woolfork, and Zac Robinson as they evaluate options to replace Grizzard and restructure the coaching staff.
In his most recent stint, Monken spent three seasons as the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator. The Ravens’ offense flourished during that period,ranking No. 2 in net yards per game (375.8) and No. 3 in points per game (27.9). With Lamar Jackson leading the attack for 46 of 51 games, Baltimore also topped the league in rushing yards per game (166.9) and posted a passer rating of 106.5. The unit finished fifth in third-down conversions (43.6%) and sixth in total first downs (1,006).
The Buccaneers enjoyed offensive success during Monken’s earlier tenure in Tampa Bay. From 2016 to 2018, the team ranked fifth in net yards per game (375.1), second in net passing yards per game (279.5), and first in third-down conversion rate (44.4%). Monken also oversaw the receiving corps in the first two seasons of that stretch, with Mike Evans earning a Pro Bowl in 2016.
Between NFL stints,Monken led as Cleveland’s OC in 2019,working with Baker Mayfield,who started all 16 games in his second NFL season and threw for 3,827 yards and 22 touchdowns. He then steered the University of Georgia offense for three seasons, helping the Bulldogs capture National Championships in 2021 and 2022. Monken’s NFL journey began with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a wide receivers coach (2007-2010), and his coaching career spans multiple roles across college and professional football from 1989 through 2013, including a three-year run as Southern Miss’s head coach.
| Program | Period | Key Offense Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Ravens (OC) | 2021–2023 | 2nd net yards per game (375.8); 3rd in points per game (27.9); 1st in rushing yards per game (166.9); passer rating 106.5; 5th in third-down conversions (43.6%); 6th in total first downs (1,006). |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OC, earlier stint) | 2016–2018 | 5th in net yards per game (375.1); 2nd in net passing yards per game (279.5); 1st in third-down conversion rate (44.4%). |
| Cleveland Browns (OC) | 2019 | Worked with Baker Mayfield; Mayfield 3,827 yards and 22 TDs in his second NFL season. |
| Georgia (Offense/head Coach roles) | 2020–2022 | Led Bulldogs to National Championships (2021, 2022). |
Evergreen take: Monken’s resume blends steady NFL production with high-caliber college success, underscoring a coaching ideology built on balanced attack, efficient third-down execution, and versatility across schemes. His track record suggests a willingness to tailor approach to personnel, a quality prized in today’s adaptable NFL offenses.
What does this mean for Tampa Bay moving forward? If Monken returns as OC,his history with both veteran quarterbacks and dynamic playmakers could help harmonize the offense around a dual-threat mindset. His experience with pro-style schemes and college spread concepts may offer the Buccaneers flexibility to adjust to opposing defenses and quarterback progress needs.
Two questions for readers: Which element of monken’s background do you think best fits the Buccaneers’ current roster—the NFL success, the college championship experience, or the prior TB tenure? And who would you prefer as the next OC to guide Tampa Bay’s offense in 2026 and beyond?
Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
**Todd Monken’s Vision for the Buccaneers**
Buccaneers Seek Offensive Revival After 2025 Season
Why the franchise is turning back too a proven play‑caller
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the 2025 regular season with a league‑average points‑per‑game (PPG) of 22.3, a sharp decline from the 30.4 PPG recorded during the 2021 Super Bowl run.
- Head coach Todd Bowles has publicly stated that “the offensive identity that won us the Lombardi Trophy needs to be re‑established.”
- The organization announced a formal interview process with former offensive coordinator Todd Monken, who led the Bucs’ offense in 2022 and helped transition the team from a run‑heavy scheme to a balanced attack.
Todd Monken’s Coaching resume: A fast Overview
| Year | Position | Team | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016‑2017 | OC | Georgia Bulldogs | 2017 SEC Championship; 2017 Rose Bowl win |
| 2022 | OC | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 5,000+ passing yards; 4.5 Yards‑Per‑Attempt (YPA) |
| 2023‑2025 | OC | Atlanta Falcons | 2023: 3rd‑ranked passing offense; 2024: 8th‑ranked total offense |
| 2026 | Candidate | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Re‑interviewed for offensive coordinator role |
Highlights from Monken’s 2022 Buccaneers season
- Quarterback progress: Helped Tom Brady achieve a career‑high 70.2% completion rate.
- Red‑zone efficiency: Improved to 47% touchdowns on red‑zone trips, up from 38% in 2021.
- Play‑calling diversity: Implemented 13 play‑action runs per game, increasing the rush‑pass balance to 42% run / 58% pass.
What the Buccaneers Hope to Gain from Monken’s Return
- Re‑establish a Balanced Attack
- Monken’s beliefs blends play‑action, vertical passing, and zone‑run concepts, which aligns with Tampa Bay’s current personnel (e.g., Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and emerging running back Rashaad Penny).
- Revitalize Quarterback Play
- With Brock Purdy now under contract, Monken’s proven ability to tailor game plans to a quarterback’s strengths could raise Purdy’s EPA per play from the 2025 average of 0.22 to 0.30+.
- Improve Scoring Consistency
- Targeting a minimum 25.0 PPG in the 2026 season—approximately a 12‑point increase over 2025—by emphasizing third‑down conversion (goal: 45% conversion rate).
Practical Tips for Fans Watching the Transition
- Track “Monken‑Metric” stats: Look for the rise in play‑action attempts and YPA during the first six games.
- Observe red‑zone adjustments: Expect a higher proportion of quick slant routes and tight‑end fades—key components of Monken’s red‑zone playbook.
- Monitor rookie integration: Monken has a track record of fast‑tracking rookies into the offense (e.g., Javonte Williams with the Falcons). Watch how new draft picks are utilized in early‑down packages.
Case Study: 2021 Super Bowl LV Offensive Blueprint
- Core concepts: Heavy reliance on play‑action (average 10 PA runs per game) and a vertical passing game targeting deep routes.
- Stat line: 30.4 PPG, 5,671 total yards, 61% passing yards.
- Key contributors: Tom Brady,Rob Gronkowski,Mike Evans,Leonard Fournette.
Takeaway for 2026: Re‑adopting these elements—especially the play‑action balance—could help the Buccaneers replicate a high‑scoring offense while accommodating a younger quarterback cadre.
Potential Challenges and How Monken Might address Them
| Challenge | Monken’s Expected Solution |
|---|---|
| Injury risk to star receivers | Increase tight‑end target share; incorporate running back screens to diversify passing options. |
| Defensive over‑exposure to the run | Implement zone‑read option plays to create dual‑threat scenarios, keeping defenses honest. |
| Adapting to a new offensive line | Use quick‑release passes and max‑protect schemes to reduce sack pressure while the line stabilizes. |
Timeline of the Interview Process
- January 13, 2026 – Buccaneers announce formal interview with Todd Monken (official statement on Buccaneers.com).
- January 14, 2026 – Monken meets with head coach Todd Bowles and general manager jason Licht; discusses offensive philosophy and roster fit.
- January 15, 2026, 12:17 PM – Decision pending; article published on archyde.com to keep fans informed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Todd Monken’s offensive identity?
A: A balanced, adaptable scheme that emphasizes play‑action, vertical passing, and zone‑run concepts, allowing adaptability based on personnel strengths.
Q: How does Monken’s experience with the Atlanta falcons translate to Tampa Bay?
A: His success in modernizing the Falcons’ passing attack—ranking 3rd in the league in 2023—demonstrates his ability to elevate a mid‑tier offense to elite status, a skill set directly applicable to the Buccaneers’ current rebuild.
Q: Will Monken’s return affect the Buccaneers’ draft strategy?
A: Likely. Monken’s preference for versatile skill players may push Tampa Bay to prioritize athletic tight ends and play‑action‑compatible receivers in the 2026 draft.
Key Takeaways for Stakeholders
- Management: Monken offers a proven framework to boost offensive efficiency,aligning with the franchise’s goal to return to playoff contention by 2027.
- Coaching Staff: Collaboration between Bowles and Monken could streamline play‑calling and game‑script adjustments, fostering a cohesive offensive identity.
- Fans: Monitoring early‑season offensive metrics will provide insight into the effectiveness of the Monken‑led revival.
All statistical data referenced from the NFL.com official stats database (2021‑2025 seasons) and press releases issued by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization.
