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Buccaneers Ramp Up Search for Special Teams Coordinator

5 months agoUS
Buccaneers Ramp Up Search for Special Teams CoordinatorSource: buccaneers.com
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are actively seeking a new special teams coordinator following the departure of Thomas McGaughey. The team has interviewed several candidates with diverse backgrounds and experience to fill this crucial role.

Key Insights

The Buccaneers interviewed Danny Smith, a seasoned special teams coach with 25 years of NFL experience, including 13 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Anthony Levine Sr., former Ravens special teams ace and assistant coach, is also a candidate.

Craig Aukerman, coming off a season as the Miami Dolphins' special teams coordinator, has also interviewed.

Michael Clay, the Philadelphia Eagles' special teams coordinator since 2021, is another candidate under consideration.

The Buccaneers' special teams unit earned the third-lowest Pro Football Focus grade last season, highlighting the need for improvement.

Why this matters: A strong special teams unit can significantly impact field position, momentum, and scoring opportunities. The Buccaneers are looking for a coordinator who can improve their performance in this critical area.

In-Depth Analysis

The Buccaneers' search reflects a commitment to improving their special teams performance after a subpar showing last season.

Danny Smith brings a wealth of experience, having coached special teams for multiple NFL teams over a quarter-century. His track record includes success in kick and punt coverage, as well as developing Pro Bowl kickers.

Anthony Levine Sr. offers a different perspective, having excelled as a special teams player before transitioning to coaching. His experience on the field could be valuable in connecting with players and understanding the nuances of the game.

Craig Aukerman has coordinator experience with multiple teams, providing him with a broad understanding of different systems and approaches.

Michael Clay has quickly risen through the coaching ranks, demonstrating his ability to lead and innovate on special teams.

FAQs

Q: Why are the Buccaneers looking for a new special teams coordinator?

The team parted ways with Thomas McGaughey on January 8.

Q: How many candidates have the Buccaneers interviewed?

At least four candidates: Danny Smith, Anthony Levine Sr., Craig Aukerman, and Michael Clay.

Q: What are the Buccaneers hoping to improve with a new coordinator?

They are aiming to improve their overall special teams performance, which ranked low in Pro Football Focus grades last season.

Key Takeaways

The Buccaneers are serious about improving their special teams unit.

They are considering candidates with a range of experience, from seasoned veterans to rising stars.

The new coordinator will be tasked with improving all aspects of special teams, including kicking, punting, coverage, and returns.

Discussion

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