Philadelphia Eagles Hire Josh Grizzard as Pass Game Coordinator
Just three weeks after his departure from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Josh Grizzard has secured a swift new position with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have officially added the 35-year-old coach to their offensive staff in the role of pass game coordinator, a strategic move designed to bolster a unit that faced significant consistency issues throughout the 2025 campaign. Philadelphia's passing offense finished in the bottom third of the league last season, highlighting the urgent need for improvement and fresh leadership.
Transitional Phase for Eagles Offense
Grizzard's arrival coincides with a period of transition for the Eagles, who also parted ways with their offensive coordinator following the 2025 season. While the organization considered Grizzard as a potential candidate for that vacant coordinator position, they ultimately opted for a different direction, setting the stage for a recalibrated offensive strategy as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season. This decision underscores Philadelphia's commitment to reshaping their approach and addressing weaknesses that plagued them in recent years.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "More help in Philadelphia: Eagles are hiring former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard as their pass game coordinator, per sources. Grizzard now will join new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to lead Philadelphia's offense." Grizzard, who interviewed twice for the offensive coordinator role himself, will now work under the newly appointed Mannion. This hiring signals the Eagles' clear intent to modernize and stabilize a passing attack that, despite possessing elite talent at key positions, managed only a 23rd-place ranking across the league in 2025.
Grizzard's Career: A Tale of Promise and Challenges
Grizzard's professional resume presents a compelling mix of promise and caution. He initially joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as pass game coordinator in 2024, a season that represented a career peak for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Under Grizzard's guidance, the Buccaneers finished an impressive third in passing yards, with Mayfield throwing a personal-best 41 touchdowns. Additionally, star wide receiver Mike Evans extended his remarkable streak with an 11th consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season. This offensive surge led to coordinator Liam Coen's departure to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Grizzard's subsequent promotion to offensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
However, the follow-up year proved far more challenging for Grizzard and the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay's offense experienced a significant decline, slipping from fourth in scoring to 18th in 2025, ultimately resulting in Grizzard's dismissal after just one season as the primary play-caller. It is crucial to note the context of this downturn, as injuries played a substantial role. Key players such as Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan missed a combined 30 games, while critical contributors along the offensive line were rarely healthy simultaneously. These factors are essential when evaluating the overall effectiveness of Grizzard's first stint as an offensive coordinator.
Focused Role and New Opportunities in Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, Grizzard's role is more narrowly defined and potentially better suited to his strengths. Rather than assuming full control of the offense, he is expected to work closely with quarterback Jalen Hurts and wide receiver DeVonta Smith, providing focused schematic input and expertise specifically to the passing game. This targeted approach could allow Grizzard to leverage his experience without the broader pressures of overall offensive management.
Nevertheless, the broader offensive picture for the Eagles remains somewhat unsettled. Star wide receiver A.J. Brown's future with the team is uncertain after he publicly expressed frustration despite delivering another 1,000-yard season. Additionally, tight end Dallas Goedert is nearing free agency following an impressive 11-touchdown campaign. These variables add layers of complexity to the team's offensive planning and Grizzard's integration into the system.
For Josh Grizzard, the move to the Eagles represents both a professional reset and a significant opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities in a new environment. For the Philadelphia Eagles, this hire reflects a calculated bet that Grizzard's earlier success with the Buccaneers' passing attack can be translated into a more efficient, adaptable, and high-performing aerial game for the 2026 season. The organization is clearly banking on his expertise to unlock the potential of their talented roster and elevate their offensive production to competitive levels.
