1. Former Bucs OC Byron Leftwich
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich has a Super Bowl win to his name and he’s got high football IQ. However, following a down season with the Buccaneers, he now finds himself without a job. Following a 10-year NFL career, Leftwich opted to head down the coaching path. After spending the 2016 season as an intern for the Arizona Cardinals, he quickly stepped into a coaching role.
Leftwich spent the 2017 season as the team’s quarterback coach, and then eventually became offensive coordinator in 2018. Following his two seasons in Arizona, Leftwich was offered the Buccaneers offensive coordinator job. Upon joining the team, he got off to a hot start. Over his first three seasons with the team, the Buccaneers finished in the top three in points per game, and in the top seven in yards per game in each season.
With the help of Tom Brady alongside Leftwich, the Buccaneers passing offense put up elite numbers during this stretch as well. From 2019-2021, they finished in the top three in both passing touchdowns and yards.
This past season, as the Buccaneers struggled on the field, the Leftwich offense didn’t produce at their usual rate. They finished 25th in points per game, and 15th in yards per game. On the ground, they finished last in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns. Through the air, they once again looked reliable, finishing second in yards and 12th in touchdowns.
One “down” year doesn’t tell the whole story for Leftwich. He has led several of the NFL’s top offenses and could do the same for the Giants. If Kafka chooses to walk away, he should be at the top of the Giants list. Leftwich won’t be unemployed for too long.
4 takeaways from the NY Giants deflating season-ending loss to Eagles
The season has officially come to a close for the NY Giants, as the Eagles had no problems taking them down in the Divisional Round.