Next season, Baker Mayfield, the former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, might have a familiar face in his offensive coordinator role.
Among the teams interviewing former Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Cleveland unexpectedly fired Van Pelt at the end of the season.
On Monday, January 30, Van Pelt had a job interview; the Bucs have not yet made a decision regarding the hire. The previous season, Dave Canales oversaw offensive playmaking for Tampa Bay before leaving to accept a head coaching position with the Carolina Panthers.
With Mayfield likely to return as quarterback for the Bucs next season, Van Pelt is an intriguing prospect. He spent two seasons coaching Mayfield, the former first overall pick.
During the 2021 season, Mayfield struggled with a shoulder ailment, which negatively impacted his situation in Cleveland.In the 2022 offseason, Deshaun Watson was acquired by trade, and Mayfield was shipped to the Panthers. With Mayfield healthy, Van Pelt might get an opportunity to contribute to what has been a career comeback in Tampa Bay.This season, Mayfield and the Bucs surprised everyone by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC South in a Wild Card game. With 4,044 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, the former first selection of the Browns performed admirably. With a 94.6 quarterback rating, Mayfield performed well.
Mayfield is not yet guaranteed to start for the Bucs in the upcoming campaign; he is a free agent. But it’s almost a given that the team will give him another chance, either with a long-term contract or the franchise tag.
