Buccaneers Release Offensive Coordinator Jeff Tedford

The Jeff Tedford era as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator has come to an end. And while we never saw him roam the sidelines during the regular season, there was plenty going on between both sides off the field. Prior to the start of the 2014 NFL season, Tedford needed to undergo a coronary angioplasty. It was the type of procedure which head coach Lovie Smith felt would keep him out of action for “a short period of time.” Eventually, a few weeks turned into a couple of months after tests revealed that his health was still not improving.

With no return in sight, rumors started swirling that Tedford actually had no interest in returning to the Buccaneers. It was beginning to look like Tedford would never assume the role of offensive coordinator for the Bucs and today, both sides agreed to part ways.

Here’s the statement from Tedford, courtesy of Buccaneers.com:

"“My wife and I want to thank the entire Buccaneers organization – from the Glazer family, to Head Coach Lovie Smith and General Manager Jason Licht – for all the faith and confidence they expressed in me. I will always be grateful to them for the opportunity to participate in the off season program, the draft, free agency, training camp, the preseason and the beginning of the regular season. I have built friendships here with administration, coaches and players that will last a lifetime.“When my health issues arose, I simply tried to ignore them and then I made the mistake of twice trying to come back too early. At that point, the organization proposed, and I agreed, that an indefinite leave of absence would allow me the proper amount of time to rest and rehabilitate myself. I am happy to state that I’m healthy now and feeling great.“The Buccaneers have been very accommodating to me and my family during this time and, while they left the door open for a possible return, I feel that coming back at this point would disrupt the trust and continuity that builds throughout the season in offensive meeting rooms and on the sidelines. Quarterbacks Coach Marcus Arroyo, along with the rest of the offensive staff, had to step up and shoulder the load and they have done a great job under very difficult circumstances. I simply could not, in good conscience, become more of an obstacle to Lovie, to Marcus, the offensive staff and the whole organization – after all they have done for me. You just can’t go backwards. I can see that they are so close to turning the corner and I don’t want to hinder that progress.“Therefore, I have decided – with the organization’s blessing – that it would be best if the Bucs moved forward without my return and I, now healthy and stronger for having gone through this temporary setback, will pursue other opportunities.I would also like to express my deep gratitude to all of the Bucs fans who expressed their support, best wishes, and prayers for me during this season. I wish the entire Bucs organization and fan base great success and there will always be a very special place in my heart for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “"

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