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Bucs after Dark: Byron Leftwich coach-in-waiting for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Dylan Grimm

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Byron Leftwich #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play in the huddle against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Byron Leftwich #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play in the huddle against the Dallas Cowboys during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2009 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
(Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images) /

Leftwich’s ascension Continues

Leftwich found himself getting promoted and climbing the coaching ranks quicker than he and anyone else could have imagined. After a brutal start to the 2018 season for the now former offensive coordinator of the Cardinal Mike McCoy, he was let go by the organization leaving an opening for the next man up. That man was Leftwich and he sure made sure to make the most of the opportunity he was given.

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Leftwich was essentially handed the keys to a car with two tires and no steering wheel with how poor of an offense the Cardinals fielded outside of David Johnson. In the 9 games as offensive coordinator in Arizona, Leftwich helped lead the team to two wins, doubling their previous wins to that point while also having an offense that actually made defenses have to make an effort.

The former Bucs quarterback incorporated more of a zone blocking scheme and made it a point to get his only playmaker David Johnson the ball by any means, often utilizing his skillset in space on screens. Due to the limited amount of talent on the offensive line and a rookie quarterback in Josh Rosen, Leftwich did not have much of a chance to wow the league with what he can do.

Once Arians was handed the keys in Tampa Bay, it was clear to many a reunion was very much a possibility between him and Leftwich, and indeed, he was brought on to be the offensive coordinator and call plays for the 2019 season and will get another chance to watch and learn from one of the game’s greatest. At just the age of 39, Leftwich is young and has shown he has serious potential as a play caller.

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