There’s been a lot to talk about regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ coaching staff this offseason, but not everything is tied to what happened with Liam Coen. While that whole drama is by far the most scandalous thing to focus on, the Bucs have experienced other coaching turnover elsewhere on the staff.
Notably, Todd Bowles lost a key member of his defense as Kacy Rodgers departed to join the Detroit Lions. Larry Foote was also on the verge of leaving as well but ultimately decided to return — and actually honor his word in doing so.
Rodgers made a lateral move to become the defensive line coach for Dan Campbell’s defense, and it opened up a role that was filled this week in a rather splasy move that might end up paying off well.
Buccaneers ire Charlie Strong to replace Kacy Rodgers as key defensive coach
Replacing Rodgers won’t be easy, as he was a key member of Bowles’ staff since tey both arrived in Tampa Bay back in 2019. It’s a job that will fall into the lap of former Texas Longhorns head coach Charlie Strong, who was hired this week to serve as the Buccaneers’ new defensive line coach.
It’s a big name that feels like the type of high-upside gambles Bowles has been taking on his coaching staff decisions over the last few seasons.
The #Bucs are set to hire Charlie Strong as their new defensive line coach, sources say.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2025
The former #Louisville and #Texas head coach spent last season with #Bama as an analyst. Now, back in the NFL for the first time since 2021 with the #Jaguars. pic.twitter.com/BMPelYomm1
It’s a key addition not only because it replaces Rodgers, but it gives Strong a chance to fully bounce back while helping the Buccaneers’ defensive line do the same. The expectation is that Tampa Bay will add some pass rush help this offseason — perhaps in a Myles Garrett trade — but overall the pieces are there for things to take a major step forward in 2025.
Not unlike how Dave Canales and Liam Coen took the key pieces of Tampa Bay’s offense and boosted their profile, Strong could do the same with guys like Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and a potentially motivated Logan Hall.
Strong was the head coach at Texas from 2014 until 2016 but got that prestigious job by taking Louisville to the Sugar Bowl back in 2012. While he very famously flamed out with the Longhorns, Strong has been making all the right stops recently leading up to his arrival in Tampa Bay.
He was a defensive assistant on Nick Saban’s staff at Alabama in 2020 and was co-defensive coordinator at Miami (FL) after spending time with the Jaguars. Strong has coaching experience but also a reputation that helps strengthen the ranks and brings a wide range of knowledge to a defense that needs to change things up.
Rodgers was a key piece of Bowles’ staff but the defense stagnated last year, even without accounting for injuries. The margins have significantly tightened after four straight seasons of winning the NFC South, which means there’s no room for error in 2025. With expectations as high as they’ve been in a wile, Bowles will be coaching for his job in the eyes of most fans and it’s clear he’s not taking any chances in putting together a staff that will help usher the team in the right direction.
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