The New England Patriots have identified Byron Leftwich, the former offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as a candidate for their head coaching vacancy.
According to CBS Sports’ Mike Jones, the Patriots are bringing in Byron Leftwich to interview him for their head coach opening.
Leftwich’s last NFL stint came with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he was hired as an offensive coordinator after the 2018 season. In 2021, the Buccaneers had one of the best passing offenses and were first in many categories, including leading the league in passing yards (307.6 per game) and passing touchdowns (43).
The 44-year-old played college football at Marshall University, where he started 50 games, throwing for 11,903 yards, 89 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions. In 2003 the Jaguars drafted him, and he was named their starting quarterback. However, in week 12 he suffered an ankle injury against the Arizona Cardinals.
After the next few seasons didn’t work out for Leftwich, the Jaguars released him before the 2007 season. After being cut, the Atlanta Falcons signed him to a two-year deal worth up to $7 million. After a few short stints with the Buccaneers and Steelers, he eventually retired from football.
He began his coaching career in 2016 when the Arizona Cardinals hired him as a coaching intern during training camp. He was later promoted and became the Cardinals’ quarterbacks coach. After Arizona fired their offensive coordinator, Mike McCoy, Leftwhich took over as the interim OC. Unfortunately, the Cardinals fired him after one season.
However, it wasn’t long until he picked up his next coaching gig. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hired him to become their offensive coordinator in 2019, and he held that role for three seasons. After the Bucs won the Super Bowl in 2021, Leftwich received several head coaching interviews but was not hired anywhere.
Leftwich recently spoke with The Athletic about his desire to return to coaching in the NFL.
“Just give me the opportunity. Bring me in and see. Communicate with me, see if I’m the right type of leader you want,” Leftwich said via The Athletic. “Do your homework. See if I know my X’s and O’s. See if I know people. See if I know what needs to be done to succeed.”
The Patriots have already requested interviews with Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and former Titans coach Mike Vrabel. Before the team hires its next head coach, it must satisfy the Rooney Rule and interview two minority candidates.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
