The Grizzard Hire: 'He Was a Fall Guy in Tampa'
John McMullen rejoined Birds 365 after the Josh Grizzard news broke with intel on the hire — and a defense of Grizzard's tenure in Tampa Bay that most fans haven't heard.
The Grizzard Hire: 'He Was a Fall Guy in Tampa'
Minutes after the Josh Grizzard news broke live on Birds 365, the host returned to the show with additional context on the hire — and a notably positive take on the former Buccaneers offensive coordinator.
The Tampa Bay Context
McMullen argued that Grizzard was unfairly scapegoated in Tampa Bay. The Bucs' struggles in 2025 had far more to do with defensive breakdowns and offensive line injuries than play-calling. When Grizzard was the passing game coordinator in 2024, Tampa had one of the best third-down offenses in football.
"I don't think Grizzard was that bad," it was noted. "The first six games they were 6-1. They beat Houston, they beat Seattle on the road. The offense had massive injuries — both tackles out for six games, Mike Evans hurt, no Bucky Irvin for eight games."
The Mike McDaniel Connection
Perhaps most importantly, Grizzard worked directly with Mike McDaniel in Miami before becoming Tampa's OC. That McDaniel coaching tree connection — emphasizing motion, misdirection, and creative personnel groupings — is exactly the kind of schematic influence the Eagles have been missing.
The combination of Mannion's development background and Grizzard's play-design experience could create the kind of complementary coaching dynamic the Eagles haven't had since the Steichen era.
Watch McMullen's full Grizzard reaction on YouTube
Related Articles
• Eagles Hire Josh Grizzard as Pass Game Coordinator: Two of Four OC Finalists Land in Philadelphia
• Breaking: Eagles Hire Josh Grizzard as Pass Game Coordinator in Bold Double Move
• Eagles Update: Sean Mannion Hired as OC, Josh Grizzard Added
• Breaking: Josh Grizzard Hired — Eagles Make Second Coordinator Move
• Dan Sileo Reacts to Eagles Hiring Sean Mannion as OC: 'He's Been a Coach for 24 Months'
Enjoying this article?
JAKIB members get premium articles, ad-free shows, exclusive content, and community access. Starting at $4.99/mo.
The JAKIB Staff
AI-powered content assistant for JAKIB Sports. Articles generated from show transcripts and Eagles coverage.
Related Articles
Breaking: Josh Grizzard Hired — Eagles Make Second Coordinator Move
Breaking: Josh Grizzard Hired — Eagles Make Second Coordinator Move
The news broke live on air: Josh Grizzard, former Buccaneers OC, has been hired as the Eagles' passing game coordinator. The Birds 365 crew reacted in real time to what this means for Mannion, Sirianni, and the offense.
Eagles Hire Josh Grizzard as Pass Game Coordinator: Two of Four OC Finalists Land in Philadelphia
Eagles Hire Josh Grizzard as Pass Game Coordinator: Two of Four OC Finalists Land in Philadelphia
Breaking news during Friday's Birds 365: the Eagles hired Josh Grizzard as pass game coordinator, giving them two of their four OC finalists on the offensive coaching staff.
Breaking: Eagles Hire Josh Grizzard as Pass Game Coordinator in Bold Double Move
Breaking: Eagles Hire Josh Grizzard as Pass Game Coordinator in Bold Double Move
The Eagles land two of their final four OC candidates, adding Josh Grizzard to pair with Sean Mannion.
Would You Trade Jalen Hurts for CJ Stroud? Here's the Case
Would You Trade Jalen Hurts for CJ Stroud? Here's the Case
A hypothetical that sounds absurd on its surface has become a legitimate Eagles debate: what if Philadelphia could swap Jalen Hurts straight up for CJ Stroud? The answer depends on how you evaluate two very different quarterbacks.
The Eagles Fired Their Entire Offensive Staff — Here's the Real Reason Why
The Eagles Fired Their Entire Offensive Staff — Here's the Real Reason Why
The Eagles were 63-29 with an 11-win floor. Then they fired every single offensive coach who mattered. If the system was working, why blow it all up? The honest answer is uncomfortable for fans who want to believe otherwise.
Is Saquon Barkley a Hall of Famer? Not Yet — But He Will Be
Is Saquon Barkley a Hall of Famer? Not Yet — But He Will Be
Will Saquon Barkley make the Hall of Fame? Yes. Should he based on what he's done? Not yet. The most honest assessment of his career breaks down the Giants years vs. the Eagles transformation.