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.
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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
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