Buccaneers Complete Offensive Coordinator Interviews With Browns, Lions Assistants

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are now looking for a new offensive coordinator for the second time in as many seasons with the departure of first-year play-caller Dave Canales heading to the Carolina Panthers to take their head coaching position.

A few names came up early for who would be considered for the Bucs' opening at OC. The likes of Kellen Moore, Zac Robinson, and Brian Johnson have all been floated about, but nothing has come of them. Another name that was thrown into the hat was former Bills' offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.

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However, up to this point, not many have even made their way to Tampa Bay until the past five days as the team has announced they have concluded interviews with former Cleveland Browns' OC Alex Van Pelt and Detroit Lions' WR Coach Antwaan Randle El.

Randle El was the first interviewee as he met with the Buccaneers this past Friday virtually as he was gearing up for the Lions' NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers. Randle El's name is a popular one amongst NFL fans as he racked up a great nine-career as an NFL wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Commanders.

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Following his playing career Randle El decided to get into the coaching business joining Bruce Arians' staff with the Buccaneers in 2019-2020 as an offensive assistant. He then was hired by the Detroit Lions' staff to become their wide receivers coach and has gotten the most out of the Lions' WRs including Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Another familiar face interviewed with the Buccaneers on Monday in former quarterbacks' coach Alex Van Pelt. Pelt worked with the Bucs under head coach Raheem Morris in 2010 and 2011. Van Pelt spent time in many positions with a number of teams including the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently a four-season stint as the offensive coordinator of the Cleveland Browns.

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The Browns let go of Van Pelt following the 2023 season. He helped lead the Browns to a top-10 scoring offense in the league in 2023, averaging 23.3 ppg. An interesting thing of note is the Pelt worked with current Bucs' QB Baker Mayfield during their time in Cleveland together from 2020-2021, so there is some familiarity there if the Bucs run things back with Bake in 2024.

Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the offseason.

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