Byron Leftwich has long been viewed by many in the NFL world—especially Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians—as a rising star in coaching. Heading into the 2021 season, Pro Football Focus would seem to agree, as it recently ranked the 41-year-old as the league’s sixth-best offensive play caller.
Green Bay’s Matt LaFleur, Buffalo’s Brian Daboll, Kansas City’s Andy Reid, Las Vegas’ Jon Gruden and Carolina’s Joe Brady make up PFF’s top five before Leftwich comes in at No. 6. Here’s what Eric Eager had to say about Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator:
“The former Jaguars first-round pick returned to Florida and helped acclimate a new (albeit Hall of Fame) quarterback, a veteran tight end, a rookie right tackle and a couple of secondary receivers en route to the Bucs’ first Super Bowl title since 2002.