Because the 2025 hiring cycle approaches, candidates for the three present head teaching vacancies (and others which is able to possible quickly open) are rising. Byron Leftwich hopes to be among the many names to obtain consideration for a place on an NFL employees this 12 months.
The previous quarterback transitioned to the sidelines below Bruce Arians in 2016 with Arizona, and he remained there for an additional two seasons. That spell included a partial stint as interim offensive coordinator earlier than he and the remainder of Steve Wilks‘ employees have been let go after the 2018 marketing campaign. Leftwich then adopted Arians to Tampa Bay, serving because the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator for every of Arians’ three years as head coach.
Throughout that point, Tampa Bay received a Tremendous Bowl and posted spectacular offensive numbers, however the unit took a step again in 2022. Quarterback Tom Brady reversed course on his retirement determination, and with Arians not on the sidelines, Todd Bowles was in place as head coach. The Buccaneers have been eradicated within the wild-card spherical and Leftwich was dismissed. The 44-year-old has not coached since then, however he’s trying to make a comeback this winter.
“I didn’t have the alternatives proper after and this final 12 months that I believed I might have, however I perceive the method, and I perceive that the entire world’s making an attempt to get in that league,” Leftwich said in an interview with The Athletic’s Mike Jones. “Nothing needs to be given to me. No one owes me something. So, I’m going to only work and see if I can have the chance to teach in that league once more.”
Leftwich was talked about as a candidate for plenty of positions after his Bucs tenure got here to an finish, together with the Jaguars’ head teaching place in 2022. The Marshall product performed for Jacksonville in the course of the first 4 years of his profession, making him a pure choice to take the gig within the wake of his time on the coordinator stage. Stories emerged stating Leftwich and basic supervisor Trent Baalke didn’t see eye to eye and that Leftwich turned down the chance to teach in Jacksonville. The previous first-rounder denied that, saying he was by no means provided the place (one which in the end went to Doug Pederson and should properly be open again shortly).
Curiosity in sure faculty alternatives got here up, however Leftwich has remained out of teaching in the course of the previous two years. He interviewed for the Ravens’ OC position in 2023 and expressed a need for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator spot final 12 months after Matt Canada was fired. Leftwich’s taking part in profession led to Pittsburgh below Mike Tomlin, who has remained complimentary of Leftwich’s capabilities as a coach. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see if he receives a glance in the course of the upcoming cycle.
The Jets, Saints and Bears are seeking a head coach, and different groups are possible so as to add to the record of openings as soon as “Black Monday” comes round. Likewise, a number of offensive coordinator positions will possible quickly emerge. Leftwich is concerned about returning to the NFL in a single capability or one other, and consequently his identify may very well be one to observe because the teaching panorama takes form over the approaching weeks.
