The “Modern Hybrid” Option: Why Josh Grizzard Fits the Lions’ Evolution
For a Lions team that wants to remain ahead of the curve, Grizzard offers the high-upside schematic injection they need without requiring a total roster overhaul.
January 8th 2026 | 6:44PM
In the wake of “Black Monday,” the coaching carousel has spun wildly, spitting out names both expected and surprising. Among the most intriguing and now available candidates is Josh Grizzard, who was relieved of his duties as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator this morning (January 8th, 2026 - reported prior to 11AM EST).
While a firing typically carries a stigma, Grizzard’s specific situation—a young play-caller caught in the crossfire of a defensive head coach fighting for his job—requires a closer look. For a Detroit Lions team seeking to merge their physical identity with the cutting-edge concepts of the modern NFL, Grizzard offers a unique schematic blend that few others possess.
Archetype: The “Shanahan / McVay” Rosetta Stone
Grizzard represents a rare convergence of the NFL’s two most dominant offensive families. He spent two seasons (2022-23) under Mike McDaniel in Miami, immersing himself in the speed-based, motion-heavy Shanahan system. He then moved to Tampa Bay to work under Liam Coen (a McVay disciple), eventually succeeding him. He is not just a branch of one tree; he is a hybrid who speaks both languages fluently.
The Case For: Evidence Of Adaptability
Grizzard’s pedigree is elite. In Miami, he helped construct the historic 2023 offense that led the league in yards and passing. In Tampa Bay (2024), as Pass Game Coordinator, he engineered the NFL’s best third-down offense and helped Baker Mayfield revive his career. He understands how to layer the “illusion of complexity” that creates easy throws—something Jared Goff thrives on. His firing in Tampa feels premature; the offense started 5-1 in 2025 before injuries to Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan derailed the unit, and Todd Bowles needed a scapegoat to survive.
The Ivy League Safety Advantage
Josh Grizzard brings a cerebral edge to the sideline that is rare even among NFL tacticians. His background as a defensive back at Yale University (2008–2011) provides him with a unique “double agent” perspective. As a former safety, Grizzard was the “quarterback of the defense,” responsible for aligning the secondary and diagnosing offensive concepts before the snap. He doesn’t just understand offensive routes; he understands exactly why a defensive coordinator calls a specific coverage to stop them.
This “defensive DNA” allows Grizzard to reverse-engineer his game plans. He knows the specific leverage rules that safeties and linebackers are taught to obey, allowing him to design offensive concepts that put those defenders in conflict. While many coaches see the game as X’s and O’s, Grizzard sees it through the eyes of the player trying to stop him.
Ivy League Education: implies an elite level of information processing. The modern NFL offense requires a coordinator to synthesize massive amounts of data—down-and-distance tendencies, personnel matchups, and clock management—in seconds. Grizzard’s academic and athletic background at Yale suggests a disciplined, high-speed processor capable of handling the cognitive load of play-calling without “paralysis by analysis.” He combines the raw intelligence of an Ivy Leaguer with the practical, gritty understanding of a defensive back who has successfully transitioned to the other side of the ball.
The Argument Against: Regression
The results in 2025 were undeniable: the Bucs regressed. After a hot start, the unit collapsed, finishing 21st in total offense and averaging just 17 points per game over the final stretch. Critics argue that once defenses adjusted to his initial scripts, he lacked the experience to counter-punch. There is a valid concern that while he knows the theory of the Shanahan/McVay offenses, he may not yet have the “feel” for calling it live against top-tier defensive coordinators.
The Miami Connection: A Shared Lineage
While Dan Campbell and Josh Grizzard did not share a sideline simultaneously, they are inextricably linked by the same Miami Dolphins “finishing school” that has produced some of the league’s toughest coaches.
The “Hard Knocks” Origin: Campbell cut his teeth as a Tight Ends Coach and Interim Head Coach in Miami (2010–2015), establishing the very culture of grit and accountability that defines him today. Grizzard arrived just one season later (2017), rising from Quality Control to Wide Receivers Coach in that same building.
The Blueprint: Both men were molded in an environment that prioritized internal development. Just as Campbell was promoted from within to lead the team in a crisis (2015), Grizzard earned his stripes by surviving multiple regime changes (Gase to Flores to McDaniel), proving his value as a grinder who puts the team above ego.
The “Six Degrees” Factor: Current Lions personnel, including former Dolphins staffers, provide a direct conduit of information. They know Grizzard’s work ethic matches the “Dan Campbell Guy” criteria: high character, low maintenance, and obsessed with the details.
The Risks
The “Rebound” Factor: Hiring a coordinator fresh off a firing—especially one who presided over a late-season collapse—is risky optics. Can he command the respect of a locker room that just saw him dismissed for lack of production?
Play-Calling Rhythm: Detroit’s offense under Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell was defined by aggressive, fearless play-calling. Grizzard was criticized in Tampa for becoming conservative and predictable when the pressure mounted.
Strengths As A Coordinator
The “Speed” Game: Grizzard was the Wide Receivers Coach in Miami when Jaylen Waddle set the rookie reception record. He knows how to manufacture touches for elite speed—a perfect match for Jahmyr Gibbs and Jameson Williams.
Third Down Architecture: His defining trait in 2024 was designing third-down concepts that “beat the coverage” before the ball was snapped. He excels at using motion to identify man vs. zone, simplifying the quarterback’s decision-making process.
Quarterback Friendly: Having worked with Tua Tagovailoa and Baker Mayfield, he knows how to protect quarterbacks who aren’t elite physical specimens but are elite processors. For the record and the comments I will get here, both of those other QB’s mentioned are faster than Goff with their legs.
Intelligence: Grizzard clearly an edge here with his Yale background.
Why He Fits
Detroit needs to evolve. The “Grit” is established, but the schematic advantage needs a refresh. Grizzard fits because he can install the Miami motion package—using orbit motions and cheats to confuse linebackers—while keeping the physical run game concepts Detroit loves.
The Goff Connection: Jared Goff is at his best when the picture is defined early. Grizzard’s entire philosophy (from McDaniel and Coen) is built on giving the QB the answer before the snap.
Continuity of Philosophy: He isn’t bringing a “new” system; he is bringing the next evolution of the system Detroit already runs.
Ideal Landing Spots
Detroit Lions: A perfect spot to rehabilitate his image while handing Dan Campbell a ready-made playbook that maximizes his speed players.
New Orleans Saints: If they pivot to a young offensive mind to pair with a defensive structure, Grizzard fits the division and knows the personnel.
Minnesota Vikings: If they need a new pass-game voice to pair with Kevin O’Connell, Grizzard’s background makes him an overqualified position coach or passing game coordinator.
The Verdict
Interview him immediately.
Josh Grizzard is a classic “buy low” stock. He possesses the intellectual property of the league’s best offenses (Miami and LA) but is available at a discount because of a bad situation in Tampa. For a Lions team that wants to remain ahead of the curve, Grizzard offers the high-upside schematic injection they need without requiring a total roster overhaul. He might not be the “safe” hire, but he is the smartest one.
This video is relevant because it features Josh Grizzard discussing his offensive philosophy and specifically his return to Miami, highlighting the schematic concepts he would bring to Detroit.
