For Bucs fans, the 2025 season was one to forget. As Head Coach, Todd Bowles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staff are getting ready for the upcoming season with free-agent splashes and preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft, here’s how their 2026 Offseason has panned out.
Coaching Changes
Heading into the 2026 season, the Tampa Bay Bucs welcome several new coaches to the team, as the look to keep building upon the 2025 season. There are several new faces to the staff, namely, OC, Zac Robinson, OL/Pass Game Coordinator, Kevin Carberry and ST Coordinator, Danny Smith.
New OC, Coach Zac Robinson formerly served in the same position for division rival, Atlanta Falcons. Last season, the Falcons boasted the third fewest sacks per pass attempt. Now as the New OC in Tampa, he will have the opportunity to work with veteran Chris Godwin, as well as the 2025 Sporting News Rookie of the Year, Emeka Embuka. Coach Robinson made a unique hiring request as he asked to bring Saint’s assistant OL Coach, Kevin Carberry, to join him in Tampa.
Coach Kevin Carberry will serve as the new OL and Run game coordinator. Previously, He was credited for honing Erik McCoy’s elite blocking abilities. This tag team duo could prove to be a lethal duo in the NFL, especially if they are able to turn 2nd year star Emeka Embuka into another Hall of Famer, i.e. Mike Evans, as well as fortify the protection that Baker Mayfield needs to shine.
In addition to Coach Carberry, The Bucs also made a change at the special teams coordinator position. Hiring Coach Danny Smith as the new Special Teams coach. Prior to arriving to Tampa, Coach Smith was under Coach Mike Tomlin for 13 seasons. It came as a surprise when Pittsburgh did not bring him back, as he was one of the longest tenured coaches on Tomlin’s staff. He has had success during his time in the steel city, most notably coaching 2-time probowler, Chris Boswell. Coach Smith will bring a different style than what Bucs fans are used to seeing, but it could lead way for a refreshing change and could be just what the Bucs need to fully unlock the special teams unit that has seen its ups and downs in recent seasons.
Biggest Areas of Improvement
Offense: IOL
The Bucs ‘ O-Line was a glaring weakness in the 2025 season. Teams attacked the interior offensive line heavily last season and found success when doing so. Baker Mayfield was sacked 36 times, which ranks third worst among NFC QBs. The Bucs did lose several linemen along the way. In week 2 they lost both RG Cody Mauch and Tackle Luke Geodeke, who both went on to be sidelined the entire 2025 season. Which, as a result, led to Baker Mayfield seeing a lot more pressure. With the addition of OL coach Kevin Carberry, this should be less of an issue moving forward.
Defense: LB & Edge
One of the biggest headlines coming after at the conclusion of the 2025 season was Lavonte David’s announcement of retirement. While well deserved, it leaves a monster-sized hole in a secondary that was already struggling. Signing Alex Anzalone was a nice short-term move, but looking long-term, I assume the front office will also seek to bring in young talent who can learn from Anzalone’s leadership and skill set.
Looking to Thursday
As of writing this article (4/13/2026 at 3:30pm EST), the Bucs have 7 picks to use at their disposal. With needs at OL, Edge, and CB, the front office has their work cut out for them. Luckily, the 2026 class is full of talent at the needed positions.
RD 1 | Pick 15
It would be a sight to behold to see LB/EDGE Arvell Reese, or LB Sunny Styles in the orange creamsicles although, sitting at the 15th pick, it is safe to assume that they will be long gone by then. Some realistic options would be Guard, Olaivavega Ioane, OT, or even, CB, Mansoor Delane.
Stay tuned for more Tampa Buccaneers 2026 offseason insight as we prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft.
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