Byron Leftwich Aims for NFL Coaching Return After Two-Year Hiatus

TYSONS, Va. — Byron Leftwich, the former NFL quarterback and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, is determined to return to the NFL coaching ranks after a two-year absence. Leftwich, who helped lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in 2020, has been out of the league since his firing in 2022 but remains steadfast in his desire to coach again.

Leftwich, 44, has spent the past two years focusing on his son Dominic’s AAU basketball career while quietly preparing for his next opportunity. Despite being a hot head coaching candidate in 2022, he has yet to land another NFL role. Leftwich attributes the lack of opportunities to the competitive nature of the league but remains optimistic about his future.

“I didn’t have the opportunities right after and this last year that I thought I would have, but I understand the process, and I understand that the whole world’s trying to get in that league,” Leftwich said. “Nothing should be given to me. Nobody owes me anything. So, I’m going to just work and see if I can have the opportunity to coach in that league again.”

Leftwich’s coaching career began under Bruce Arians, who mentored him in Arizona and Tampa Bay. As the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Leftwich played a pivotal role in Tom Brady’s transition to Tampa Bay, culminating in a Super Bowl LV victory. However, after a disappointing 2022 season, Leftwich was let go and has since been off the NFL radar.

Despite his absence, Leftwich has remained active in studying the game. He spends his mornings analyzing NFL film, calling plays as if he were still on the sidelines. “He has a 360-degree perspective of the game — not only offense but defense as well,” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin. “Certain people have the ability to see the game in 3-D, and Byron is one of them.”

Leftwich’s supporters, including Arians, believe he deserves another chance. “Byron will not push himself out there. He’s going to do it on his work,” Arians said. “But I’ll say it: I think it’s total bullsh– that he’s not a head coach in this league.”

Leftwich’s journey back to the NFL won’t be easy. Some league insiders question how much of Tampa Bay’s success was due to Brady’s influence and Arians’ guidance. However, Leftwich is confident in his abilities and is ready to prove himself once more. “Just give me the opportunity,” he said. “Bring me in and see. Communicate with me, see if I’m the right type of leader you want.”

As the NFL coaching carousel continues to turn, Leftwich remains hopeful that his next opportunity is just around the corner. For now, he continues to prepare, study, and wait for the call that could bring him back to the league he loves.