Jeff

Tedford

It’s an unconventional hire for new Bucs coach Lovie Smith in that Tedford has zero NFL-coaching experience, but Tedford churned out NFL talent during his 11 years at Cal, and oversaw a prolific offense. Including his days as an assistant, Aaron Rodgers, Kyle Boller, Akili Smith, Trent Dilfer and Joey Harrington are among the quarterbacks Tedford coached in the college ranks. Keenan Allen, Marshawn Lynch and DeSean Jackson are a few of the non-quarterbacks he recruited and coached for the Golden Bears. It’s a bold and risky hire for Smith, whose downfall in Chicago was a dysfunctional and inconsistent offense. Tedford should install a balanced, pro-style system.

The former Cal coach has been out of commission since September due to a medical situation. Marcus Arroyo has been a disaster as Tedford’s replacement, although it isn’t as if Arroyo had an abundance of talent to work with. The Buccaneers will likely go hunting for a new offensive boss this offseason.

It’s a concern, but would be a much bigger one had Tedford missed last weekend’s regular-season dress rehearsal. As it is, almost all of the Bucs’ playbook should be installed by now. It sounds like Tedford will be ready for Week 1.

52-year-old Tedford underwent a “medical procedure” last week. He’s been working part-time from home since then, and may not be ready to return to the coaching box by Sunday. If Tedford can’t be in attendance, QBs coach Marcus Arroyo will call the offensive plays. Tampa Bay’s offensive line was dominated all preseason. They have a tough test against Carolina’s front seven.

Tedford was absent for Sunday’s loss to the Panthers, where the Bucs generated just 264 yards of offense. The next NFL game Tedford calls will be his first.

Tedford underwent a heart procedure late last month, but was originally expected to miss only a “short amount of time.” Instead, he’s yet to call any of the Bucs’ three games, and apparently needs more time to heal. QBs coach Marcus Arroyo has been handling play-calling duties in Tedford’s absence, and could end up doing so for the rest of the season. Tedford’s absence is the last thing the Bucs’ dysfunctional offense needs, but at least now there is clarity to the situation.

Tedford’s medical condition hasn’t improved after returning in Week 2 and he’ll be away from the team until he gets fully healthy. QB coach Marcus Arroyo will handle playcalling in Tedford’s absence.

A coach in the college ranks from 1992-2012, Tedford’s first foray into the NFL ended before it started thanks to a heart issue. He was released from his contract two weeks ago. Tedford actually has experience in Canada both as a coach and player. The longtime Cal head man likely hopes to eventually land back in the college ranks as a head coach.