Buccaneers OC Search Linked to Coach Who Helped Shape Joe Burrow’s NFL Rise

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially added another intriguing name to their offensive coordinator search, one with direct ties to one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks. 

According to NBC Sports, the Buccaneers will interview Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC position this week.  

Ian Rapoport reported that Bengals head coach Zac Taylor has granted Pitcher permission to speak with teams offering play-calling opportunities. 

“The Bucs will interview Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher for their vacant OC job this week, sources say,” Rapoport wrote. 

“An opportunity made possible by coach Zac Taylor giving Pitcher permission to speak to teams with play-calling OC opportunities.”

This is a notable development given Pitcher’s current role in Cincinnati. 

While Pitcher holds the offensive coordinator title with the Bengals, Taylor retains play-calling duties. 

This makes a move to Tampa Bay a potential step forward rather than a lateral shift. 

Pitcher is widely credited as a key contributor to Joe Burrow’s early NFL success.

For the Buccaneers, it represents a clear signal that quarterback development is a priority in this hiring cycle.

Dan Pitcher’s Role in Joe Burrow’s NFL Development

Pitcher’s resume is closely tied to the rise of Joe Burrow. 

Pitcher joined the Bengals’ staff in 2016 and became Burrow’s quarterbacks coach shortly before Cincinnati selected Burrow first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. 

From Burrow’s rookie season through his ascent to Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl appearance, Pitcher played a central role.

He was a huge part of weekly game planning, film study, and helping Burrow command Zac Taylor’s offense at an elite level.  

That trust and continuity ultimately led to Pitcher’s promotion to offensive coordinator. 

This was a move designed to preserve the structure around Burrow as the franchise QB entered his prime.

That QB background could be especially appealing to Tampa Bay, where Baker Mayfield showed flashes of high-level play but also endured stretches of inconsistency.  

The Bucs appear to be prioritizing a coach with a proven track record of refining quarterback mechanics, preparation, and decision-making.

All of these are areas where Pitcher has excelled at the NFL level. 

Where Pitcher Fits in the Buccaneers’ OC Search

The Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator search is massive. 

Pitcher joins a growing list of experienced and creative offensive minds under consideration. 

Tampa Bay has already interviewed or expressed interest in candidates such as Todd Monken, Mike Kafka, Brian Callahan, Zac Robinson, David Shaw, Israel Woolfork, and Mike McDaniel.  

Pitcher’s interview represents a different profile than the rest of the bunch. 

He brings a development-first profile rooted in quarterback growth. 

As the Buccaneers continue evaluating their options, the response Pitcher’s meeting this week will tell a lot about their OC search going forward.

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