As the 2025 hiring cycle approaches, candidates for the three current head coaching vacancies (and others which will likely soon open) are emerging. Byron Leftwich hopes to be among the names to receive consideration for a position on an NFL staff this year.
The former quarterback transitioned to the sidelines under Bruce Arians in 2016 with Arizona, and he remained there for another two seasons. That spell included a partial stint as interim offensive coordinator before he and the rest of Steve Wilks‘ staff were let go after the 2018 campaign. Leftwich then followed Arians to Tampa Bay, serving as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator for each of Arians’ three years as head coach.
During that time, Tampa Bay won a Super Bowl and posted impressive offensive numbers, but the unit took a step back in 2022. Quarterback Tom Brady reversed course on his retirement decision, and with Arians no longer on the sidelines, Todd Bowles was in place as head coach. The Buccaneers were eliminated in the wild-card round and Leftwich was dismissed. The 44-year-old has not coached since then, but he is looking to make a comeback this winter.
“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 in an interview with The Athletic’s Mike Jones. “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 was mentioned as a candidate for a number of positions after his Bucs tenure came to an end, including the Jaguars’ head coaching position in 2022. The Marshall product played for Jacksonville during the first four years of his career, making him a natural option to take the gig in the wake of his time at the coordinator level. Reports emerged stating Leftwich and general manager Trent Baalke did not see eye to eye and that Leftwich turned down the opportunity to coach in Jacksonville. The former first-rounder denied that, saying he was never offered the position (one which ultimately went to Doug Pederson and may well be open again shortly).
Interest in certain college opportunities came up, but Leftwich has remained out of coaching during the past two years. He interviewed for the Ravens’ OC position in 2023 and expressed a desire for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator spot last year after Matt Canada was fired. Leftwich’s playing career ended in Pittsburgh under Mike Tomlin, who has remained complimentary of Leftwich’s capabilities as a coach. It will be interesting to see if he receives a look during the upcoming cycle.
The Jets, Saints and Bears are in search of a head coach, and other teams are likely to add to the list of openings once “Black Monday” comes around. Likewise, several offensive coordinator positions will likely soon emerge. Leftwich is interested in returning to the NFL in one capacity or another, and as a result his name could be one to watch as the coaching landscape takes shape over the coming weeks.
