Bucs Release OC Jeff Tedford From Contractual Obligations, Will Hire New OC Next Year

Update:

The Buccaneers have already announced that OC Jeff Tedford has been released from his contractual obligations with the team.

• Mike Garafolo reports that Tedford is interested in returning to the college level in the event an opportunity presents itself.

Tedford released a statement regarding the move.

“My wife and I want to thank the entire Buccaneers organization – from the Glazer family, to Head Coach Lovie Smith and General Manager Jason Licht – for all the faith and confidence they expressed in me. I will always be grateful to them for the opportunity to participate in the off season program, the draft, free agency, training camp, the preseason and the beginning of the regular season. I have built friendships here with administration, coaches and players that will last a lifetime.

“When my health issues arose, I simply tried to ignore them and then I made the mistake of twice trying to come back too early. At that point, the organization proposed, and I agreed, that an indefinite leave of absence would allow me the proper amount of time to rest and rehabilitate myself. I am happy to state that I’m healthy now and feeling great.

“The Buccaneers have been very accommodating to me and my family during this time and, while they left the door open for a possible return, I feel that coming back at this point would disrupt the trust and continuity that builds throughout the season in offensive meeting rooms and on the sidelines. Quarterbacks Coach Marcus Arroyo, along with the rest of the offensive staff, had to step up and shoulder the load and they have done a great job under very difficult circumstances. I simply could not, in good conscience, become more of an obstacle to Lovie, to Marcus, the offensive staff and the whole organization – after all they have done for me. You just can’t go backwards. I can see that they are so close to turning the corner and I don’t want to hinder that progress.

“Therefore, I have decided – with the organization’s blessing – that it would be best if the Bucs moved forward without my return and I, now healthy and stronger for having gone through this temporary setback, will pursue other opportunities.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to all of the Bucs fans who expressed their support, best wishes, and prayers for me during this season. I wish the entire Bucs organization and fan base great success and there will always be a very special place in my heart for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “

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Ian Rapoport of NFL Media is reporting that the Jeff Tedford will not be returning as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator next year.

• According to Rapoport, Tampa Bay plans to find a new offensive coordinator after the season has concluded.

The Buccaneers hired Tedford after Lovie Smith was brought in as their head coach close to a year ago. Unfortunately, Tedford was force to undergo a heart procedure six days before the start of the regular season, which prevented him from calling plays or taking part in normal game-day activities.

Tedford wound up taking a leave of absence from the team and it was later announced that he wouldn’t be back this season.

Tedford, 53, spent several years as the head coach for the University of California. He’s known for his work with quarterbacks including: Trent Dilfer, David Carr, Joey Harrington and Aaron Rodgers.