NFL GOAT Tom Brady played a huge role in changing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ scenario within the short tenure he played with the franchise. However, the legendary quarterback has concluded his career ahead of the 2023 season. Brady is unlikely to come out of retirement, and so the Bucs decided to bank on Baker Mayfield.
Mayfield couldn’t fill the role completely, but he was impressive this past season, and led them to the playoff race. The Bucs are now gearing up to start another brand new season. They brought a change to the front office by signing Bryan McClendon.
Who is Bryan McClendon?
Bryan McClendon has been appointed as the wide receivers coach for the Buccaneers. He started his coaching career at the University of Georgia in 2007. He progressed from a graduate assistant to coaching running backs, ultimately reaching the position of assistant head coach in the program.
The coach took on the position of interim head coach for the Bulldogs towards the end of the 2015 season. He took a short break in 2016 to become the co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach at South Carolina, but he later returned to Georgia to take on the roles of wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator.
Among the players new Bucs WRs coach Bryan McClendon has been a college position coach for: Deebo Samuel and Todd Gurley. Pics from his Instagram: pic.twitter.com/0eUXsgzPfS
— Greg Auman (@gregauman) February 17, 2024
The veteran advanced through the ranks at South Carolina and was named offensive coordinator in 2018. He continued as receivers coach and later transitioned to Oregon in 2020, assuming the positions of passing game coordinator and receivers coach. He briefly took on the role of interim head coach for the 2021 Alamo Bowl.
Bryan McClendon has taken on the role of co-offensive coordinator at Miami in 2022. Destiny led him back to Georgia where he now serves as the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator. Prior to his coaching success, he had a humble playing career, accumulating 56 receptions for 830 yards and six touchdowns during his time in college.
Bucs hire Bryan McClendon as WR coach
Adam Schefter of ESPN confirmed that the Bucs have hired Bryan McClendon as their wide receivers coach, via TampaBay.com. He steps into the role previously held by Brad Idzik, who departed to join the Carolina Panthers as their offensive coordinator under Dave Canales.
This signing makes McClendon’s first venture into professional coaching. His appointment highlights the team’s commitment to assembling a dynamic and versatile coaching team under the leadership of new offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Another college defection: Buccaneers hired Georgia’s well-regarded wide receivers coach and pass game coordinator Bryan McClendon as their wide receivers coach, per source. https://t.co/rtwqARXHjE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 17, 2024
The hiring of McClendon follows the pattern set by the Buccaneers earlier in the offseason when they brought in Coen from Kentucky to lead the offense. Coen’s familiarity with McClendon from their time in the college ranks likely played a role in the decision to bring him on board.
McClendon’s recruitment isn’t the only instance of the Bucs tapping into the talent pool of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The team also secured the services of Brian Picucci from Kentucky as their assistant offensive line coach alongside him.
