EXCLUSIVE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield spoke to The Mirror U.S. about adapting to another system under a new offensive coordinator, which he's had to get used to over his career
Baker Mayfield is preparing for his fourth season with the Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield is preparing for his fourth season with the Buccaneers(Image: Getty Images)
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If nobody likes change, spare a thought for Baker Mayfield.
With Josh Grizzard fired and Mike Evans now with the San Francisco 49ers, the Buccaneers quarterback is preparing for a new offensive coordinator, a revamped supporting cast and an uncertain future in Tampa.
Through the first six weeks of the 2025 season, Mayfield thrust himself into the MVP conversation as the Buccaneers stormed to a 5-1 record - and looked fearsome in the process. Mayfield led fourth-quarter comebacks in each of his first four wins, but as the season played out, injuries to stars like Evans ultimately hamstrung the Buccaneers, who finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019.
Frustrated by a lack of clarity over his future, the 31-year-old has reunited with Zac Robinson, the new offensive coordinator who previously worked with the quarterback during his short stint with the Los Angeles Rams that kickstarted his career.
Ultimately, change is an all-too-familiar feeling for Mayfield, who is preparing for a ninth different offensive coordinator ahead of Year 9 in the NFL. And while he has learned to adapt, the former first overall pick craves some stability moving forward.
“I would always love to have more continuity because you can get settled in it,” Mayfield exclusively told Mirror U.S. Sports“You can kind of grow and learn what you like in the system, all the checks and audibles, and you can just grow within that.
“But for me, I’ve had a lot of coaches and been in a bunch of different systems, but I also try to be positive. I take little things from each system. What do I like? What do I not like? I try to put as many things in my memory bank as a quarterback. I’m comfortable doing this. This is what I know I can do well. I mean, try this. This is what other teams are doing. Why don't we do it?
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Baker Mayfield, who is in contract talks with the Bucs, craves stability when it comes to his offensive coaching after another change heading into 2026
Baker Mayfield, who is in contract talks with the Bucs, craves stability when it comes to his offensive coaching after another change heading into 2026(Image: Getty Images)
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“It’s the chess game of the ever-evolving NFL and trying to adapt in the offense.”
Two of Mayfield’s former Bucs coordinators, Dave Canales and Liam Coen, left Tampa to become head coaches elsewhere. Mayfield played a significant role in each of their success in Tampa.
Does he take any pride in seeing them land head-coaching jobs? The quarterback laughed.
“Oh, no, I wouldn't say that,” Mayfield said, smiling. “They’re getting jobs because they’ve done an incredible job and I’m thankful for that. Obviously, I would like for some of these guys to stick around to spend more time with them, but yeah.
“I was a part of their story. Now it gives me the opportunity to try to beat the hell out of them if we play them.”
Since his arrival as Tom Brady’s successor in 2023, Mayfield has started every game for the franchise and led the Bucs to two division titles and a playoff win.
Much of the Buccaneers’ success has come with Mayfield driving the team downfield and winning games late. He led the league in fourth-quarter comebacks through the first six weeks of the 2025 season, and while his magic ran out down the stretch, Mayfield is confident his comeback artistry will remain even with a new man calling the shots.
“When the clock is moving in the two-minute drill, it’s not about schemes at that point,” Mayfield said. “Like, yes you can have some stuff to exploit their tendencies, but I believe it’s about doing the most simple plays at the highest level possible - and executing.
“Sometimes, you do need a spectacular play. If the clock’s not on your side, and you have no timeouts remaining, you need a spectacular play. But most of the time, it’s about doing the little things right and letting them mess up.”