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Buccaneers Sign Familiar Face to Defensive Coaching Staff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Timm Hamm | Last updated Feb 21, 2025 6:00 PM ET

In anticipation of another NFC South divisional title run next year, which would be their fifth straight, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are making some changes to the coaching staff.

On Friday, the team announced the hiring of Mike Caldwell to be their inside linebackers coach next season. If that name sounds familiar to Bucs fans it's because he held the same role under Bruce Arians from 2019-21 before taking the job as defensive coordinator in Jacksonville for two seasons.

Last season, Caldwell was the run game coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Bucs also made some previous moves official. Charlie Strong was hired as defensive line coach, Kevin Carberry will serve as run game coordinator and Brian Picucci has been promoted to offensive line coach.

Tampa Bay has also hired Kefense Hynson as pass game. coordinator under new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Jordan Somerville is the pass game specialist and assistant quarterbacks coach and Jeff Kastl has been promoted to assistant tight ends coach.

The Bucs won their fourth-straight NFC South division title last season but were bounced from the postseason by the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round.

After losing offensive coordinator Liam Coen to the Jacksonville Jaguars as their head coach, Grizzard was promoted. Grizzard will be the fourth OC in as many seasons in Tampa Bay.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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