Fired Browns Coach Could Reunite Soon With Baker Mayfield

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking for a new offensive coordinator to work with starting quarterback Baker Mayfield after losing offensive coordinator Dave Canales to the Carolina Panthers for the head coaching position.

The Buccaneers are anticipated to attract numerous offensive coordinator candidates who want to work with Mayfield and his skill-position assets. However, Mayfield is familiar with one candidate who could help him advance.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt is scheduled to interview for the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator position today. According to Rapoport, Van Pelt is also a candidate for the offensive coordinator position with the Las Vegas Raiders.

following the Browns’ 45-15 away playoff loss to the Houston Texans.

Van Pelt, 53, was Cleveland’s offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2023, during which time Mayfield was the Browns’ starting quarterback.

Mayfield completed 60.8% of his passes over three years (2019-21), totaling 10,400 yards, 65 touchdowns, and 42 interceptions.

In 2020, Mayfield had his greatest season with Van Pelt, completing 62.8% of his passes for 3,563 yards, 26 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. It will be interesting to watch if Van Pelt lands in Tampa Bay with his old QB or if he’ll get one of the few offensive coordinator jobs still left on the open market.