Bucs Announce Changes to 2026 Coaching Staff

Notable additions include Pass Game Coordinator T.J. Yates and Quarterbacks Coach Chandler Whitmer

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have finalized their 2026 coaching staff, with several notable additions including Pass Game Coordinator T.J. Yates and Quarterbacks Coach Chandler Whitmer, who previously worked with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at Indiana.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to build on their recent success and make another run at the Super Bowl, and the new additions to the coaching staff are aimed at bolstering the offensive and defensive units.

The details

Along with Yates and Whitmer, the Bucs have added Ken Zampese as a senior offensive assistant/pass game specialist, Todd Bowles Jr. as a defensive assistant, and Marcus West as the defensive line coach. The team has also promoted several coaches, including Tim Atkins to safeties coach and Rashad Johnson to cornerbacks coach.

  • The Buccaneers announced the 2026 coaching staff changes on February 13, 2026.

The players

T.J. Yates

Joins the Buccaneers as the new pass game coordinator after spending the past five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, most recently as passing game coordinator in 2025.

Chandler Whitmer

The new quarterbacks coach, Whitmer previously worked as a pass game specialist for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and helped develop Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at Indiana University.

Ken Zampese

The new senior offensive assistant/pass game specialist, Zampese has over 35 years of coaching experience, including stints as the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator and the Washington Commanders' quarterbacks coach.

Todd Bowles Jr.

The new defensive assistant, Bowles Jr. played college football at Long Island and Rutgers and attended Jesuit High School in Tampa.

Marcus West

The new defensive line coach, West joins the Buccaneers after four years with the Buffalo Bills, where he most recently served as their defensive line coach.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build on our recent success and make another run at the Super Bowl. The new additions to our coaching staff will help us do that.”

— Bruce Arians, Head Coach (Tampa Bay Times)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will begin their 2026 training camp in late July to prepare for the upcoming season.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers have made several key additions to their coaching staff, bringing in experienced and accomplished coaches to help the team continue its recent success and make a push for another Super Bowl championship.