Buccaneers Hire Architect of Fernando Mendoza's Heisman Season as QBs Coach

Chandler Whitmer will now work directly with another Heisman trophy winner, Baker Mayfield.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 6:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired Chandler Whitmer as their new quarterbacks coach. Whitmer previously served as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Indiana University, where he worked directly with Heisman Trophy winner and national champion quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Whitmer will now be tasked with helping Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, another Heisman winner, improve after a down season in 2025.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are hoping Whitmer's experience developing Mendoza can translate to helping Mayfield regain his elite form and lead the team back to the playoffs after missing the postseason in 2025.

The details

Whitmer spent one season at Indiana, where he helped Mendoza complete 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 6 interceptions as the Hoosiers went 16-0 and won the national championship. Mayfield, meanwhile, saw his numbers dip in 2025 compared to the prior season, completing 63.2% of his passes for 3,963 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

  • Whitmer spent the 2025 season as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Indiana University.
  • Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and led Indiana to a 16-0 national championship season in 2025.

The players

Chandler Whitmer

Whitmer is the new quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, previously serving in a similar role at Indiana University where he worked with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza.

Fernando Mendoza

Mendoza was the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Indiana University in 2025, leading the Hoosiers to a 16-0 national championship season.

Baker Mayfield

Mayfield is the starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a former Heisman Trophy winner who is looking to bounce back after a down season in 2025.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Whitmer will now work with another Heisman winner in Tampa Bay with Mayfield returning as starting quarterback.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Network Reporter (si.com)

What’s next

Whitmer will join newly hired offensive coordinator Zac Robinson's staff, working under head coach Todd Bowles as the Buccaneers look to return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers are hoping Whitmer's experience developing a Heisman-winning quarterback at Indiana can help Baker Mayfield regain his elite form and lead the team back to the postseason after a disappointing 2025 campaign.