Buccaneers Hire Indiana QB Coach Who Worked With Mendoza

Chandler Whitmer joins Tampa Bay's staff after developing 2025 Heisman winner

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:07pm

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired former Indiana quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer to be their new QB coach. Whitmer previously worked with 2025 Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza at Indiana, helping develop him into one of the top quarterback prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers are looking to get the most out of veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield, who is entering his fourth season with the team and his fourth different offensive coordinator. Whitmer's experience working with a top college QB prospect could help him make an immediate impact in Tampa Bay.

The details

Whitmer previously worked as a pass game specialist for the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and spent three years as an offensive quality control coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. At Indiana in 2025, he served as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, helping Mendoza throw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and complete 72% of his passes.

  • Whitmer joined Indiana's staff in the 2025 offseason.
  • Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy in 2025.

The players

Chandler Whitmer

Former Indiana quarterbacks coach who is joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their new QB coach.

Fernando Mendoza

2025 Heisman Trophy winner who Whitmer helped develop at Indiana.

Baker Mayfield

Veteran quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who will be working with Whitmer.

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What they’re saying

“Whitmer previously worked for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson as the Atlanta Falcons' pass game specialist in 2024, when the former began his two-year stint with the team.”

— Tom Pelissero, NFL Insider (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

Whitmer will look to help Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers' offense improve in 2026 after the team missed the playoffs in 2025.

The takeaway

The Buccaneers are banking on Whitmer's experience developing a top college quarterback prospect to help get the most out of Mayfield and their passing attack in the upcoming season.