In a move that probably won’t surprise anyone, the Panthers asked permission to speak with Bucs wide receivers coach Brad Idzik. JC Allen We first reported the news on Friday, and Idzik confirmed the report to Pewter Report on Saturday.
Panthers’ new head coach Dave Canales When he took over as the Bucs’ offensive coordinator last season, he brought Idzik, a longtime friend from his time with the Seahawks in Seattle, to Tampa Bay. Canales hired Idzik and named him the Bucs’ first wide receivers coach.
Now, Canales wants to bring Idzik to Carolina, perhaps as offensive coordinator in a role other than play-calling. Canales, making his first play call in Tampa Bay, is expected to serve as both the head coach and play caller for the Panthers’ offense.
Canales is the second Bucks offensive assistant asked to interview elsewhere. The Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills have asked Tampa Bay quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis to interview for the vacant offensive coordinator role. Lewis helped Baker Mayfield adapt to Canales’ offense and have a career year in Tampa Bay.
Brad Idzik did a great job at wide receiver for the Bucs.
Bucks WR Trey Palmer and WR coach Brad Idzik – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR
For a first-year wide receivers coach, Brad Idzik’s work as Tampa Bay’s pass catchers has been phenomenal. mike evans The 10-year veteran bounced back from last season, when he scored just six touchdowns. During his contract year, Evans made his fifth Pro Bowl appearance, catching 79 passes for 1,255 yards (15.9 average) and 13 touchdowns, tying him with Miami’s Tyreek Hill for the most receiving touchdowns. He was selected as a second-team All-Pro. This year’s NFL.
The Bucs’ other starting wide receiver, Chris Godwin, achieved 1,000 yards in a season for the third consecutive season and fourth time in his career. Godwin had 83 catches for 1,024 yards (12.3 average) and two touchdowns.
Idzik also helped develop rookie wide receiver Trey Palmer, a sixth-round pick, who overcame early instability to finish the 2023 season strong. Palmer had 39 catches for 385 yards (9.9 average) and three touchdowns during the regular season. He had three catches for 88 yards as the Bucs’ third-leading receiver in the postseason, including a 56-yard touchdown in Tampa Bay’s 32-9 wild-card win over Philadelphia.
It’s not a certainty that Idzik will follow Dave Canales to Carolina, but if he’s offered a promotion with a higher salary, it’s likely. Idzik just got engaged during the season, and his parents live in Tampa. He loves living in the area and working for the Bucks, so he may choose to stay to continue his personal life.