TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to terms with Mike Bajakian to be their new quarterbacks coach.
Bajakian had been the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Tennessee since 2013. Prior to that, he did stints as the offensive coordinator at the University of Cincinnati and Central Michigan. Bajakian also worked as an offensive quality control assistant for the Chicago Bears from 2004 through 2006. Tampa Bay coach Lovie Smith was Chicago’s head coach during Bajakian’s time with the Bears.
Bajakian takes over for Marcus Arroyo, who the team previously announced was not returning. Arroyo joined the Bucs as quarterbacks coach in 2014, but ended up as the offensive play caller after coordinator Jeff Tedford had heart surgery in the preseason. Tedford did not return to the team and Arroyo called plays all year. The Bucs ranked 30th in total offense.
Bajakian could end up playing a very important role. The Bucs hold the No. 1 overall pick in the draft and could use it on Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston or Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota.
