The Buccaneers have officially released offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford from his contract, allowing him to pursue other opportunities, the team announced today in a press release. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com first reported (via Twitter) that the team would be parting ways with its offensive coordinator. Tedford had been absent from the team for the majority of the 2014 season due to health issues.
“Throughout these difficult circumstances, our primary concern was for Jeff’s health and well-being,” said head coach Lovie Smith in a statement. “After speaking with Jeff in recent days, it became obvious that a mutual decision to release him from his contract was the best way forward. We wish Jeff continued success in the next phase of his career.”
Tedford, a longtime coach at Cal, is expected to explore job opportunities in the college ranks, either as a head coach or an offensive coordinator, according to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune and Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter links). As for the Bucs, quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo will likely continue to call plays for the rest of the 2014 season, with the team then hiring a new offensive coordinator for 2015.