The Buccaneers released offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford, who has been on an indefinite leave of absence due to health reasons, from his contract Friday to "pursue other opportunities," the team announced in a release. Tedford had a heart procedure performed just before the start of the season and hasn't called a play for the Bucs since the third preseason game.
"Throughout these difficult circumstances, our primary concern was for Jeff's health and well-being," Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said 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, who was the head coach at California from 2002-12, had joined the Bucs along with Smith in January. "When my health issues arose, I simply tried to ignore them, and then I made the mistake of twice trying to come back too early," Tedford said in a statement. "At that point, the organization proposed, and I agreed, that an indefinite leave of absence would allow me the proper amount of time to rest and rehabilitate myself. I am happy to state that I'm healthy now and feeling great.
"The Buccaneers have been very accommodating to me and my family during this time and, while they left the door open for a possible return, I feel that coming back at this point would disrupt the trust and continuity that builds throughout the season in offensive meeting rooms and on the sidelines."Quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo, who was on Tedford's staff at California, has called plays for the Bucs (2-10) this season with input from the rest of the offensive staff.
The Bucs are averaging 313.6 yards and 18.3 points per game, while ranking 26th in total offense and 28th in scoring.Tedford is the second offensive coordinator in the past six seasons to leave the team without ever calling a play during the regular season. Jeff Jagodzinski was hired by incoming coach Raheem Morris in 2009, but was fired before Tampa Bay's final preseason game.
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