It’s no secret that new Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians wanted Byron Leftwich to be the team’s offensive coordinator and play-caller, as PewterReport.com reported that on January 8 when we also announced that defensive coordinator Todd Bowles would join Arians’ staff.

Now it’s official.

On Saturday, the Bucs officially agreed to terms with Leftwich, who spent the last two years coaching quarterbacks in Arizona – the 2017 season under Arians. Leftwich took over the play-calling duties midway through the season for Mike McCoy last year in Arizona under head coach Steve Wilks.

During his initial press conference, Arians discussed turning the play-calling duties over to Leftwich in Tampa Bay.

“I’ve been training guys for this job,” Arians said. “I always said I would never give it up and look over anybody’s shoulder until I found one I knew could do it. Harold Goodwin did it for me for a little while, but Byron I think is rising star in this business. What he did with the interim title out there – it wasn’t even his offense, it was Mike McCoy’s offense – and he did a heck of a job with some rookies. He’s more than ready. I think this coaching staff is going to be outstanding.”

Leftwich, a former first-round pick as the quarterback of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003, was the Bucs’ starting quarterback in 2009 before giving way to first-round pick Josh Freeman. Leftwich played under Arians in Pittsburgh in 2008 and again in 2010-12 as Ben Roethlisberger’s backup and won a Super Bowl ring. He began his coaching career under Arians in Arizona in 2017.

Arians and the Bucs signed Harold Goodwin to coach the offensive line and serve as the run game coordinator.