Approved In: Lions Lands Another Top Experience Veteran To Boost Their Corps Of Players

Earlier this offseason, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers depart for the same role with the Detroit Lions. However, Rodgers wasn’t the only member of Tampa Bay’s ranks that Detroit tapped for its coaching staff.

Rodgers’ move was somewhat surprising, given his long tenure with the Bucs. He joined the team in 2019 alongside Todd Bowles, but with his contract expiring at the end of the season, both sides ultimately agreed to part ways.

The Lions’ other hire from Tampa Bay was more straightforward.

Bruce Gradkowski Joins the Lions’ Coaching Staff

While Rodgers made a lateral move, former Buccaneers quarterback Bruce Gradkowski is taking his first step into NFL coaching with the Lions. The team announced Thursday that he has joined John Morton’s staff as an assistant coach.

Gradkowski already has coaching experience at the high school and college levels, but this marks his return to the NFL since retiring as a player in 2016.

 

Many Bucs fans may remember him

as one of Jon Gruden’s quarterback projects during his final years as head coach. Gradkowski started 11 games over two seasons in Tampa Bay, winning just three. He briefly showed promise, particularly in a strong preseason and a solid debut against the Saints in 2006, but struggled to maintain that success. He notably replaced Chris Simms after Simms suffered a ruptured spleen, an injury that ended his time with the Bucs and sent Tampa Bay into a long cycle of quarterback instability—one that wasn’t truly resolved until Tom Brady’s arrival over a decade later.

After retiring, Gradkowski transitioned into coaching, starting at the high school level before taking an assistant role at his alma mater, Toledo. Most recently, he served as the offensive coordinator for the St. Louis Battlehawks, leading them to a first-place finish and an XFL Championship Game appearance.

Now, he has the opportunity to establish himself in the NFL at a time when young coaches are getting chances at bigger roles earlier in their careers. The Buccaneers have been part of that trend, hiring Dave Canales and Liam Coen, with Coen recently bringing in 29-year-old Grant Udinski as his offensive coordinator.

Gradkowski has a long way to go before becoming a well-known coaching name, but with Detroit’s high-powered offense, he’s in a great spot to grow. Who knows—maybe one day, he’ll find his way back to Tampa Bay as a coach.