Former Bucs QB Begins Coaching Career

The longest-tenured quarterback in Bucs history is transitioning to a coaching career.

Former Tampa Bay backup Ryan Griffin, who spent 2015-2022 in the Bucs’ quarterback room, has been hired as an offensive assistant by the Chicago Bears, the team announced Friday. He will work with the quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Bryan Bing and Ryan Griffin join Bears coaching staff

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 23, 2024

After Long Bucs Tenure, Ryan Griffin Hits The Coaching Ranks

Bucs QB Ryan Griffin – Photo by: USA Today

Ryan Griffin originally came to Tampa off waivers in 2015. The former Tulane quarterback went on to back up Jameis Winston and Mike Glennon in 2015 and 2016, then served as the third-string behind Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2018.

Griffin was the backup to Winston in 2019, which was the year he would finally make his NFL debut. He briefly replaced an injured Winston during a Week 14 game against the Colts, finishing 2-of-4 passing for 18 yards.

When Tom Brady and Blaine Gabbert arrived in 2020, Griffin was there to complete the room. And of course, he was memorably there to guide a tipsy Brady to safety after the team’s championship boat parade days after its Super Bowl LV victory over the Chiefs.

When Tampa Bay drafted Kyle Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Griffin was relegated to the practice squad. He spent two seasons there before his long Bucs tenure finally came to an end following the 2022 season.

The team opted to go in a different direction, bringing in John Wolford as its No. 3 quarterback.

Griffin most recently signed with the Italian Football League’s Skorpions Varese, but the longtime favorite in the quarterback room is now taking the next step of his football journey.

Unfortunately for Griffin’s former mates in Tampa, the Bucs and Bears currently aren’t scheduled to meet again until the 2026 season.