The Buccaneers have mutually parted ways with offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford, the club announced Friday afternoon.
The 53-year-old Tedford has been on an indefinite leave of absence since late September. He had a heart procedure before the season.
“Throughout these difficult circumstances, our primary concern was for Jeff’s health and well-being. 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,” Buccaneers coach Lovie Smith said in a team-issued statement. “We wish Jeff continued success in the next phase of his career.”
Buccaneers QBs coach Marcus Arroyo has run the offense in Tedford’s absence
“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,” Tedford said in a statement from the club. ". . . I simply could not, in good conscience, become more of an obstacle to Lovie, to Marcus, the offensive staff and the whole organization — after all they have done for me. You just can’t go backwards. I can see that they are so close to turning the corner and I don’t want to hinder that progress.”
Tedford indicated he intends to “pursue other opportunities.” He was head coach at Cal from 2002 through 2012, garnering accolades for his work with quarterbacks, most notably Aaron Rodgers.