Chandler Whitmer Joins Tampa Bay Buccaneers as Quarterbacks Coach

Chandler Whitmer, the former quarterbacks coach for Indiana University, is set to elevate his career by joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ coaching staff. This transition marks an exciting opportunity for both Whitmer and the Buccaneers as they aim for improvement in the upcoming NFL season.

Background on Chandler Whitmer

According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Whitmer has been appointed as the Buccaneers’ new quarterbacks coach after spending a year as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Indiana under head coach Curt Cignetti. Prior to his tenure at Indiana, Whitmer honed his skills as an offensive assistant with the Los Angeles Chargers from 2021 to 2023 and with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.

Indiana Success Story

At Indiana, Whitmer played a pivotal role in developing quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Mendoza had a stellar season, throwing for 3,535 yards, leading the nation with 41 touchdown passes, and achieving 10.78 adjusted air yards per attempt. His performance helped secure Indiana’s first-ever national championship and the Heisman Trophy, a significant milestone for the program.

"His preparation is at a whole other level," Whitmer stated before the national title game. "He just loves football. It’s one of the top things I look for in quarterbacks."

Mendoza’s Journey

Mendoza’s development reflects Whitmer’s coaching prowess. After a tough spring full of challenges, Mendoza turned the season around through hard work and dedication. His determination to improve didn’t just lead to personal accolades but also to historic success for Indiana football.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A New Chapter

The Buccaneers are looking to rebound from a disappointing 8-9 season, which ended with them missing the playoffs due to a tiebreaker. Following this setback, head coach Todd Bowles made significant changes to the coaching staff, including the departure of long-time quarterbacks coach Thaddeus Lewis.

Goals for the Season Ahead

Whitmer’s primary task will be to work with Baker Mayfield, a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback. This collaboration is crucial as the Buccaneers look to revitalize their offensive strategy in the NFC South.

Key Takeaways:

• Chandler Whitmer joins the Buccaneers after a successful stint at Indiana.
• Fernando Mendoza’s transformation under his coaching highlights his expertise.
• Tampa Bay is aiming to turn around its fortunes with a revamped coaching approach.

Conclusion

As Chandler Whitmer steps into his new role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, all eyes will be on how he can leverage his coaching experience to develop quarterbacks, drive team success, and cultivate a winning culture. With talent like Baker Mayfield in the equation, the upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for both Whitmer and the Buccaneers.

For more details on the Buccaneers’ coaching staff changes and the NFL’s upcoming season, visit ESPN and NFL.com.