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Former NFL QB Byron Leftwich Interviewing For Head Coaching Job

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Jan 7, 2025 2:58 PM ET

Byron Leftwich's NFL coaching arc has been an interesting one.

From one of the top picks in the 2003 Draft, to a potential star QB, to becoming a reliable backup and later a budding head coach. Leftwich was the perceived scapegoat for the Buccaneers' struggles in Tom Brady's last year.

Now after not coaching for the past two seasons, he's reportedly looking to get back in the discussion of running his own show — something he recently spoke to The Athletic about in a feature published last week.

"I didn't have the opportunities right after and this last year that I thought I would have, but I understand the process, and I understand that the whole world's trying to get in that league," Leftwich told the publication. "Nothing should be given to me. Nobody owes me anything. So, I'm going to just work and see if I can have the opportunity to coach in that league again."

And while the odds may be stacked against him, it sounds like he's at least going to have that opportunity to interview.

According to Mike Jones, Leftwich is speaking with the New England Patriots about their job opening on Tuesday.

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 23: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Byron Leftwich before the NFC Divisional playoff game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 23, 2022, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa , FL. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Leftwich coached in the league from 2016-2022, serving as intern with the Arizona Cardinals before being elevated to quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator in 2017-18.

The former No. 7 pick then got his shot under Bruce Arians in 2019 where he oversaw the Bucs' offense for three of Brady's final seasons.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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