Following his dismissal as special teams coordinator at the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, Thomas McGaughey has been appointed to the position by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For six seasons, McGaughey was the Giants’ special teams coordinator. Under Pat Shurmur, Joe Judge, and Brian Daboll, he worked as head coach three times.
The 50-year-old McGaughey is an accomplished, well-respected special teams coach, even though he briefly faced Daboll’s fury during a dismal 2023 season and ultimately lost his job.
A few teams, including the Titans, were reportedly interested in McGaughey, according to NFL insider Mike Garafolo.
Todd Bowles’ Tampa Bay staff now has McGaughey in place of Keith Armstrong, who is retiring.
For the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Carolina Panthers in the past, McGaughey was the special teams coordinator. From 2007 to 2010, he served as the Giants’ assistant coordinator for special teams.
McGaughey’s replacement on the Giants staff was Michael Ghobrial, a former Jets assistant.
After Charlie Bullen was hired this week to coach outside linebackers, Tim Kelly to train tight ends, Shane Bowen to coach defense, and Zak Kuhr to coach defense, Daboll’s coaching staff for the 2024 Giants is essentially set.
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The top candidates for the Bucs’ first-round draft selection among receivers are three.
Among the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024 mock drafts, wide receiver has grown in popularity.
Given the uncertainty surrounding Mike Evans’ future with the team, Todd Bowles and company could have to search elsewhere for their next star receiver.
The 26th choice in the 2024 NFL Draft will belong to this wide receiver, according to the Buccaneers.
Coleman Keon.
The 26th overall pick by the Buccaneers is expected to go to Keon Coleman of Florida State, according to Eric Edholm of NFL.com and Josh Edwards of CBS Sports. Coleman, who is 6-foot-4, makes use of his bulky body, much like Evans. He can consistently change directions quickly and cause defenders to miss because of his excellent footwork and speed when running routes. Given his capacity to absorb hits and gain yardage following a reception, Coleman’s strength is obvious.
With the capacity to make challenging contested catches, the receiver would be a threat downfield. Along with seasoned wide receiver Chris Godwin, Coleman might be the best option if Evans decides not to return to Tampa for a record-breaking eleventh season.
Legette, Xavier
The Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to take Coleman with the 17th pick in the draft, according to Keith Sanchez of The Draft Network. The Buccaneers would then select Xavier Legette, the next wide receiver off the board. Even though the 6-1 receiver from South Carolina is smaller in stature, he more than makes up for it with quickness and a remarkable yard-after-catch ability.
In just 12 games, Legette recorded 1,255 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, making it a spectacular senior season that brought him plenty of praise.
Thomas Brian Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr., an LSU wide receiver, has also been linked to the Buccaneers. After amassing 1,177 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 13 games in 2023, Thomas is coming off a breakthrough campaign. Though he has a little smaller build, the receiver is 6-4, like Coleman.
Given his size, the wideout’s body control and hands are excellent, and he has no trouble securing 50–50 balls. He could play the outside or slot receiver position because of his versatility.
