NFL insider lists Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken as name to watch for NFC South opening

A return to the NFL — and to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers — could be in the cards for Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken.

After firing offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich following a disappointing 2022 season, the Buccaneers are looking for a new leader of their offense, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting they could look toward a friendly face.

“For the first time, #Bucs coach Todd Bowles will assemble his own offensive staff. Per me and @MikeGarafolo, one name to watch as OC: #Georgia OC Todd Monken,” tweeted Rapoport. “The former #Bucs OC could be back.”

Of course, Monken helped Georgia win back-to-back national titles, going a combined 29-1 under head coach Kirby Smart.

The Georgia offense exploded in last week’s national championship game, winning 65-7 over TCU led by quarterback Stetson Bennett, who became a Heisman finalist this season under Monken.

Monken joined Georgia in 2020 after spending one year in Cleveland as the Browns’ offensive coordinator. He was with Tampa Bay from 2016-18 as the team’s OC and wide receivers coach.

Monken also had NFL experience with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2007-10 as the wide receivers coach.

He began his career in 1989 with Grand Valley State and had stops at Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Louisiana Tech, Oklahoma State and LSU before going to the NFL with the Jaguars. Monken also came back to Oklahoma State after his time with Jacksonville.

From 2013-15, Monken served as the head coach of Southern Miss, going 13-25 overall, but went 9-5 in his final season, leading the Golden Eagles to the Heart of Dallas Bowl. He went to the Bucs the following year.

Tom Brady may not be back. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could look completely different next season. However, Todd Monken would be a home-run hire by the franchise, and one that could be a stepping-stone to a head coaching gig in an offensive driven league.

On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this article.