Mike Sullivan is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator

by Sander on Feb 10, 2012 9:09 PM EST in News

As first reported by Adam Schefter and now confirmed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan is now the Bucs new offensive coordinator. Mike Sullivan has spent the past two seasons as the New York Giants' quarterbacks coach, helping Eli Manning attain new heights and winning his second Super Bowl Ring this season.

Sullivan coached New York's wide receivers in the six years prior to his elevation to quarterbacks coach, coaching players like Hakeem Nicks, Mario Manningham and Plaxico Burress. Having spent most of his professional career under Kevin Gilbride and Tom Coughlin, Sullivan will likely bring a balanced but aggressive offense to the NFL. The Giants' offense is predicated on a balanced attack, but they're not afraid to pull the trigger and take shots down the field. Gilbride's offense is based vaguely on the old run-and-shoot offenses of the early 1990s, and I'd expect Sullivan to implement a similar offense in Tampa Bay.

The Buccaneers hired Jimmy Raye II as a senior offensive assistant a few days ago, but it's unclear what his duties will be.

Previous experience:

Unknown, Humboldt State, 1993
Unknown, Army, 1995-1996
Unknown, Youngstown State, 1997-98
Unknown, Army, 1999-2000
Defensive Backs Coach, Ohio State, 2001
Defensive Quality Control, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2002
Offensive Assistant, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2003
Wede Receivers Coach, New York Giants, 2004-09
Quarterbacks Coach, New York Giants, 2010-11

Mike Sullivan's New York Giants bio

Tweet Comment 42 comments | Add comment | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Good

Maddon's Mission
Make you want to kill him, then make you want to love him. Sly.

by Jonah Keri on Jun 19, 2010 10:31 PM EDT

by Doug09 on Feb 10, 2012 9:10 PM EST reply actions

great pick

We’ll see if it pans out. Now on to a solid DC to fix our worst defense in history!

by Deroa on Feb 10, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions

pumped about this one!!!!

by RuudAwakening on Feb 10, 2012 9:14 PM EST reply actions

Hey, hey, hey he's a Buccaneer.....

East Coast Fan

by Bucfan on Feb 10, 2012 9:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Fresh thread, fresh joy.

Woot!

Follow me @worldwidemaldo.

by jMagic09 on Feb 10, 2012 9:15 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I like it!

Welcome to TB Mike!

If I die, I forgive you, if I recover, we shall see.

by Gatorbuc15 on Feb 10, 2012 9:15 PM EST reply actions

Now it's time to cut some dead weight on that side of the ball

Love Buccaneers - Hate Glazer

by Bucs on Feb 10, 2012 9:17 PM EST reply actions

Does anybody else feel like it's now make or break, for Freeman?

If this guy can’t help him nobody can

by bucfanlostiniowa on Feb 10, 2012 9:18 PM EST reply actions

Yes. I give Freeman 2 more seasons before I would consider dumping him.

Love Buccaneers - Hate Glazer

by Bucs on Feb 10, 2012 9:44 PM EST up reply actions

Schiano's staff search is finishing

Sort of strong, these last few days have been sweet.

by GoBuxGo on Feb 10, 2012 9:19 PM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Great move!

The Bucs have done a great job of picking coaches that have been in the coaching role before and that sh

by tbbuc4 on Feb 10, 2012 9:32 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Not to sound greedy, but it was mentioned already...

Let’s get that DC in here. Our calling card has always been and should be our D. I’m eager to see the next leader of that squad, too.

Follow me @worldwidemaldo.

by jMagic09 on Feb 10, 2012 9:22 PM EST reply actions

Not to make the Glazers sound great.

But I feel like they are setting Schiano up for success by providing him with senior assistants. Hopefully our players play to their potential and we might make the classic NFC south jump from worst to first.

by Deroa on Feb 10, 2012 9:30 PM EST up reply actions

Nice!

I agree. The coaching staff shows good promise and have been part of championship teams . The Bucs have a lot of talent, they just had no guidance last year. They won 10 games the year before and beat falcons and saints this year.

I think off/def assistants will be there to enforce discipline with 2 more set of eyes on each side of the ball and to advise the young coaches on personnel and things of that nature

by tbbuc4 on Feb 10, 2012 9:37 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

I do agree that having the senior assistants is a good idea.

This is because it allows them to hire first-time coordinators without the fear that inexperience will derail that side of the ball. Both of the senior assistants have been around for years if not decades, and have built up the coaching knowledge that comes with that kind of time.

While it’s still up to the coordinators to actually succeed, I have to think the likelyhood of failure is lower with the senior assistants.

by KRoa on Feb 11, 2012 2:04 AM EST up reply actions

Anyone not named Olson or is related to Olson in anyway, shape, or form is a good hire

"Number one song and a Grammy, now I'm smashing
Maserati crashing, swerving through the traffic
Wrap it 'round a pole, sell a mil off the tragedy
I defy gravity "

by 4QB on Feb 10, 2012 9:39 PM EST reply actions

I would like to hear how he plans to run the offense

I think that his plans for the offense may have been the biggest reason for the hire. Can’t wait to here his press conference

by keysersoze19 on Feb 10, 2012 9:39 PM EST via Android app reply actions

Also would be excited to see a DC here- Davis is good and all, but even he needs someone to groom for playcalling.

"Number one song and a Grammy, now I'm smashing
Maserati crashing, swerving through the traffic
Wrap it 'round a pole, sell a mil off the tragedy
I defy gravity "

by 4QB on Feb 10, 2012 9:40 PM EST reply actions

^since he really can't call plays during gameday^

"Number one song and a Grammy, now I'm smashing
Maserati crashing, swerving through the traffic
Wrap it 'round a pole, sell a mil off the tragedy
I defy gravity "

by 4QB on Feb 10, 2012 9:40 PM EST up reply actions

Jim Tomsula? Please...

With Butch Davis giving guidance, this young guy can bloom into a scary DC. He has been making the 49ers front look scary consistently. With all that we have invested up there. He should be looked at, as someone to be groomed.

by BucIt4U on Feb 10, 2012 9:48 PM EST up reply actions

I really like the Senior Asst,

They are like Mentor/Tutors for the young up and comers we are signing. I think it’s a great plan. It also stays true to the previous plan we had laid out. Young Up and comer coaches who can grow with the team. But this time around they installed assistance as insurance policies on both sides of the ball. Providing a depth wealth of knowledge.

by BucIt4U on Feb 10, 2012 9:45 PM EST reply actions

And Guidance we previously did not have.

by BucIt4U on Feb 10, 2012 9:45 PM EST up reply actions

This guy as QB coach?

"Number one song and a Grammy, now I'm smashing
Maserati crashing, swerving through the traffic
Wrap it 'round a pole, sell a mil off the tragedy
I defy gravity "

by 4QB on Feb 10, 2012 9:47 PM EST reply actions

Love the Hire...

Our offense needs a make over…Get his a%@ down here fast…

by ctd1977 on Feb 10, 2012 9:52 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Now who to get for that "D"?

Go Magic/Bucs/Gators/Rays!

by chiefs_55 on Feb 10, 2012 9:56 PM EST reply actions

Yes I like this move!

Hopefully he can help develop Freeman and MWill. I think Sander mentioned this on twitter, but I wonder if after this,the Bucs increase their pursuit of Manningham once free agency begins? I would still prefer VJax but as long as they dont overpay by a lot, I wouldnt mind Manningham.

No matter how much they are hyped, my teams always find a way to disappoint.

by thedudeofdudes on Feb 10, 2012 10:01 PM EST reply actions

Mario Manningham?

come on too

ALL ABOARD THE TRENT RICHARDSON TRAIN!!!

by dcbucsfan on Feb 10, 2012 11:23 PM EST reply actions

I understand Rio wouldn't mind playing for a warm weather team

Congrats on the hire, I wish Mike well, as I do all former Giants. If you get Manningham, I wish him well also. Good luck in the upcoming season, unless of course you play the G-men in the playoffs, then I will be rooting for the G-men, naturally.

by maraman on Feb 11, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

Finally a positive

It sounds like this guy will bring what Schiano wants his O to be. My biggest concern was we would panic and just draw a guy out of a hat but on paper this is a great deal for the O and Freeman. I believe the O will respect this guy

by 37champs on Feb 10, 2012 11:27 PM EST reply actions

It kinda makes me feel bad for Raheem.....

…..oh wait that was just gas. Thank goodness they did all of this. Raheem was too personally connected to the players. Not easy to discipline somebody when you’re their buddy. This new unit of coaches will be more team focused instead of letting themselves get all kissy face with guys who are their friend. I expect there to be a few guys dropped from this roster, but don’t be surprised if most everybody is still here. Look at what the Panthers did with an offense that was horrible the year before just by changing schemes and adding a ROOKIE QB. Look at the 49ers from one year to the next with very little changes at all aside from attitude and scheme. They were totally whipped under Singletary and were in the NFC championship with a dang good chance to win it. The ones who should be worried are the guys who have big egos. K2, Talib, Faine, and maybe even Freeman. Gotta buy in from day 1 or your value becomes shaky during training camp.

by TheDarkLord on Feb 11, 2012 1:59 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Faine should be scared anyway...

Playing only half of each of the last 2 seasons + big salary = Uh oh, you’re cut.

by Cracker Ball on Feb 11, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions

he should be cut

by Carlitin1988 on Feb 11, 2012 12:17 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Great hire for what's left.

I’m excited about this one

by Carlitin1988 on Feb 11, 2012 12:18 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

GREAT GREAT hire....

Not only has he proven to bring the best out of Eli Manning, but he has worked under a successful OC like Kevin Gilbride. I think he can do wonders for the offense and utilize the returning and new weapons we have.

by Marlon D on Feb 11, 2012 7:55 AM EST reply actions

Outstanding

Great hire, pumped we have our OC and a guy to help both freeman and our receivers.

by Gobucsgo on Feb 11, 2012 8:02 AM EST reply actions

Really, really excited about all this

While it might appear there are to many chiefs , I believe this is a great strategic move. Schiano is the ultimate chief with GREAT leadership qualities. He knows what he has to do to win fans back, evaluate talent, and hold people accountable. Buch Davis can be a strategic advisor for the NFL version of our defense. Schiano and Davis have already worked together in the past so there is a synergy there and I don’t see any conflict. 2 great defensive minds working together to design the strategy. Let’s see who they call in to call plays on gameday… But so far so good!! I think Sullivan and Schiano will work great together. Military background trains people for discipline, hard work, and accountability. What a GREAT culture fit. Not to mention that Sullivan has developed receivers and quarterbacks alike on Super Bowl winning team. This development is one of our biggest needs. Can’t wait to see where Freeman and our receivers crew is in 2 years. Bee still need at least one deep threat receiver in FA. But this is a great start!! In addition, we have more eyes looking at film and more help evaluating players. It’s always good having mire opinions as long as one person has final say so and it’s clear who that person is. Now let’s fill those gaps in FA and the draft and have a killer 2012, especially with that schedule! Playoffs anyone?!!

by gmaz1 on Feb 11, 2012 8:59 AM EST via mobile reply actions