The Jeff Tedford era in Tampa Bay will remain on hiatus.
The Buccaneers offensive coordinator is taking an indefinite leave, the team announced Tuesday. The reason for Tedford's leave is because his medical condition has not improved, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported, according to two sources informed of the situation.
Tedford has missed time early this season due to a heart procedure. He has only been a partial participant in leading the Bucs' offense through three games and hasn't been able to call plays.
Tedford underwent a coronary angioplasty prior to the season and had two stents placed in an artery near his heart. He tried coming back too soon, per Rapoport. The team wants to afford Tedford time to rest and get completely healthy.
Tampa quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo has been heavily involved in game-planning and in the quarterback's ear during the games. His role will grow with Tedford out, according to Rapoport.
Billed as an innovator who tutored several NFL quarterbacks while at Cal, Tedford's effect on an offense that has crumbled early in the season remains unknown.
The Bucs' troubles were on display in last Thursday's debacle in Atlanta, where a porous offensive line and shoddy quarterback play short-circuited any offensive hope.
Lovie Smith cooed about Tedford's prowess when announcing his handpicked choice to lead the offense. We still don't have enough information to even refute Smith's assessment.
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