As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are prepping to meet the Washington Commanders in the Wild Card round of this week's NFC playoffs, a former coach is in the news.

The New England Patriots’ head coaching search is heating up, with former NFL quarterback and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich the latest candidate to interview with the team. As first reported by Mike Jones of The Athletic and since confirmed by the organization,

The New England Patriots reportedly interviewed a pair of head coaching candidates on Tuesday, as both Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton were reported to have met with the team about their head coaching vacancy.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are bringing back a familiar face for their stretch run. On Saturday, the team officially re-signed former Pro Bowl outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett. Barrett cleared waivers on Friday after he was recently released by the Miami Dolphins .

Following the dismissal of Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots will meet with a former Super Bowl champion alongside Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The last-place finish in the AFC East following the victory over the Bills led the New England Patriots‘ management to take decisive action,