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QB Coach Olson Putting Friendship Aside

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By IRA KAUFMAN

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 19, 2008

TAMPA - Looking out for No. 1 is Greg Olson's job. Looking out for No. 7 is his inclination.

Tampa Bay's new quarterbacks coach had some job opportunities in the offseason after two years as offensive coordinator in St. Louis, but Olson chose the Bucs partially because Jeff Garcia sold him on the team, the organization and Coach Jon Gruden's playbook.

Garcia and Olson had worked together in San Francisco and Detroit, forming a tight bond, and they looked forward to continuing that partnership while helping the Bucs defend an NFC South title.

"Greg's not just my coach, he's my friend," Garcia said Thursday. "He's a guy I feel I can talk to about anything at any time."

The decision to bench Garcia in favor of Brian Griese after Week 1 had its awkward moments initially, but Olson knew he had a new responsibility and a new starting quarterback to focus on.

"Jeff understands I've got a job to do and my No. 1 job last week was to prepare Brian Griese for Atlanta," said Olson. "Jeff totally understands that - and he also understands it might be that way for the rest of the season."

Gruden praised Olson as a "total pro" and said the entire coaching staff collaborated before an 0-1 club made the switch from Garcia to Griese.

"Greg's insight has really helped me during this period," Gruden said. "One of the reasons why Brian Griese has come in here and done well is because of Greg Olson. ... I'll be the first person to say that. And one of the reasons Jeff will come back is because of Greg Olson."

Olson remained on the field long after Thursday afternoon's practice, running routes for Garcia and rookie quarterback Josh Johnson while tossing back pointers and footballs to his pupils.

"I think Greg has handled this whole situation extremely well," said Garcia, who served as the emergency third quarterback Sunday behind Griese and Luke McCown. "Considering we go back a long way together, this hasn't been easy for either of us."

Garcia's calf injury early in training camp cost him extended practice time and his timing appeared off during a preseason appearance.

Facing New Orleans in the regular-season opener, Garcia didn't display his trademark accuracy before throwing an interception on Tampa Bay's final drive in a 24-20 setback.

"Jeff certainly feels like he could have played better, but it was difficult because he didn't get the reps he needed and now it's hard to get them," Olson said. "When the decision was made, it was a hard couple of days for Jeff. I think everyone around here would have been disappointed if he hadn't been upset with the demotion."

McCown, who started three games in 2007, has been a bystander as an emotional scene unfolded.

"I love working with Greg and he'll do anything to make you a better quarterback," McCown said. "He's been very professional throughout this situation and even though he has a history with Jeff, he shows no favoritism at all."

Olson said he has always held Griese in high regard, admiring his intelligence and fierce curiosity about the game's most demanding position.

He said his relationship with Garcia hasn't been strained by a dramatic quarterback switch which could be permanent.

"I'd be surprised if Jeff Garcia lets this linger," Olson said. "There's a reason he was voted a captain on this team and Jeff was very supportive of Brian on the sidelines last week. As a quarterback in this league, you've got to be resilient, you've got to be thick-skinned. Jeff and I have been through a lot together - the fun times in San Francisco and some low times in Detroit. Above all, I know Jeff Garcia is a true professional."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833 or ikaufman@tampatrib.com.

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