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The Bucs defensive line has arguably been the greatest strength of the unit throughout the team’s success in the 2020s. It has seen various iterations, but it looks to be as formidable as ever in 2025.
Two weeks into training camp, new defensive line coach Charlie Strong is helping make the group even stronger while bringing a different approach. Gone is Kacy Rodgers, who came in with head coach Todd Bowles in 2019 after having a long working relationship together. While Strong is still working to develop trust with Bowles and the rest of the guys, they believe he is the right addition to the room.
Coming In With Extensive Defensive Knowledge, Charlie Strong Passes It On
Charlie Strong’s coaching resume is steeped in defensive excellence across both college football and the NFL. With over three decades of experience, Strong has built up a reputation as a respected defensive mind.
Bucs DL Coach Charlie Strong – Photo by: USA Today
Strong’s ascent began as a linebackers coach and defensive coordinator at the collegiate level, with standout tenures at South Carolina and Florida. At Florida, he helped engineer two national championship defenses under Urban Meyer (2006 and 2008). His 2008 Gators defense ranked fourth nationally in scoring (allowing just 12.9 points per game) and was loaded with future NFL talent, showcasing Strong’s ability to develop pros and scheme against elite offenses.
He went on to become head coach at Louisville in 2010, where his defensive philosophy turned the Cardinals into a powerhouse. In 2012, he led the program to a Sugar Bowl upset over Florida, which was a signature win against his former team.
Strong’s defensive roots carried through during head coaching stints at Texas and USF, and later into the NFL. In 2021, he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach. While Meyer was a disaster coaching the team that season, reuniting with him provided direct experience with NFL speed and schemes.
Bucs DL Coach Charlie Strong – Photo by: USA Today
Throughout his career, Strong has emphasized fundamentals, tackling, gap integrity, and physicality – often preferring an aggressive approach that puts pressure on offenses to execute.
Strong is now bringing that brings that same defensive identity to the Bucs defensive line.
“Charlie is very smart,” Todd Bowles said about what Strong provides. “He brings a different approach. Working technique and hands is something that we’re trying to work on. Our pass rush is something we’re really trying to work on, and he brings a wealth of experience there. I think the guys are adapting to it pretty [well]. I’m really excited about what he’s doing.”
Bucs DTs Vita Vea And Calijah Kancey Discuss Charlie Strong’s Early Impact
Charlie Strong has coached plenty of players in the college ranks over the years, including a couple of guys now on the Bucs in defensive tackle Elijah Roberts and outside linebacker Chris Braswell. Roberts was under Strong at Miami in 2022 before transferring and having success at SMU, while Braswell was under his supervision while he served as a defensive analyst at Alabama in 2023.
Bucs DT Elijah Roberts and DL coach Charlie Strong – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
The stark difference for Strong returning to the highest level is some of the more established players he will coaching. That includes Pro Bowl defensive tackle Vita Vea and the promising Calijah Kancey, who he is already building up rapport with.
Vea is someone who is constantly learning, even in his eighth NFL season. He has started to pick up new things from his new coach.
“[He’s] been a good addition,” Vea said. “Obviously, Kacy [Rodgers] was good for us, but something new for us. You hate to see Kacy go, but things happen. I feel like Charlie has been a breath of fresh air for us. Now that he is here, just learning more about the game from him and stuff. Him giving us the freedom to go out there and play.”
Bucs DT Vita Vea and DL Coach Charlie Strong – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR
When it comes to Kancey, all signs point to him developing into a dominant pass rusher – if he stays healthy and avoids an early-season injury. While Kancey has been flying around in camp with the lofty goal of leading the league in sacks, he has picked up what Strong is putting down when it comes to the focus required to make plays at all times.
“Charlie Strong is a great guy,” Kancey said. “He really wants us to penetrate [the offensive line], he wants us to make plays like every other coach would. He’s just a guy who wants us to make the plays, he wants the plays to be made in our room, which we all want as well. That’s why I like him as a coach – I know there might be a play that a defensive back or a linebacker might make but he says, ‘We could’ve [done] this and made this happen.’ He just really wants us to have an effect on the ball every play.”