Fernando Mendoza Enthusiastically Praises Bucs QB Coach Chandler Whitmer

Among all the new coach hirings that the Bucs have made this offseason, the addition of quarterbacks coach Chandler Whitmer feels like that one who is getting the most attention from it. That’s probably because Whitmer played a hand in developing the Heisman Trophy and likely number one draft pick this year, Fernando Mendoza.

Whitmer has NFL experience previously being on the Falcons’ coaching staff with now Bucs offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, but itw as his return to college for the 2025 season is thing that he can boast about the most. Mendoza transferred over from California to Indiana, going onto throw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with a completion percentage of 72.

He also rushed for 276, scoring seven touchdowns. Along with that Mendoza won the Heisman and Indiana won the Big 10 championship and the National Championship in an undefeated season.

Fernando Mendoza Can’t Thank Chandler Whitmer Enough 

Head coach Curt Cignetti deserves all the praise that he has gotten since taking the job at Indiana two seasons ago, but Whitmer also deserves some credit for coming on board and being Mendoza’s side through a career year. Mendoza heaped praise of Whitmer while speaking at the 2026 NFL Combine.

“He’s my guy,” Mendoza said of Whitmer. “He helped me so much and I can’t thank him enough. I’m really looking forward to seeing him coaching the Bucs. He’s a great coach and a great mentor to me.”

Whitmer’s presence was felt by others on the Hoosiers offense, too. Wide receiver Elijah Sarrat had an informal meeting with Tampa Bay this week, and he went out of his way when giving a quick shoutout when talking about his meeting with the Bucs.

“I’ve talked to them, great organization over there,” Sarrat said. “My guy coach Whitmer, he’s over there. Shoutout my guy coach Whit.

There’s a lot to be celebrated over Indiana Football at the moment. Hearing Mendoza and Sarrat show appreciation for Whitmer should excite Bucs fans for how helpful he can be for Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza – Photo by: Mark J. Rebilas – IMAGN Images

Bucs Brass High On Whitmer’s Potential

At age 34, Whitmer is certainly an up and coming coach. He’s already had stops at major programs starting with Yale and then going to Ohio State, Clemson, the Chargers and Falcons in the NFL, then Indiana and this season lands with the Bucs.

Speaking to Jason Licht and Todd Bowles at the Combine, they’re eager to see what he’ll bring to the table for Tampa Bay.

“He did have a lot of opportunities,” Licht said. “He was a very coveted coach. He fits the mold of these young coaches now in the league. I think he’s going to have a very bright career, a bright future. I’m glad we got him.”

Bucs QB Coach Chandler Whitmer – Photo by: IMAGN IMAGES – Tommy Gilligan

Bowles was in the middle of talking about a couple of his new coach hires, but took a quick moment to single out Whitmer specifically.

“I’m very happy with the guys we hired,” Bowles said. “We got some energy in the building with Marcus West and Danny Smith, and obviously Tim (Atkins) and Rashad (Johnson). Then you bring in Zac (Robinson), and you bring in Chandler, who I think its a very bright coach, and TJ (Yates) as well along with [Ken Zampese]. But those guys have been great coming in. I think that they’ve got a lot of continuity and I think they going to get the things done that we want done.”

If Bowles, Robinson, Whitmer and company can get out of Baker Mayfield what Whitmer just did out of Mendoza, they could very well be lifting trophies, too in the 2026 season.