The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford from his contractual obligations in order to allow him to pursue other opportunities.

“Throughout these difficult circumstances, our primary concern was for Jeff’s health and well-being,” Bucs head coach Lovie Smith said in a statement Friday. “After speaking with Jeff in recent days, it became obvious that a mutual decision to release him from his contract was the best way forward. We wish Jeff continued success in the next phase of his career.”

The 53-year-old Tedford took an indefinite leave from the Bucs in September after undergoing a coronary angioplasty prior to the season. In his absence, quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo has run the offense.

“My wife and I want to thank the entire Buccaneers organization — from the Glazer family, to Head Coach Lovie Smith and General Manager Jason Licht — for all the faith and confidence they expressed in me,” Tedford said in a statement. “I will always be grateful to them for the opportunity to participate in the offseason program, the draft, free agency, training camp, the preseason and the beginning of the regular season. I have built friendships here with administration, coaches and players that will last a lifetime.

“When my health issues arose, I simply tried to ignore them and then I made the mistake of twice trying to come back too early. At that point, the organization proposed, and I agreed, that an indefinite leave of absence would allow me the proper amount of time to rest and rehabilitate myself. I am happy to state that I’m healthy now and feeling great.

“The Buccaneers have been very accommodating to me and my family during this time and, while they left the door open for a possible return, I feel that coming back at this point would disrupt the trust and continuity that builds throughout the season in offensive meeting rooms and on the sidelines. Quarterbacks Coach Marcus Arroyo, along with the rest of the offensive staff, had to step up and shoulder the load and they have done a great job under very difficult circumstances. I simply could not, in good conscience, become more of an obstacle to Lovie, to Marcus, the offensive staff and the whole organization — after all they have done for me. You just can’t go backwards. I can see that they are so close to turning the corner and I don’t want to hinder that progress.

“Therefore, I have decided — with the organization’s blessing — that it would be best if the Bucs moved forward without my return and I, now healthy and stronger for having gone through this temporary setback, will pursue other opportunities.

“I would also like to express my deep gratitude to all of the Bucs fans who expressed their support, best wishes, and prayers for me during this season. I wish the entire Bucs organization and fan base great success and there will always be a very special place in my heart for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.”

Tedford was head coach at California from 2002 through 2012. He was known for his work with quarterbacks, most notably Aaron Rodgers when he was at Cal.

Without Tedford, Tampa’s offense ranks 28th in the league with 18.3 points per game.