TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers say offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford is taking an indefinite leave from the team, which is off to an 0-3 start in his absence.

The former University of California coach underwent an undisclosed ''medical procedure'' on Aug. 25. He has worked part-time since, leaving game-planning to the remainder of the offensive staff and play-calling to quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo.

The Bucs did not reveal the exact nature of the surgery when it was performed. Coach Lovie Smith has said the offensive coordinator ''is getting better'' while also reiterating there's no definitive timetable for his return.

Tedford, 52, coached at Cal from 2002-12. He's in his first season with the Bucs.

A brief team statement Tuesday said the coaching staff ''will continue to work collectively to fulfill'' Tedford's duties.

Tedford is an awful OC. Him being gone might actually help the Bucs offense.

Reading is a skill. He has been out since August.

I mean he just comes out and bashes the guy and he hasnt been the OC for one day.

Sure, he might be bad but at least give him his day in court. He seemed to be able to put offenses together in Cal.

Tedford is still fucking terrible.

How can you know he is terrible? This is his first season as an NFL OC and he hasnt been present for any of the game prep/play calling. The only thing you can compare to is NCAA and he did well with offenses there. Do you have a relative that was slighted in the Cal football program? YOu have an irrational hatred of a guy just because Lovie tapped him as an OC. At least there is reason not to like Lovie