The Buccaneers are in the midst of a downhill spiral, as they have lost three straight games – all of which were one-score defeats against division opponents – and six of their last seven. Tampa Bay’s struggles have led to questions about head coach Todd Bowles’ job security, which Bowles himself addressed earlier this month.
However, Bowles is not in danger of losing his job, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network (video link). Rapoport cites the thru-2028 extension Bowles signed earlier this year as one of the reasons for that.
Of course, coaches are often fired with multiple years remaining on their deals, so the possibility of a Bowles ouster should not be discounted because of his contract status alone. But Rapoport also says the 62-year-old’s overall resume will work in his favor.
Since taking over as head coach in 2022, Bowles has compiled a 34-32 regular season record. That mark is not terribly impressive, but it has been enough to land three consecutive NFC South titles. Plus, despite the Bucs’ ongoing swoon, they still control their own playoff destiny and can assure themselves of the division crown for the fifth straight year – they also won it in 2021, Bruce Arians’ final season as HC – with victories over the Dolphins and Panthers in the next two weeks.
On the other hand, the relative weakness of the NFC South has certainly aided Bowles’ cause, and despite qualifying for three straight playoff brackets, Tampa Bay has managed just one postseason win under Bowles’ leadership. He also serves as the club’s defensive play-caller, and the fact that his defense ranks in the bottom-10 in terms of both points and yardage this season contributed to the recent reporting about his future.
But Rapoport says Bowles is safe, no matter how the 2025 campaign ends. Naturally, another playoff appearance would bolster Bowles’ standing, whereas failing to make the postseason would invariably lead to more questions.
Bowles predictably downplayed any concerns during his recent comments on the matter.
“I don’t think I worry about it at all,” he said of his hypothetical place on the hot seat. “It doesn’t creep into the locker room. Players play and coaches coach. I got more years behind me than I do ahead of me. I think we’re in a situation where we’re right back in it and our only focus is on winning a ball game.”
Seriously?
It’s mentioned in the article above. His extension goes through 2028. Bucs aren’t going to pay him to go away for three years.
Owners can act irrationally and impulsively just like the fans, so it’s never a bad idea for a HC to have some fall guys available if needed 🙂
This franchise got super lucky that the GOAT wanted to play there, because otherwise it would be so much more obvious how bad the organization has been.
Mayfields won the division two years in a row and they have had 2 OCs poached in that time. Another horrific take.
The Bucs need better players on defense.
LBs, love LVD but a 37yr old lb is not suppose to be playing so much and dependent on.
Dennis is basically a rookie, he is better blitzing not coverage. They have Deon Jones who is as old as LVD. Maybe better lbs can help the rush.
David is 35 years old, Jones is 31. They play like they’re 37, though.
Tampa Bay has a good GM. It’s too bad it all gets negated with blind loyalty to an incompetent coach
Umm that is not a picture of Todd Bowles.
They gave him and Licht an extension in the off season. That guaranteed he would be safe Glazers don’t really fire coaches unless it gets really really bad.
Gruden never won a playoff game(0-2 both home) after the SB with a team still viewed as Dungy. They let him survive 7-9, 5-11, and 4-12 seasons between 11-5 and the 9-7s.
The Bowles collapse is worst than Gruden’s last year because the opponents are bad.
For what happened to the Bucs this season, someone needs to be held accountable, and sent to Guantanamo Bay and charged to the full extent of the law.
Don’t care who it is but someone will spend life in prison.
Haha! This was funny. I’m not sure Goodell would approve of NFL executives or coaches being water boarded though 🙂
Special Teams coach most likely getting fired.
Bowles needs to give up the play calling on defense. Maybe throw more money at Flores. He might give it up for a clear upgrade or someone he can trust.
They will keep Grizzard as OC because they don’t want to give Baker another new OC. If both are bad next year they both go.
Please keep him! – NFC South Teams 😆
Assuming you follow the Carolina Panthers, whose home loss to Seattle ensures the NFC South is win-or-go-home in Week 18.
This joke would work, if Bucs haven’t won the division each year with him as HC.
he’s gotta go
I am not understanding all the comments. Todd sucked while coaching the jets. He is a defensive coordinator at best. I am not sure who let canales and Liam walk but we have too much talent to deal with his mentality. Now if you ask me who do we hire , I have no clue. I hate this transition of coaches year to year. How can young qbs that get thrown into the fire after being drafted “instead of holding a clipboard for 2-3 years ” expect to develop?
Bowles’ first year with the Jets was 2015 when a late-season run got them to win-and-in for Week 17. Jets lost, Pittsburgh won, Steelers made playoffs on a tie-breaker.
1-7 last 8
Somehow still possible to W division