Buccaneers GM Talks Todd Bowles Future With The Team

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 2024 campaign fell short of expectations, despite some notable positives. While the team did demonstrate improvement by enhancing their regular-season record from the previous year and securing a playoff berth, their inability to advance beyond the Wild Card round leaves a lingering sense of disappointment and unfulfilled potential.

Despite being beset by a plethora of injuries on both offense and defense, the Buccaneers demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the season. A midseason slump had threatened to upend their momentum, but the team showed its mettle by persevering and ultimately securing a playoff spot, a testament to their determination and adaptability in the face of adversity.

The 2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers witnessed a notable reversal of fortunes, as the offense emerged as the team’s most dependable unit. Under the guidance of first-year play-caller Liam Coen, the Buccaneers’ offense blossomed into one of the league’s top-ranked units. Conversely, the defense, typically a stalwart under head coach Todd Bowles’ leadership, struggled to find consistency and ultimately turned in a middling performance throughout the season.

Justified Concern

Todd Bowles’ tenure as head coach has been marked by persistent scrutiny from fans, media, and analysts, who have questioned his abilities despite his demonstrated strengths in various aspects of coaching. The Buccaneers have faced mounting pressure in deciding how to proceed with Bowles, particularly in light of the team’s seismic shift from a defense-centric approach to an offense-driven strategy this season. Compounding the issue is the emergence of young, talented offensive coordinator Liam Coen, whose rising profile has sparked speculation about the team’s future leadership and whether Bowles will remain at the helm.

A faction of supporters has advocated for the Buccaneers to part ways with Bowles and promote the rising star Liam Coen to head coach. Conversely, others have expressed a desire for the team to exercise patience and retain Bowles, with the hope that he can revitalize the defense to its former glory. This contingent also emphasizes the importance of keeping Coen on board as the offensive coordinator for at least another season, allowing the team to continue benefiting from his innovative approach.

Further insight into the Buccaneers’ front office reveals a sense of satisfaction with Todd Bowles’ performance, as exemplified by a statement from General Manager Jason Licht prior to the team’s Wild Card matchup against the Commanders. Licht’s comments suggest that the organization holds Bowles in high regard, implying a level of confidence in his coaching abilities.

“It’s just kind of the cycle that we’re in with this team,” stated general manager Jason Licht via John Romano of the Tampa Bay Times. ” Two years ago when we had the — I don’t want to say rebuild — but we knew it was going to take some time to fill every spot on the defense. Is there some spots that we could add to? Of course. But it takes time. And what he [Todd Bowles] has done with what we have, I think, has been remarkable.”

Jason Licht’s comments appear to corroborate the prevailing sentiment that Todd Bowles will retain his position as the Buccaneers’ head coach heading into the 2025 season. Moreover, the organization’s stated desire to maintain continuity suggests that they also intend to keep Liam Coen on board, ensuring that the team’s promising offense remains intact.

While Todd Bowles’ overall coaching record may not be particularly remarkable, he has made significant contributions to the Buccaneers’ success. Notably, he has previously led the league’s top-ranked defense, demonstrating his expertise in that area. Furthermore, Bowles has navigated the challenging post-Tom Brady era with relative success, maximizing the team’s potential despite the roster limitations that resulted from the organization’s all-in approach during Brady’s tenure.

The Rub

Do we think the team will move on from Bowles this offseason? No. Do we think there’s issues with Bowles being the decision maker? Yes. Questionable clock management late in games has been a huge problem for Bowles. His penchant for using a large cushion coverage style is also an issue. Then you factor in things like no real development of the young players, and that after yet another early playoff exit Bowles doesn’t think he needs to make any adjustments to his coaching staff? Not one change?

That seems counterproductive to getting better as a team. We’ve heard all of the excuses, injuries, dead money, etc. Those are just that, excuses, and should be dismissed as such. The Detroit Lions have had significantly more injuries, and they’re still in it. There are eight team’s that shed more dead cap money this year than the Buccaneers. Five of them made the playoffs, two of them are playing this weekend. Firing a coach that led the team to consecutive playoff appearances isn’t without precedent. The Buccaneers fired head coach Tony Dungy after going 2-4 in the playoffs. Bowles playoff record with the team is currently 1-3.

Regardless of one’s opinion about him, Todd Bowles has undoubtedly made valuable contributions to the Buccaneers organization. Having successfully navigated the transition period following the team’s Super Bowl victory with Tom Brady, Bowles has earned the right to lead the team for at least another season. With the rebuild era now behind them, the Buccaneers can focus on building momentum, and Bowles deserves the opportunity to continue guiding the team in this new chapter.