Buccaneers Reportedly Make Decision On Firing Todd Bowles

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Jan 7, 2026 12:21 PM ET

Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers move on from Todd Bowles this offseason? Their fan base received an answer to that question on Wednesday.

Bowles has been leading the Buccaneers since the 2022 season. He seemed well on his way to making the playoffs this year, jumping out to a 5-1 record. However, the Buccaneers lost seven of their last nine games, handing the NFC South title to the Carolina Panthers. After missing out on the postseason, Bowles made the argument that he deserves a chance to redeem himself in 2026.

"All I can do is coach and be myself. I’ve earned the chance – I’ve won three straight division titles, so that says a lot as far as I’m concerned. I don’t really have a message for fans other than true fans are true fans and we’re going to try to do our best to go out there and win for them. They’re going to feel how they feel, but that’s not a coach’s problem. The coach’s problem is to make the team better and that’s all I’m looking forward to," Bowles said, via Pewter Report. "I understand their frustrations, I understand our own frustrations, as well. It’s well-warranted and it’s well-warranted within the building, as well."

Dec 11, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles watches game play against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Luckily for Bowles, it sounds like he'll be back in Tampa for the 2026 season. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Buccaneers are expected to bring back their defensive-minded coach for a fifth season.

The expectation is that Bowles will revamp his staff at some point this offseason.

"One model that Tampa has kicked around is beefing up the staff around Bowles with a new offensive coordinator and additions to the defensive staff (possibly a coordinator role)," Fowler wrote. "Think back to the Eagles when they went big with Moore and Vic Fangio two years ago. Doing so is costly and could prevent Tampa from following suit. But these are the type of big-picture ideas discussed in Tampa lately."

Could Bucs pursue John Harbaugh?

Shortly after the Baltimore Ravens fired John Harbaugh, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that teams with head coaches in place contacted the Super Bowl XLVII champion. Several fans assumed the Buccaneers were one of those teams.

It's worth noting that Baker Mayfield's wife, Emily, liked Schefter's report about Harbaugh on social media.

Maybe, just maybe, the Buccaneers will flip their decision on Bowles if they get a commitment from Harbaugh.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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