Buccaneers changes reportedly 'not off the table' amid Todd Bowles job-security rumors

Pockets of Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans have made it known during games and via social media platforms that they want the club to fire Todd Bowles amid the franchise's third in-season swoon in three years under the head coach.

In June, the Buccaneers confirmed that they had signed Bowles and general manager Jason Licht to multiyear contract extensions. It seems Buccaneers ownership isn't ready to tear up either deal just yet. 

Buccaneers not "overly eager" to make Todd Bowles move? 

"Bowles' buyout would be hefty after the team extended his contract through 2028, and the team doesn't seem overly eager to pay that," ESPN's Jeremy Fowler shared on Wednesday. "Bailing on Bowles would be the Bucs' way of embracing a rebuild."

Buccaneers ownership completely blowing things up seems unlikely after the club reworked the contract for quarterback Baker Mayfield ahead of this season. According to Jenna Laine of ESPN, that decision gave Mayfield $30M in guaranteed money for the 2026 campaign. 

Mayfield left much to be desired with his play as the 2025 Buccaneers fell from 6-2 to 7-9, but he has been dealing with a significant injury to his non-throwing shoulder since Week 12.

Who will have "to pay" if Buccaneers miss the playoffs?

While Bowles previously guided the Buccaneers to three straight division titles, Tampa Bay must earn a home win over the 8-8 Carolina Panthers this coming Saturday and then have the 6-10 New Orleans Saints beat the 7-9 Atlanta Falcons at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday to secure a playoff berth. 

It sounds like first-year Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and/or others on Bowles' staff could find themselves out of work if Tampa Bay's season ends after Week 18.

"Someone will have to pay if they lose to Carolina," Fowler added about the Buccaneers. "Staff changes are not off the table either way." 

As of Wednesday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Buccaneers as 2.5-point home favorites over the Panthers. Also on Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Falcons as 3.5-point favorites over the Saints. 

Some think Falcons head coach Raheem Morris may need to earn a victory over the Saints to hold onto his job.