ESPN “Overreaction:” Todd Bowles A Dead Man Walking If Bucs Miss Playoffs
December 22nd, 2025
Too close to call?
Dan Graziano of ESPN isn’t quite ready to start shoveling dirt in Bucs coach Todd Bowles’ face.
While Graziano has acknowledged the Bucs are not close to playing up to their preseason expectations, he also believes that between Bowles’ Tampa Bay resume and an alleged small crop of credible coaching candidates, the Bucs may cite injuries as a no-win situation for Bowles to overcome and bring him back for 2026.
This was a tough one. Bowles’ seat absolutely could be getting hot, and this is a spot people around the league have started to watch for a potential change. But we don’t know the thought process of Tampa Bay ownership or what it will do if the collapse continues and the Bucs miss the playoffs. This would be the first season in Bowles’ four-year tenure as Bucs head coach that they didn’t win the division, which you’d think would buy him some grace. But this team had higher hopes than just another division title.
The Buccaneers believed they had a roster (before the injuries, at least) that could compete for a Super Bowl appearance. But the offense hasn’t improved with better health, and the defense isn’t generating any kind of pass rush. Just last week, Tampa Bay pulled outside linebacker Jason Pierre-Paul out of retirement to see if he could help. So, a couple of ugly games in Weeks 17 and 18 could make things very dicey for Bowles. But given his track record of success in Tampa and what seems to be viewed as a bit of a thin crop of head coaching candidates, I’m going to lean “overreaction” here and guess Bowles gets a mulligan.
Graziano also stated Team Glazer is just too secretive to get any semblance of an accurate read on whether they will make a move or keep Bowles as the Bucs’ head coach.
Joe doesn’t exactly buy there is a dearth of credible head coaching candidates. Does anyone really believe Jesse Minter wouldn’t be a good head coach? Todd Monken? Klint Kubiak? Maybe even Mr. Clean?
If Bowles comes back, Joe has to believe he would be nudged (ahem) to overhaul his entire coaching staff.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:03 am
He’s been a dead man walking for quite awhile now, that’s nothing new…..
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:05 am
Saying this team had a Superbowl roster before the season was the biggest psyop the media tried to pull on the fans. The Bucs roster that lost to a rookie in the wildcard added Reddick and EE and all of a sudden they’ve got a Superbowl roster. Pure delusion.
Bowles should’ve gotten fired for that home playoff loss but nope the owners and the media saw “progress” and here we are. The team is worse than last year so how does bringing back Bowles and Baker next year equate to better results?
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:05 am
Please take Carlton Davis back, never seen a NFL player on defense try to avoid a tackle like he does. He is a WUSS!!!
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:06 am
Low energy Todd! Doesn’t work smart enough. Just keeps doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Klint Kubiak!
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:08 am
While Graziano has acknowledged the Bucs are not close to playing up to their preseason expectations, he also believes that between Bowles’ Tampa Bay resume and an alleged small crop of credible coaching candidates, the Bucs may cite injuries as a no-win situation for Bowles to overcome and bring him back for 2026.
God in Heaven!!!!!
Fire Todd Bowles NOW!!!!
I don’t even know why he was not fired yesterday and made to walk home!!!!
Hire Jon Gruden as interim head coach
Bring in Rob Ryan to fix the defense
Keep Grizz as the OC
I have no idea as to whether any of my suggestions are a good idea or bad, if not turrible……. but keeping Todd Bowles as Head Coach until the end of this season is a COMPLETE DUMPSTER FIRE!!!!!!!! SMH
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:12 am
Okay sorry Rob Ryan is not available
but find someone that is for the next two weeks!!!!
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:14 am
I saw a lot of “almost sacks” yesterday Joe. Besides a couple missed tackles, Bucs D played somewhat respectable in the 1st half, before Dean blew the coverage on the 20 yd td. With that said, getting pressure from just rushing 4 is a rare sight!
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:15 am
I think both coordinators stink.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:16 am
I’m telling you Bowles is retiring after this season. He hinted at it prior to the season. I believe they higher up’s are planning his replacement.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:17 am
I think the Bucs need to update their “I am that man” branding …
Think about it. The image is a shadow of Lavonte David.
Were they foreshadowing DV would be a mere shadow of his former self?
Seems so.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:17 am
If Bowles comes back next year, and me not living in the area, I will most def not renew my NFL Ticket package on YT TV. Just a waste of my time and money to watch the same B movie every year. And I use that B movie reference lightly.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:18 am
Stop with the Gruden nonsense!!!
He’s like 3 ticks better than radio. He can’t draft or develop.
Kubiak should be the hire. Will the ravens let Harbaugh go?
Should of been coen man knew it soon as he slithered out the door
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:20 am
He should be a dead man walking even if we manage to back into the playoffs
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:21 am
And the couple sacks we got, was when Bryce Young tripped. God I miss our classic Dline from the golden age of Buc Defense!
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:24 am
Flush the bowles.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:26 am
Oh please!
Grow a set Joes!
Let’s hear what you think!
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:27 am
With all this fire Bowles talk (which I’m for), it’s all irrelevant unless the GLAZERS stop being so damn cheap. If they don’t open the check book and spend 15 mil per year on a coach well, it really won’t matter. Todd reportedly makes in the 3-5 mil range which is the lower tier of the NFL and what does 3-5 mil buy? You guessed it Todd Bowles, a lower tier coach. This is the reason Liam left and you idiots would do the same this if you were offered 5-6 times more than the guy you were working for.
With a select few top tier coaches available this offseason the GLAZERS better wake the F’ up and invest in the HC position.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:32 am
Look at Liam, took a team that was 4-13 last year, and now they have a shot at the 1 seed in the AFC. The 2021 Bucs were 13-4, then when Bowles took over in 2022 they went 8-9. Tells me all I need to know.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:33 am
If Bowles comes back the fans won’t. It’s simple as that. The stadium hasn’t sold out all year, good luck selling tickets if Bowles is retained.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:34 am
Here’s a laugh. Rex Ryan still wants to coach. And he’s only 63 years old.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:35 am
This all falls on Todd. Maybe the Glazers for sticking with him for another year. He is probably a great guy, but that doesn’t mean your a great HC. As a DC your controlling a unit. As the HC you responsible for everything. Lets not forget 2 years+ of horrible game clock management. How many games in that time frame did we loose or make our loss more miserable because he had no concept of how to manage a clock at end of quarters, halves and games. Brought in a game clock manager to help. I dont know of any other coaches who have that to cover for their own liabilities. Defense is atrocious. From personnel to play calling. That is his unit. A complete failure. Special teams minus KJ is a debacle. The kyle trask teddy bridgewater thing was a weird thing as well. The way it happened and the reason it happened. Im not gonna blame todd for baker regression. He should have fired that special teams coach after Pat game. Glazers need to make business decisions not social decisions. Todd is not the guy.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:36 am
56% of voters after horrible fans. No wonder they play so sorry at home. Majority of Bucs “fans” are horrible, knee jerk reacting females.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:37 am
Wirfs at LG.
Chukwuma at LT.
What are we doing?
Feeney and MJ are awful.
We need to put Wirfs at LG and Chukwuma at LT for the next 4 years!
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:39 am
I like Todd. And quite honestly it’s primarily because of the JBF podcast and his appearances with you guys and Ira. Seems like a good dude. I know that his defense has always been suspect in my eyes. The lack of edge rush after Shaq declined and JPP was let go. The seemingly easy completions. The big play susceptibility. Maybe it just seemed that way during the Brady years? Suh next to Vea sure helped. It certainly doesn’t “seem” that way now. It’s obvious. It’s the reason many of the fans have been giving him a no confidence vote in the polls. The guy doesn’t appear from outside the cluubhouse to be an incredible HC either. I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes. When they’re winning everything looks great. The “Yeaaaaahs” in the locker room and the rah rah look good. But when they’re losing the complete look of deer in the headlights just doesn’t instill confidence. I don’t know if he has this team? It sure looks like he’s lost them.
If I were a betting man I suspect the assistant coaches more than Todd. But we rarely see those guys. As a fan I get the feeling head coaches are very loyal…probably waaay too loyal to the assistant coaches. These guys know the HC scheme, tendencies, etc…. so it probably doesn’t sit well to fire them. Even the underperforming coaches. But although
I don’t think I can be convinced the losses are all about player attitude or lack of talent. I see teams excel every year with questionable talent. It’s really hard not to suspect the DC when the D is just rolling over. Watching JPP just bounce.backwards off linemen yesterday, watching Diaby continually just outside range and whiff on tackles that it seems other linemen would be in position to make. Same with Reddick.
The D scheme is just so gutless. It has no ability to NOT BREAK. It bends AND breaks. You just know anytime it’s 3rd and 8 or 2nd and 20 they’re going to exploit the middle for a chunk and then pass to the sticks for the first.
The DC needs to be fired. And we all know who that is. The HC probably needs to be fired. I guess firing Bowles takes care of both LOL. If Bowles stays then what? Gut the Assistant Coach stable on Defense? I dunno. That’s like a coaching rebuild. Bowles finding a bunch of guys simpatico with developing his scheme, implementing, teaching it doesn’t seem possible in the near term. Seems like that’s a 2 or 3 year process.
I sense some dark years ahead, but I hope I’m wrong. The Glazers must be looking at Canales and Coen and regretting letting those guys out of the building. Canales I never would have guessed would have the success he is having, but it is the NFC South so… Coen was a real loss of potential. He may be a snake, but he’d be better as OUR snake. Water under the bridge. Where are the Canaleses and Coens to hire for ’26?
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:39 am
Playing in a TRASH division has made Todd look better than he is. If not for this lousy division. Now the chickens are coming home to roost.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:43 am
Here’s one of our genius fans… fire everyone but Grizzard(have you been watching the games lately) Goes on to say “don’t know if this would work or not” Jesus thankfully you aren’t making decisions but this is most of our fan base. Just clueless.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:43 am
Glazers are dumb if they keep him he has won division titles with crappy win record each time and then doesn’t even make it deep into the playoffs. Todd is not head coach material didn’t we see that with the Jets geeze how much more convincing do u need.
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:44 am
Can we say the same about LIcht – Joe where is a confidence poll or does JL not like them posted
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:46 am
Bowles will not get fired… and let me guess.. If he doesnt get fired, you guys will not go to the games that you already dont go to anyway. Lol. Bowles and licht will be back… now Grizzard… thats another question
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:46 am
LD
Right there with the Bring Gruden back nonsense
December 22nd, 2025 at 7:51 am
Do you guys want to inspire change???? Follow my lead, I quit watching this crap show four weeks ago. You could tell then this team lacks dawgs from the top “coaches” on down. Players that go to other teams houses and pee on the front door. When the Glazers notice the lack of eyeballs and national attention, they will make a change.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:04 am
Henry – keep telling yourself that you’re more important than you are
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:04 am
The idea to run the ball 40 times was on Bowles. It was mentioned before the game started and again he emphasized it during the halftime interview. Not sure that Grizz is the answer, but yesterdays game is 100% on Todd Bowles. This reeks of desperation when the HC dictates what the Offensive Coordinator is doing. 60 yards passing in the first half screams I have no clue what I’m doing.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:05 am
The Glazers have a long history of being a day late and a dollar short when it comes to firing and hiring.
In this case they were caught with one foot on the dock and the other on the boat… then the USS Liam Coen sailed… the secret hand shake was left holding the bag.
These VERY same conversations were happening this time last year.
This whole year is a reflection of that.
Parcels twice
Kelly once
Liam in 2024
this hangover year
Ya think the locker room doesn’t understand the Coen/Bowels story and that this whole situation was not intended to be happening with Bowels!?!?!
Jason is supposed to be the big picture guy and he has FAILED miserably!
Ronde and a Big Phucking broom!
BTW , I loved Lawrence Dawsey as a Buccaneer!
The toughest WR that ever put on a Bucs uniform!
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:07 am
Even if Bowles stays, a separate DC wouldn’t work. He’d still runs Bowles defense. Grizzard hasn’t impressed me. Guess the end of the season might provide more hints.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:07 am
Ownership has ridden into a box canyon and are surrounded by natives with bows and arrows. At risk is the first true franchise QB they have had. They have made coaching mistakes in the past.
I predict they will do the safest thing possible regardless of public opinion.
Bowles will either swallow his pride or else.
Baker is saying to himself ” Now what ?”.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:15 am
Bowles agent must have called Graziano. Look, if Bowles is brought back next year season ticket and corporate sales will crater. Todd is unpopular with more people than just us fans and probably some of his players who have tuned him out. The people who support Todd seem to be the media, always calling the guy a defensive guru even though his D has been way below average for a long, long time. It was mentioned that Bowles might be retained if he makes major coaching staff changes. Who will go here to play for a lame duck like Bowles? Perhaps some of the staff from the ATL, or AZ after they fire their HCs? Who would want to be DC for Bowles if he enters 2026 on the hot seat? Plus Bowles is so arrogant, he would probably start calling plays on the D again mid season.. Bowles said he would not meddle with the offense but yesterday’s game plan looked like Bowles told Grizz to go turtle and run the ball 35 times to keep the Panthers off of the field. I certainly hope Grizzard did not dream that Leftwich gameplan on his own, he should be fired if he did……
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:25 am
His track record is turning above average roster into average and blowing the only great team he had his first year. They need a reset not a rebuild so fire the whole staff and let some legacy bucs move on. And dump Winfield Jr
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:26 am
Great teams have great General Manager’s
This mess is in his lap !
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:26 am
It’s a Bucs life for sure! Here’s what will happen Guaranteed! The Bucs win their last two games to take back the division after the Panthers lose to the Seahawks.
They will give everyone hope that they’ve turned this team back around. Then in the Playoffs they will lose to the Rams 40-20 and prove what we’ve known since early this year. Bowles won’t get fired he’ll retire at the end of the year. Problem is he’ll wait until all the coaches have new gigs and the Bucs are left holding the bag……AGAIN!! Glazers keep Licht, but the coaching search leaves a lot to be desired.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:30 am
34-32
1-3 in the playoffs
SEVEN YEARS OF PATHETIC Pass Defense from a “Defensive Guru”
Can’t go from 6-2 to 7-10 and survive and think anything is going to get better the next season
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:33 am
I was surprised yesterday when Bowles took those 3 points off the board and gave the offense the chance for 7. We still had to settle for the 3. But for a coaching staff that is afraid to kick the ball off to the other team and possibly tackle someone I’m not surprised. Coach probably saw keeping his defense off the field as more important than those 3 points. Probably didn’t explain it well,so what I meant to say is we don’t deserve to ever win a game playing without a clear understanding of our strengths. We, for some reason, are playing not to lose, and it’s just ugly. When the sideline reporter said after halftime that Bowles said he wanted to keep running heavy the second half I knew we were finished. Didn’t he realize we were behind at the half? I’ve seen Baker led offenses score alot of points. If Bowles told Baker and Grizzard that your only job is to score as many points as you can these next eight quarters they wouldn’t run the ball every single first down! We’ve got to play to our strengths and Defense and conservative play calling isn’t it.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:35 am
There is nothing worse than losing to 3 divisional opponents in 2 weeks. Like I said before. And 2 of them, BY FAR were inferior opponents. Thats lost decade stuff!
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:36 am
PLAYOFFS!!!!!!?!?!!
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:39 am
Kenton
The infatuation with running and time of possession is about one thing.
Keeping his sorry a$$ defense off the field.
That’s and Bakervlooks pretty terrible. He may just be played out, like all of his previous stops. Remember his time in Carolina.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:41 am
If he beats the Fish he will not be fired.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:43 am
This pos that destroyed our team still HC?
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:48 am
The Bucs are a total 100% sheit show right now!
…..everyone can see it!!!
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:49 am
As dumb as the Glazers are they damn well know that if Bowles isn’t fired there is going to be an uproar unlike they’ve ever seen before. Stupid morons actually gave him an extension for no reason whatsoever in the offseason. This entire organization is a complete dumpster fire. This ENTIRE coaching staff needs to be replaced and 3/4 of the players on the team need to be cut or demoted if they can’t be cut. Sickening what this garbage team has become.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:54 am
I am convinced that the Glazers are just plain stupid.
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:55 am
If the Glazers turn on the Bucs fans by not showing Todd Bowles the door, then the Bucs fans should turn on the Glazers by not buying season tickets!!! CAN BOWLES!!! This is the right move for all the talent on this team!!!
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:56 am
I miss Steve Duemig and Chris Thomas who called it like they saw it and were passionate all things Tampa sports!
🏀 ⚾️🏈⚽️🏒🥊🏇
R
O
N
D
E
For the General Manager in 2026
🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹🧹
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:58 am
Bucs barely get into playoffs last three years and are 1-3. If we get in this year it will be 1-4. There is no progress, only stagnation and I would argue regression. If Bowles survives he will have to fire Grizzard and ST coordinator and hire a real DC. If I’m Licht, I’d push for a coaching change to keep my job because if Todd stays and we fail next year then he will be gone too.
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:07 am
SB~LV, were they not timely with the change to Gruden and Arians? And what makes you think Barber has any interest or ability to be a GM?
GM is much more than a career as a player. Remember Matt Mullen? They need professionals who have studied the craft and worked under a mentor. Barber has done TV and media.
I think the decision has been made. No one inside has spoken of it. The team direction is down to Top 5-10 pick level. Does anyone think they could beat the Giants or Browns right now?
There will be a new HC in Tampa next year. And about ten to 15 new players.
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:12 am
I’m with the opinion that since Bowles is very popular with the players, the Glazers will move him to a front office position, ala Bruce, and then let him quietly retire from that in a year or two.
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:15 am
“SB~LV Says:
December 22nd, 2025 at 8:56 am
I miss Steve Duemig and Chris Thomas who called it like they saw it and were passionate all things Tampa sports!”
My dad used to see them in a bar near the station a few times a week during the early to mid 90s. He said they were hilarious and great guys who treated everyone like a friend. Both taken WAY too soon!
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:16 am
A few things to keep in mind:
🏈 Jon Gruden has a worse record for us than Bowles… he’s not an upgrade. Also, he has zero loyalty to his players.
🏈 In attempting to look at things without bias, I must admit the injuries played a major role, along with lack of addressing defense in the draft until this year, and finally landing on a bad offensive coordinator. Bowles improved his winning record as a Head Coach while here. He was willing to mostly ignore his defense in the draft in order to build a good offense…which has been among the best until now.
🏈 Embracing my (current) bias, I must also point out that Bowles has made some pretty bad mistakes. He proved himself a liar by claiming there was a QB Competition, his insistence on a run first mentality led to the downfall of the offense, his clock management was bas until this year, his defensive system has obvious faults, and he dumped on his players in a recent press conference.
🏈 Bowles was the price we paid for our superbowl. It hasn’t been a horrible price. We’ve had winning records most of the time, as opposed to what followed our first Superbowl. But the agreement with Arians was that he got to name his successor. Can’t hold that against Jason Licht or the Glazers…it did get us a ring after all.
So a minor case to keep Bowles can be made…very minor…but I believe the time has come to cut ties. Licht and the owners honored their agreement with Arians. They gave it a more than fair shot…and it did pay SOME dividends.
🏈 So far as
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:18 am
Kayla Says:
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:12 am
“I’m with the opinion that since Bowles is very popular with the players, the Glazers will move him to a front office position, ala Bruce, and then let him quietly retire from that in a year or two.”
I think that is possible if he volunteerily steps down. But if he refuses, they’ll be forced to cut ties.
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:20 am
PS
Those wanting Jason Licht fired are idiots…just like the people who wanted Mclaughlin released.
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:26 am
Lawrence, I’m right there with you man. Unbelievably poor suggestions as if ownership we’re going to comb these comments to look for them anyway, haha. What a joke. Also amusing is when posters share their intentions on whether or not they’re going to remain fans or renew certain subscriptions. As if we care. Just weird. Listen, I’m a huge Bucs fan. Season ticket holder. For many years now. I am leaning toward wanting a change and honestly think that ownership probably is as well. But they have a plan I am sure. If you’ve watched the prime special, they make that much clear. And ownership hasn’t been cheap since the housing crisis. The coach is not here because he’s inexpensive. He’s here through misguided loyalty from the former coach and ownership, trusting that loyalty.
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:27 am
from DOA to DMW……..with a couple decent seasons in between
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:31 am
Amazing Gruden was fired for losing 4 games in a row finishing 9-7 and win a SuperBowl
But Bowles who has won anything but a sorry division stays after this horrible display of coaching
WHY what makes him different from Gruden ?????
WONDERING???!!
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:40 am
I want Bowles gone but they won’t do it. They just gave him a contract extension so get ready to watch this same crap show next year.
December 22nd, 2025 at 9:42 am
the offseason gas lichting from the marketing team at one buc place led a lot of buc fans down the garden path, thru the pre-season, ignoring all the red flags and flashing red lichts.
some saw this coming all along, this predictable debacle. the ownership is cheap. from wanting a bogo HC/DC when it was proven not to work last year, to not buying weights, to not green lichting some sort of trade to spark the team, to bringing good but useless guys in last minute like shaq last year and JPP, this year (in shape my @s$), they refuse to even get rid of the special teams coach, or anyone for that matter. well, they did toss sanders for being stupid in that preseason game for throwing a punch. john bullock will only be the second person to be released for being quite useless and stupid.. we hope.
they need to get rid of the HC, and let the new HC bring in a new staff. thats the only way to start to correct this course. coaching isnt the only problem, but you have to start somewhere. with bowles at the head, nothing will really change.