The Bucs And Todd Monken
December 29th, 2025
Former Bucs receivers coach and playcaller, Todd Monken, the Ravens offensive coordinator.
So who will coach the Buccaneers in 2026?
That’s what’s on the minds of Bucs fans from Seminole to South Tampa and beyond.
It could be Todd Bowles answering the bell for his fifth consecutive season, or Team Glazer could placate the core of Bucs fandom and move on from the struggling Bowles regime.
Judgment day is coming. Joe hopes it’s delayed weeks because the Bucs are making a quality playoff run, but Joe also hopes for an invite to the cheerleaders’ New Year’s Eve hot tub party.
So who could replace Bowles, if Team Glazer sends him to where most veteran coaches go when they’re winless in December against sad teams?
One name Joe hears tossed around by fans is Todd Monken, the former Bucs receivers coach and offensive coordinator.
Monken turns 60 in February and called plays for Tampa Bay in 2018, when Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick combined to throw for a whopping 5,358 yards with 36 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.
Yes, Monken knows how to scheme an offense (and a run game), which he’s done for the past three seasons in Baltimore and with the stud Georgia Bulldogs in the three seasons prior to that. Monken spent 2019 as offensive coordinator for some guy named Baker Mayfield in Cleveland, but Monken was not the playcaller there.
Monken has a tough-guy personality and, to the best of Joe’s knowledge, Monken had the full respect of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin when he coached them.
Would he be a good head coach? Probably, he was in college, but Joe has no clue if Monken can put together a staff of NFL assistants that’s not loaded with retreads.
Monken’s familiarity with the Bucs and Mayfield makes him an interesting candidate. Also, Joe assumes Monken would be willing to work relatively cheap in order to get his shot.
Remember, Bucco Bruce Arians didn’t get a chance to be an NFL head coach until he was 61 years old.
Joe has a few Monken stories. One of the funnier ones was Monken agreeing to be a guest on the Ira Kaufman Podcast. It was all set up but then-Bucs head coach Dirk Koetter pulled rank — and pulled the plug on the interview.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:16 pm
meh.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:18 pm
We chose to suck. lol
December 29th, 2025 at 5:19 pm
Hard pass.
The only older coach I would consider is Gruden. An older, mature, a little bit humbled Gruden. We need some energy in the building.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:21 pm
I want this! Todd Monken is no nonsense and will coach accordingly
December 29th, 2025 at 5:21 pm
“Judgment day is coming. Joe hopes it’s delayed weeks because the Bucs are making a quality playoff run”
Come again???? Quality????? Playoff run????
I must have missed something the last 8 games.
As far as Monken is concerned, hard pass. Seems like a run first type.
We need a new HC that wants to go downfield. And a QB capable of doing it.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:22 pm
No to Monken.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:23 pm
Josh McDaniels!
December 29th, 2025 at 5:25 pm
This is a logical, fairly safe pick. Because next year is the decision year for Baker, getting an older, experienced, proven offensive minded head coach would make sense. If Baker flopped it’s on him. This year, we can’t really say that because the scheme sucks.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:26 pm
Finally!
The type of article we need and want!
December 29th, 2025 at 5:26 pm
NO! Dude has had jackson and henry.. still cant do anything to make flowers look better..
December 29th, 2025 at 5:27 pm
I don’t get the nos to Monken. Dude is an offensive whiz, has been pretty successful just about everywhere he’s been in charge of the offense. I would be ok with this, even though I would really want a younger up-and-comer in the mold of Liam Coen.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Anyone other than Bowles
December 29th, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Let the New GM pick the next HC
If Jason Licht is still the GM, we won’t improve
This is Licht and Bowles mess
They both need to be held accountable
Only a fool will trust Licht with righting this ship
December 29th, 2025 at 5:30 pm
No thanks.
Time to reload with new a younger guy with fresh ideas. You know like Canales, Coen or Vrabel..nevermind
December 29th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
^^^this is Bruce Arian’s mess. It’s not like we’re devoid of talent. The talent is there, just Bowles has allowed the Brady-level expectations to subside over the last few years. There’s a reason we were expected to win 10-12 games this year. Bowles is the reason we are not. Not Licht. Licht has given the Bucs enough talent. Bruce Arians is the reason we have Bowles. Licht should get one more coach.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:34 pm
I wouldn’t hate Monken…
Rather go with a younger, more innovative OC as Hc BUT Monken may build a winner in Tampa!
December 29th, 2025 at 5:36 pm
Monken might be a good OC but that doesn’t mean he’ll be a good HC.
I would like someone younger…
December 29th, 2025 at 5:37 pm
😂😂🤣🤣😂🤣
What talent have Licht brought this fanbase in 12 years?
🤣🤣😂😂🤣😂
It’s comical the way these gullible fans defend Licht
December 29th, 2025 at 5:39 pm
Jason Licht and Todd Bowles has to go
Anything else is Dumb and Stupid
December 29th, 2025 at 5:39 pm
Easy pass on Todd Monken
December 29th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
Personally, I don’t understand why everyone doesn’t want Matt Nagy.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:42 pm
Lakeland, you keep saying the same thing over and over, and asking what has Licht done…yet when people tell you , you say they are brainwashed.
Apparently,vyou think facts are brainwashing. You must be a TRUMPet.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:45 pm
Why is everyone so hell bent on having an OC as HC shouldn’t we hire the best candidate? I think that would either be the Rams DC or Chargers DC. They both could build great staffs to run the division for the next decade.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:46 pm
My choice would be Vince Lombardi….and if he’s not available…Don Shula
December 29th, 2025 at 5:48 pm
@Davenport
The only older coach I would consider is Gruden. An older, mature, a little bit humbled Gruden. We need some energy in the building
I would love to have Jon Gruden back!!
As to how Todd Bowles is still here, is beyond me, Mr Bowles simply does not want to adjust his defense to the talent that he has
He has made no adjustments at all!!! SMH
December 29th, 2025 at 5:49 pm
David Ellis Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 5:29 pm
Anyone other than Bowles
David Ellis for the win. I second that statement.
Literally anyone but Bowles will be a huge improvement.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:51 pm
I would either got for Mike LaFleur or Kelvin Anthony Sheppard.
December 29th, 2025 at 5:56 pm
Bowles time at Tampa Bay has run out. Time to hire a new head coach!
December 29th, 2025 at 6:02 pm
Def not BA mess….why does everyone want to sugar coat TB inefficiencies. Plain and simple Todd think he is a good HC and he is not. Didn’t he destroy a Jets team in his 1st run. HC commands, leads, makes the tough calls. What tough call has he made in last 8 games. Lets not forget the seasons before of all the horrible calls made. Lets just talk this season. An absolute embarrassment. Special teams so terrible have to kick in end zone for best result. The offense is so bland and predictable cant do anything. Defense his specialty is the absolute worst defense in bucs history. This is on Todd. Maybe Jason too. Todd needs to go. Baker may need to go too. Everyone thought Liam did us so wrong and look at him now. Glazers need to make a change, I am.willing to suffer a complete rebuild in 2026..at least I would feel hopeful when turning on the game
December 29th, 2025 at 6:02 pm
Would dress in drag and do a cha cha if. O Ken became the Bucs head coach.
First fire Belowszo, then – Jason – make it happen.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:03 pm
*Monken
December 29th, 2025 at 6:05 pm
Kubiak, Monken, or Nagy would be fine with me. I don’t think even making the playoffs will save Bowles; he’s toast.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:06 pm
I’d be ok with Monkin but agree on the younger OC as a prime target. Gruden would be a lot of fun and might actually put something together. Not sure he has a strong offensive playbook anymore though.
Monkin would strive to build a smash mouth run first team with a varied passing attack. I’m cool with that.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:07 pm
LET’S START A PETITION FOR CURT CIGNETTI AT INDIANA! JUST THE KIND OF ‘PLAY TO WIN’ COACH WE NEED!
December 29th, 2025 at 6:10 pm
Bonzai
Licht is a poser. In 2018 he was regarded as one of the worst GM’s in football. He was nearly run out of town then. Arians was a Hail Mary and Arians lucked into Brady when SF turned him down. Licht became the living embodiment of the Homer Simpson fading into the hedge meme.
90% of his picks are garbage, and Greenberg manages the cap.
Bud Licht has been drawing a salary for doing very little for years. The jig is up.
Facts.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:12 pm
The Glazers have to have their finger on the eject button right? I can’t see how they could looks fans in the eye bringing Bowles back. Bowles could very well be ejected Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Either Bucs wake up and make us proud, or Bowles is surely gone.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:13 pm
YES YES, YES to Todd Monken!!!! Then let him find a younger budding D coordinator!
December 29th, 2025 at 6:15 pm
Unbelievable that people are wanting Gruden, the most over rated coach in sports history. Gruden has not won a playoff game since that super bowl. Gruden sucks
December 29th, 2025 at 6:16 pm
Monk More of the same…need clean sweep
December 29th, 2025 at 6:19 pm
The only real story is the coaching change so it’s to see the discussion pick up around here.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:21 pm
Brian Flores. Minny D has had less talent and better results.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:22 pm
Another and younger Baker connection is Alex van pelt including his best Browns season 2o20 when the Browns crushed the Steelers in the first round and lost a close one to the chiefs. Similar story to Liam Cohen who was also a non play calling OC (Rams) same as Van Pelt a non p!ay calling OC for Baker. At least try Alex as a play calling oc first.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:22 pm
Monken is run first this season is because he has a stud RB and a Mobile QB who is as good or better a runner! With the Buc’s O it would look similar to last years! IMHO !!
December 29th, 2025 at 6:27 pm
Yes, please! The guy is a winner. Certainly worth a shot!
December 29th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Buccaneer bonzai
Facts aren’t brainwashing, but neither is asking for accountability. Licht has done some good things and some questionable ones—both can be true. Turning every disagreement into a political insult just cheapens the discussion.
As for the HC debate, I agree with TombsEN: the title on one side of the ball shouldn’t matter. Hire the best leader who can build an elite staff and adapt year to year. The Rams or Chargers DC route makes a lot more sense than forcing an OC vs DC argument.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
Ben the GA Buc Says:
December 29th, 2025 at 5:32 pm
^^^this is Bruce Arian’s mess. It’s not like we’re devoid of talent. The talent is there, just Bowles has allowed the Brady-level expectations to subside over the last few years. There’s a reason we were expected to win 10-12 games this year. Bowles is the reason we are not. Not Licht. Licht has given the Bucs enough talent. Bruce Arians is the reason we have Bowles. Licht should get one more coach.
_________
Totally agree.
December 29th, 2025 at 6:45 pm
Anything but Bowles… how can he not get the boot???? Monken is an upgrade but at this point who wouldn’t be an upgrade???
December 29th, 2025 at 6:45 pm
NO
December 29th, 2025 at 6:54 pm
I like it
December 29th, 2025 at 6:59 pm
Any branch off the mcvay tree that hasn’t been pruned off.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:03 pm
If Bowles didn’t run the defense, I could see him being kept with a new defensive coordinator, but it’s his defense that sucks.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
No Thanks!
December 29th, 2025 at 7:06 pm
There must be something in the Lakeland water that makes people really stupid.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:07 pm
The last 2 Dolphin HCs ,, Florres S HC and DC,, and the goofy guy coaching them now to call plays and be the OC (he got Tua to a pro bowl )
December 29th, 2025 at 7:12 pm
Don’t want any more HCs who are dual-hatted as a coordinator, either OC or DC, Being a 1st-time HC is hard enough.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:13 pm
Kliff Kingsbury or Kubs and then Monken because of history here.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:26 pm
Joe(s), I would welcome an article on how galactically stupid it would be to bring back Gruden. I understand that he has rehabbed his image through YouTube, but glazing everyone who plays football weekly and saying “smash that like and subscribe” is not the same as coaching an NFL team. We who were fans back then got to see him wear out his welcome here, and I’d love to see you come with the receipts.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:31 pm
I like McVays coordinators. I’ll take Shula as the 1a.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:31 pm
Doosh
Licht needs one more coach like the Titanic needs one more iceberg
December 29th, 2025 at 7:50 pm
The Bucs have had enough of hiring retreads like Gruden
They need someone young and fresh
December 29th, 2025 at 7:50 pm
Gruden Sucks
December 29th, 2025 at 7:54 pm
Agreed with the Shula comments. He’s young, bright, energetic, relatable. Been with McVay for quite a while. He’s a very intriguing option. Could even bring the Ram’s PGC with him to be OC.
December 29th, 2025 at 7:59 pm
I would hope that he would be one of the first on the interview list.
I also hope we interview, in no particular order:
Kubiak
Minter
Shula
Brady
McCarthy
Burke
December 29th, 2025 at 8:01 pm
Hell no
December 29th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
Can do way better
December 29th, 2025 at 8:12 pm
Glazers are likely going to move fast if we lose Sat
December 29th, 2025 at 8:15 pm
Klint Kubiak, Todd Monken as offensive candidates
Chris Shula, Jesse Minter as defensive candidates
Take your pick, I guess?
Outside of those guys..
Wouldn’t go near Kliff Kingsbury. There’s some offensive playcalling ability (though maybe a little overstated by some – and I’d prefer Kubiak looking just at playcalling ability), but he looked terrible as a head coach in the NFL and might be a non-starter if you want Baker Mayfield as your QB (they have history at Texas Tech – it’s not great).
Saleh is just Todd Bowles’ resume minus the Super Bowl as a DC. Different type of defense, but still.. bad look to punt Bowles for a guy whose resume looks eerily similar.
Flores seems like a bit of a nut. He never had much of a shot in Miami, and his defenses are consistently good everywhere he’s been. Idk, would need to know more about his personality. A definite interview, at least.
Gruden is just a laughable idea. Guy was out of the league entirely for a decade, came back to the Raiders with total control, did nothing good of note and has been out of the league another 4-5 years since.
Nagy = no thanks. We’ve seen him as a HC. His best qualifications seem to be that he has worked in the building with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.
Mike LaFleur I wouldn’t trust as anything but a mirage. I, unfortunately, can’t forget *that* Jets offense. Maybe I’m being unfair and most first time playcallers would have failed etc… but that seemed spectacularly awful, even by Jets standards.
December 29th, 2025 at 8:31 pm
— Lakeland Says:
— December 29th, 2025 at 7:50 pm
— Gruden Sucks
Joes, here’s the outline of that Gruden article I asked for. Thanks, @Lakeland