Todd Bowles On Hot Seat? “Got To Be”
December 15th, 2025
Bucs chatter.
Few people have their fingers on the pulse of the various 32 ownership groups as well as the inner workings of the NFL corporate structure quite like the creator, curator and overall guru of Pro Football Talk, the great Mike Florio.
In a roundabout way, after Thursday night’s crash-and-burn by the Bucs, Florio said Todd Bowles’ seat is aflame. Why? Because that’s how the NFL works when a team with high expectations has had a season like the Bucs have.
“The first thing I thought [after Atlanta won]: ‘Todd Bowles, Hot Seat,'” Florio said. “Got to be. Got to be.”
Florio explained he’s not coming at this belief from any perspective other than “merit-based” and how the NFL works.
“Every year we see it: six, seven, eight coaches get fired,” Florio said. “Two of them have already been fired. We’re waiting for the ax to fall for Jonathan Gannon, I’m kind of surprised it hasn’t happened yet. …
“This is the way it works in professional football. If you aren’t getting it done, you are done. Spent a lot of time talking about Mike Tomlin last week. You know, if John Harbaugh and the Ravens don’t make the playoffs, is it going to be a time for change in Baltimore?
“This is the way it goes. This isn’t we’re trying to upend someone’s life. This is, we know how this works, and we’re trying to get ahead of what’s coming. This is part of our obligation to get you ready for it, so you don’t say, ‘Oh, damn,’ when it happens. And there’s no reason to be surprised when it happens, because it happens.”
Florio later said “the Glazers have to be p!ssed.”
And that’s a key element here. Team Glazers doesn’t like getting embarrassed and since the bye, twice on a nationally broadcast game in primetime, their franchise got embarrassed.
“Embarrassed” is a word Joe heard used in the locker room after the game Thursday night by Bucs players who care.
The Joe typing here can only see Bowles getting into the clear where he can take a vacation after the season and not have to worry about packing boxes when he returns is if he gets the Bucs to the NFC title game.
A run like that would wash away whatever has happened the past two months.
Remember: Successful Bucs coaches have been let go for less.
December 15th, 2025 at 5:40 am
I don’t think Bowles has to get to the NFC title game to save his job. I think he just needs one playoff win. That would mean the Bucs won the next three games and secured the NFC South title, then won the first playoff game, maybe against a great team like Seattle or LA.
That would keep his job, because that would indicate he turned it around. HOWEVER, that is pure fantasy and will never happen. Todd his completely lost this team and this team is unfortunately in the toilet.
December 15th, 2025 at 5:45 am
Unfortunately we seem to get embarrassed almost every Prime Time game, going back a few years now….
December 15th, 2025 at 5:48 am
Win a playoff game? He has to win one game vs the Panthers first. He won’t be able to
December 15th, 2025 at 5:49 am
We’ll see what happens. Do I feel good about their chances? No.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:04 am
Here is a new stadium chant for the fans
Hey! Hey!
Ho! Ho!
Todd Bowles!
Has to go!
December 15th, 2025 at 6:30 am
Worst thing for true Bucs fans is if they pull this off into year end. Means we’re stuck with Bowles and will have yet another heartbreak year.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:30 am
This defense is not going to win any games. It all depends on how well the OL can give Mayfield time enough to take advantage of the weapons he finally has at his disposal. If the Bucs win, it’s on the offense. The stench on this defense comes from Todd Bowles. His defense is a sieve. If he comes back next season, the defense will be a repeat of what it’s been the last few years. I will never root for the Bucs to lose a game, but Bowles and his defensive schemes are killing this team. The ship has a leak. Please plug the leak. Mike Evans deserves another ring.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:30 am
What’s his record in prime time games now? 2-10? Get him the hell out of here.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:33 am
I’m flabbergasted that anyone is even thinking about the playoffs.
I’m not clinging to that pipe dream.
I remember when Dungy was here and every season was a fight to make the playoffs, it seemed. Eight games in, I’d be looking at the next 8 and also the other teams in the division.
This time, it’s different.
What’s different? No Herm Edwards, who was the “bad cop” to Dungy. No Brooks. No Sapp. No Lynch.
Instead they have a fossil LB who obviously cannot motivate teammates. An All Pro Safety who is now a shell of his best seasons. Bored DBs.
Social Media Sissies. They are all worried about their “brand” which is a fiction in their own minds. Try we guys are happy with a paycheck and a participation trophy.
So after they go 1-2 or 0-3, those left with clinging to the hope — a real joke — that somehow they can get to the NFC championship game will finally accept the reality: Licht lied. Licht built a bad team. Bowles is not a SB caliber coach. And the Defense IS TRASH.
TEAR IT DOWN!
December 15th, 2025 at 6:34 am
Buh-bye…….. He needs to plan a garage sale and start packing.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:37 am
Sure, the Bucs could go on a run but that would mean Bowles out coaching another coach and Baker outplaying another QB. Its possible but is it likely?
December 15th, 2025 at 6:42 am
Don’t hire Jerod Mayo.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:50 am
Forget the playoffs-Just win one freaking game
December 15th, 2025 at 6:51 am
BucU, since the start of the 2022 season when Bowles took over from Arians, the Bucs are 5-15 in all prime time games including 1-2 in the playoffs and I believe they are winless on Thursday nights. Three of those wins were in 2022 when TB12 was still QB and the other 2 were beating Philly in the wildcard when the Eagles had multiple issues and the 1 point win over Houston earlier this year. Not a winning record, in fact quite embarrassing. Just another reason why the Bucs get zero respect nationally. The whole nation see Bowles make mistake after mistake and implode in primetime yet again. The common denominator: Todd Bowles.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:53 am
Yes, firing coaches, is exactly how it works every season. We only need to win two games out of the three. Todd, players, and others have to be thinking this right now and need to come out strong and even win all three games.
If the Bucs win and are in the play-offs, will that excuse all the other losses? I guess it depends on whether we get into the Super Bowl and win or lose. But either way, I am thinking if we were to win the Super Bowl; Todd would retire or move on, which would affect many positions. If we lose and don’t make it; Todd, Jason, and others will most likely be gone in a different scenario along with players too. Maybe I am overthinking again.
December 15th, 2025 at 6:53 am
Up here in Jax for the weekend. Liam sure has the Jags playing really good football.
December 15th, 2025 at 7:13 am
It doesn’t matter, unless Bowles take this team to the nfc conference Championship or SuperBowl, then he’s done. Has anyone watched Raise the flags 50th anniversary? Glazers are not believers in defensive coaches as head coach. BA vetted Bowles n based on him coming in and taking Bucs to SB n maintain a winning record again. The Glazers honored his recommendation for Bowles as head coach. Now let’s look at the objectives.
BA retires after 2021 season n left Bowles with a winning team 13-4 n high octane offense.
2022-Bowles inherit almost the same team but barely made the playoffs with an 8-9 record. Lost a game after not allowing Brady to go for it on 4th n 1.
2023- Bowles continues to struggle. 9-8 record.
2024- 10-7 record but Bowles struggles with clock management.
2025- Embarrasment!!!!
Summary- Bowles is not a winning coach. He’s very conservative and has a mindset to score 10 points then play defense. He refuse to bench under performing players and will not hold coaches accountable. His special teams coach should’ve been fired several games ago but he still refuse to make changes. Our special teams is putrid. I don’t believe he knows talent. He’s stubborn as he refuses to change defensive schemes. New young head coaches are being hired n they are bringing an aggressive offense and defense approach from a competitive perspective. Bowles has been with the Bucs for 7 years n head coach for four years n look at his record. Data don’t lie. Bowles is still playing 70s football. Can you imagine what this team would have accomplished had Sean Payton inherited this team in 2022.
December 15th, 2025 at 7:18 am
I got burnt on Hard Rock with the Panthers vs Saints. Hot seat might just be what the Bucs need to start fast and keep the foot on the gas pedal all game. I’m not expecting it with Panthers having the most meaningful game to play for in years. But hey that’s why they play the game. Any given Sunday.
December 15th, 2025 at 7:29 am
Liam Coen left us. Don’t exonerate this guy. Of course he’s a better coach, but there was nothing J L could’ve done. Rooting for anyone but the jags. Oh, and the Panthers.
To have fired Todd balls and elevated Liam Coen when we won, the division is ridiculous. They had a good year last year. We were left in the dust by Liam Coen
Yes, Todd needs to leave and so does Grizzard. If Baker is healthy, he may be able to pull it off.
December 15th, 2025 at 7:33 am
“2022-Bowles inherit almost the same team but barely made the playoffs with an 8-9 record.:
I feel in incumbent on me to point out we lost the ENTIRE interior O-line during the off-season
December 15th, 2025 at 7:50 am
Buc4ever – Absolutely, agreed!
December 15th, 2025 at 8:13 am
If TB can somehow get us past the 49ers or Seahawks (there are no other choices) then I will be VERY surprised. Now, with the Rams looking a bit injured on offense then maybe, just maybe we can pull out an upset but I highly doubt it. If we win the next two we can sit the last weekend and potentially get a bye which would be massive.
December 15th, 2025 at 8:14 am
Arians really sold the Glazers a bill of goods. Should cut him loose, top. He is nothing but dead weight.
December 15th, 2025 at 8:15 am
…too
December 15th, 2025 at 8:29 am
Stop with the pining away for Coen. He’s gone. It’s like stalking your ex on social media and crying that she is happy. As far as the Bucs go, 3 games left. It’s gonna be at least an interesting end to the season however you look at it. As a Bucs fan, I am dreaming we suddenly get hot on offense and make some noise down the stretch. As a realist, I have zero confidence that will happen. Prove me wrong Bucs.
December 15th, 2025 at 8:33 am
Bosch – When Bowles does move on; I really think BA, Jason, and other coaches and staff are gone too. Some players may go too. Maybe they would keep Jason for a year with a new head coach, but he will go like McKay did.
December 15th, 2025 at 8:47 am
Even if you wanted to give a pass for the injuries and also if you believe the ‘it’s on the players’ narrative.’ You’d have to excuse the abysmal kickoff returns, atrocious third, fourth downs and significant amount of explosive plays on defense.
None of it adds up to a coach that isn’t in over his head.
December 15th, 2025 at 9:04 am
The issue Bowles faces at a higher level is his winning percentage against winning teams is like 6-18 and winning in prime time games is around 5-12. If the Glaziers are genuinely committed to winning football, how do you build that with a guy that can’t get it together when it counts. Bowles teams for whatever reason flounder when the lights are on them…..that’s literally all playoff football is. Big games against winning teams. He’s built an ok record on a weak division but can’t come close when playing against the better teams. We watch it over and over, the team gets out coached routinely. The players have to see what we see, it’s literally a matter of will our offense keep us in this with 30 points per game because nobody believes we can stop anyone on a final drive. Bowles doesn’t even believe it. Earlier this season we deliberately had Winfield let a player score just to leave the offense time to maybe win it for us.
December 15th, 2025 at 9:17 am
Mike McCarthy has a .600 winning percentage as a head coach. He is available but not for long. Hope Glazer’s are already in talks with him. Thinking he will be able to pull off a Mike Vrabel/Andy Reid style resurrection. Of course, 50% of defenders need to go so let rebuild begin ASAP.
December 15th, 2025 at 9:21 am
Gotta disagree with most of you. Bowles already sealed his fate by saying it’s the players. If you stop saying you have to coach it better, it means coaching isn’t responsible for a turnaround (if it happens); if we (unlikely) see this team win out and even go to the Super Bowl, Todd has already told us it isn’t the coaching that got them there.
Bowles has shown us what his team will be every year. Like with Jameis, will a 5th year really show us the lights have come on? Bowles already had his eureka moment this last offseason—do we think now that he’s still holding onto that card for later play?!
What did the old UF AD get quoted for saying—“whatever you know you will do eventually, do immediately.” In this case, wait out the season, but do then what you know you will do. It isn’t a lifeline, but a stay (delay) of execution.
December 15th, 2025 at 10:49 am
Senor Harry in Costa Rica … ‘I don’t think Bowles has to get to the NFC title game to save his job. I think he just needs one playoff win.’
We normally agree on a lot of stuff Harry, but not this one. Todd Bowles is toast … UNLESS the Glazers can’t find another HC they consider to be better qualified (and that could happen depending upon how many otehr teams are looking for new HCs this offseason). I feel confident in saying that they’re looking RIGHT NOW, and will continue to look. But they won’t make a final decision until this season ends (even if it ends with a playoff victory, assuming that we even make the playoffs).
This 2025 team is a rebuilt team. The rebuilding started in 2022 when Todd assumed the HC reins, but insisted on also keeping the DC reins. Monstrous mistake, and we’re now seeing the fruits of that decision (we should’ve seen them last season too when our defense slid from a #7 ranking in 2023 to a #16 ranking in 2024 … this season we’re in freefall to #24). THIS is Todd Bowles’ defense, no one else’s. And THIS is what you get when Todd tries to wear TWO HATS.
Todd’s profanity-laced outcry the other day basically told the Glazers AND this team that ‘Todd has no answers’. All 3 phases are screwing up, and that’s not how you build a successful TEAM. Nope, Todd Bowles & his entire coaching staff are toast, assuming the Glazers can find someone they’re more comfortable with.
December 15th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
If Bucs come out flat in what should be a must win game absolutely nobody should be defending Bowles and just blaming it on lazy players (can also be true, but I’d a coach can’t get his team fired up for this then he’s lost the locker room 100%)
December 15th, 2025 at 12:32 pm
They could’ve and should’ve just gone ahead and done the obvious thing by promoting Cohen, and then moving Todd upstairs. When they had the chance. Cohen was in an impossible position. Even, if he had answered the phone calls while already in Jacksonville meeting with the owner, he was not going to step on Todd that way! Nor was he ever going to step up and DEMAND the HC, before agreeing to his OC extension and pay raise. He was as good as GONE by then. It was entirely up to THE BUCS to have already made that decision BEFORE it reached that point. They tried having their cake and eating it too (for whatever that reason was), and then crossed their fingers and just hoped for the best. And, that was NEVER going to be good enough. You can’t blame COHEN for taking THAT JOB. A boatload of GUARANTEED CASH for him and his family, AND total control of the franchise, basically. Kahn handed him the keys to the yacht and a life-long dream come true. One of only 32 of these jobs in the WORLD. Nobody’s passing that up, or playing-it any differently! It not how that works. The Bucs had their chance and miserably misplayed it.
December 15th, 2025 at 12:39 pm
Our two winning SB head coaches were offense based high octane men. Spider 2 Y Banana, No risk it, no biscuit. That ain’t Bowles, never will be.