Todd Bowles’ Job Security Potential Speedbump For Offensive Coordinator Hire
January 20th, 2026
Former NFL GM explains.
On paper, a former NFL general manager agrees: The Bucs open offensive coordinator job is very attractive.
Who wouldn’t want to coach an offense with a Pro Bowl quarterback, maybe a Hall of Fame receiver (if Mike Evans returns), a Pro Bowl receiver (Chris Godwin), a guy who until the offense fell apart was a Rookie of the Year favorite (Emeka Egbuka) and one of the more dynamic running backs in the league (Bucky Irving)?
That would certainly sell Joe on the job.
But former Titans general manager Ran Carthon said there’s more to an offensive coordinator’s job than what you see on the field.
Carthon seems to think Todd Bowles’ job security is a speedbump to the Bucs landing a quality offensive coordinator. So when a potential offensive coordinator candidate interviews with the Bucs, he’s going to also have to interview Bowles to ensure he’s not going to be a one-and-done coach if Team Glazer decides to clean house a year from now.
Carthon let his thoughts be known speaking with Ryan Wilson of CBS.
“In terms of the talent on the team, there is offensive talent, they have a solid offensive line,” Carthon said. “But just in terms of what we would view as the job security of Todd Bowles.
“If you’re an offensive coordinator candidate, not only are you going to interview and tell [the Bucs] why you should be the offensive coordinator, but you should flip it and let them know that, like, what’s the long-term security for yourself?”
Carthon noted that Bowles’ record is right at .500 with the Bucs. And if the Bucs miss the playoffs again in 2026, how does someone like Mike McDaniel know he won’t get blown out of town along with Bowles if Team Glazer has had enough?
So the Bucs, Carthon believes, are going to have to sell McDaniel that yes, Bowles is safe if things go sideways in 2026.
The selling point, allegedly, is that McDaniel will have autonomy if he takes the Bucs’ gig. But what good will that be, Carthon wondered, if McDaniel on the sidewalk panhandling for work in 12 months?
January 20th, 2026 at 1:17 am
The Bucs are quickly becoming the least desired team in the NFCS much less te league!
January 20th, 2026 at 1:20 am
I think the Bowles’ hot seat is a two edged sword. If Bowles flames out, he might take his whole staff down with him BUT if the offense does a good job and Bowles failes because of his defense, anoither mid to late season losing streak, time management and things such as going turtle at the wrong time; then the OC could end up replacing Bowles. Perhaps the Glazers learned a hard lesson when Coen jumped ship for the London Jags and then won 13 games……
January 20th, 2026 at 4:28 am
“Carthon noted that Bowles’ record is right at .500 with the Bucs. And if the Bucs miss the playoffs again in 2026, how does someone like Mike McDaniel know he won’t get blown out of town along with Bowles if Team Glazer has had enough?”
This is what I’ve been saying for weeks. Not only is Bowles a speedbump but so is the QB. Who is will willing to bet their career that Baker won’t slump again? If the QB plays bad, the OC will get blame. And every candidate the Bucs interview will see how their see how offense performed in the 2-7 end season slide and who ultimately got fired.
Why would anyone sign up for this? Money isnt enough especially when MVP QBs need OCs. Plus a few teams need a new HC which has better job security, at least for 2 years minimum.
This Bucs are in a weird situation of their own making.
January 20th, 2026 at 5:42 am
The people in the profession know that no job is safe, and coaches get fired sometimes after just one year. Don’t even remember the Pat’s last HC he only lasted one season. Carolina went through 3 coaches in two seasons, paying all of them. When you sign on to the NFL you’re as secure as a rabbit crossing a freeway. Bowles job security is not an issue finding an OC.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:05 am
Bowles told Grizzard to run the ball 30 times vs. Carolina because they did it the year before…Why would anyone want to work for Bowles, if they had other opportunities?
January 20th, 2026 at 6:14 am
Hey Bee, quit being such a tool…….
Not one national media source when talking about the Bucs OC
position have mentioned Mayfield being a liability. That has nothing to do with this opening
It all has to do with the stability and future of Todd Bowles
The NFL world knows Bowles is the problem, buT a few of our local geniuses here
Know it’s all on Mayfield
Gimme a freakin break
January 20th, 2026 at 6:28 am
This is why we will end up with either another first year play caller or an older retread with no other options.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:41 am
This team is a national embarrassment. A lame duck HC who on any other team in the entire leaque gets fired for the historic collapse he oversaw. I can’t stomach the guy. He’s lucky the team is owned by fools.
January 20th, 2026 at 6:51 am
Are the Glazers paying attention? Or just counting Benjamins?
January 20th, 2026 at 6:54 am
The Curse of Bowzo
January 20th, 2026 at 7:01 am
The Glazers caused this mess by giving the 3 year deal to a coach that is a hair above 500. The justification is that he won the division 3 years. My opinion is that they lost perspective that it was the weakest division in football since Matt Ryan and Drew Brees retired.
They should have offered him a 2 year buyout and ask him to pack his office. There’s no job security for any of his current or incoming coaches. We won’t even rank for a retread as it has a higher likelihood to further diminish their personal resume. We will fill the coaches position with people that are going to be promoted up from other teams. Some will work out, others won’t. The Glazers have set us up for a terrible 2026.
The good news is we will be front runners for Tomlinson or McDermott for 2027. That’s how I see things playing out.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:23 am
Hey look another reason why they should have got rid of Bowles.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:28 am
Wayne Kerr
Believe what you wish. But do you think the Bucs would have a hard time finding a new OC if they had Jackson, Hurts or Allen? Lol…the media won’t say anything negative about Baker just like they won’t say anything negative about Allen.
It doesn’t matter what the media says, it matters who the Bucs actually interview for the OC position. How many OC interviews have they done with the best OCs available? One? Lol….
The quality of the OC hire shows you what the league thinks of Bowles AND Baker. They’re a package deal. We’ll see what happens.
January 20th, 2026 at 7:51 am
Not that attractive of an option:
Both starting wr over the age of 30
Your star rb averaged well below 4 yards a carry
One of weakest te rooms in league
Paper thin depth on offensive line
Qb on last year of contract
Total bafoon at hc
January 20th, 2026 at 8:06 am
On the sidewalk panhandling for work in 12 months. REALLY?
You mean like he’s doing now, only if all that happens we know nobody will blame him and the offense if things go south and the list of people after him for his services grows?
And who doesn’t think if he takes an OC job he is only planning on staying one year before getting a HC gig?
January 20th, 2026 at 8:07 am
dah