Playoff Lenny Again Says Bucs Will Have A New Coach In 2027
October 20th, 2026
Shares insight on a Todd Bowles head coach dynamic.
A former Bucs Super Bowl hero once again took to his podcast and for the second time in as many months thinks KitKat-eating Bucs coach Todd Bowles is on borrowed time with the Bucs.
Playoff Lenny explained on his podcast “4th and South” with co-host Jarvis Landry back in September that he didn’t think Bowles would be leading the Bucs in 2027.
Now that the Bucs have fallen to 1-5, Playoff Lenny again said Bowles won’t be back.
Playoff Lenny didn’t like saying that because he said he has respect for Bowles — most of the time. Remember, Playoff Lenny played for Bowles here in 2022.
When Landry brought up the Bucs losing to the Steelers this weekend, Landry himself said it looked like 2026 would be Bowles’ final season in Tampa — but added that he thinks Bowles was a good, respected coach. When Landry asked Playoff Lenny if this is Bowles’ final year, Playoff Lenny said, “I think this might be his last year. I think it might be his last year.”
The reason? The Bucs are losing and have been since last year’s bye. Still, at 1-5, Playoff Lenny still has hope for “my Buccaneers,” noting that the NFC South landfill can be won with eight wins.
Landry asked Playoff Lenny what the Bucs need to do to turn things around and make one final push.
“I think honestly, they all need to go sit in the church for like three days and just confess, confess whatever they got going on,” Playoff Lenny said. “And just ask Him.”
Then Playoff Lenny glanced up at the ceiling, as if he were personally asking the Almighty to forgive the Bucs’ sins.
And while Playoff Lenny mostly respects Bowles, he didn’t always. Playoff Lenny pulled back the curtain to his final Bucs season.
Playoff Lenny said Bowles didn’t seem to carry the same persuasive weight that Bucco Bruce Arians did.
“He’s not very vocal,” Playoff Lenny explained. “He’s not a vocal coach. Like, where we messed up, you know, he might yell, but it’s one of those yells that you don’t take seriously.
“When BA got on your ass, he got on your ass,” Playoff Lenny said. “Like, ‘Damn, I hope he don’t chew my ass out again like that.’ You know what I’m saying?”
Interestingly, Playoff Lenny said during his final year with the Bucs, Playoff Lenny got the impression Bowles, being a defensive guy, wasn’t as firm with his defensive players as he was with offensive players.
“I think Bowles, being a defensive-minded coach, he don’t pay attention to the offense,” Playoff Lenny said. “Maybe it was favoritism? I can remember like certain days … he’d be a little more [lenient] on the defensive [players].
“I didn’t respect it, but you know, f*ck it, he’s our coach. It is what it is.”
The reason Joe finds this so interesting because on the “America’s Game” episode on the Bucs’ first Super Bowl win, Warren Sapp and John Lynch accused Father Dungy of not caring about the Bucs’ offense and the results of that attitude were displayed during games.
The two Bucs legends believed Father Dungy held the defense to a higher standard and was very lax or perhaps indifferent about the offense.
(Hat tip: Long-time reader @BWyche).
@4thandsouth “I think this might be his last year” 😳 Is the respect lost in Todd Bowles ? #football #nfl #toddbowles #tampabaybuccaneers #buccaneers ♬ original sound – 4th and South
October 20th, 2026 at 7:09 am
BUCS 2027 HEAD COACH SEARCH: TIME FOR AN OFFENSIVE MASTERMIND
If the Bucs move on from Todd Bowles, I want a complete change in philosophy. Enough of the lifeless sideline, conservative decisions, and predictable offense.
Give me a creative, aggressive OFFENSIVE head coach who develops quarterbacks, makes in-game adjustments, demands accountability, and actually INSPIRES his players.
Here are 21 names worth considering:
TOP NFL OFFENSIVE MINDS:
1. Nate Scheelhaase (Rams) — Young Sean McVay disciple with tremendous offensive upside.
2. Grant Udinski (Jaguars) — Rising star from the Kevin O’Connell/Liam Coen coaching tree.
3. Klay Kubiak (49ers) — Shanahan-style motion, misdirection, and creative play-calling.
4. Eric Bieniemy (Chiefs) — Fiery, demanding, championship pedigree. Brings the FIRE Bowles lacks.
5. Davis Webb (Broncos) — Young QB-development specialist with head-coaching potential.
6. Brian Fleury (Seahawks) — Another Shanahan-system offensive innovator.
7. Drew Petzing (Lions) — Physical, balanced offense with creative run/pass concepts.
8. Press Taylor (Bears) — Experienced offensive coach with exposure to Ben Johnson’s system.
COLLEGE OFFENSIVE GURUS:
9. Lincoln Riley (USC) — Elite QB developer who already knows Baker Mayfield. Intriguing fit.
10. Josh Heupel (Tennessee) — Explosive, aggressive, high-tempo offensive architect.
11. Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State) — Young, FIERY, passionate leader who could electrify the entire franchise.
12. Lane Kiffin (LSU) — Brilliant offensive strategist with swagger, creativity, and NFL experience.
13. Steve Sarkisian (Texas) — Exceptional play-caller with sophisticated pro-style concepts.
14. Kalen DeBoer (Alabama) — Proven offensive innovator and program builder.
15. Rhett Lashlee (SMU) — Creative, aggressive passing-game specialist.
FORMER NFL HEAD COACHES:
16. Kliff Kingsbury — Creative passing-game mind who deserves another look.
17. Jon Gruden — Bring back CHUCKY? Fire, accountability, and instant attitude adjustment.
18. Mike Tomlin — Elite motivational leader, although he’d need a great offensive coordinator.
19. Mike McDaniel — Offensive genius, but serious leadership questions.
20. Doug Pederson — Super Bowl winner with proven QB-development experience.
21. Mike McCarthy — Experienced offensive coach and Super Bowl winner.
MY TOP FIVE:
1. Nate Scheelhaase
2. Grant Udinski
3. Eric Bieniemy
4. Lincoln Riley
5. Klay Kubiak
WILD CARDS: Kenny Dillingham and Jon Gruden. Two guys who would bring some serious personality and intensity to Tampa.
BOTTOM LINE:
I don’t need another emotionless defensive coordinator watching his team implode from the sidelines.
I want a coach who can OUTSCHEME opponents, DEVELOP quarterbacks, ADJUST on the fly, and LIGHT A FIRE under his players.
Find us the next Bruce Arians personality with a modern, innovative offensive playbook.
The Bucs need swagger, leadership, and an OFFENSIVE IDENTITY.
WHO’S YOUR PICK?
October 20th, 2026 at 7:18 am
Maybe find a hc that has been offensive and defensive oc
October 20th, 2026 at 7:22 am
Start the sell off by jettisoning Winfield to the 49ers for a 2 and a 5.
October 20th, 2026 at 7:29 am
But the glazers love him and that’s all that matters.
October 20th, 2026 at 7:31 am
Go watch real football teams play with real head coaches until someone fixes this disaster of a franchise. It’s sickening being a Bucs fan. 1-2 years of decent football and then 20 plus years of crap.
October 20th, 2026 at 7:38 am
Genius!
How about a new GM while we are at it
And get new owners too
October 20th, 2026 at 7:47 am
We know Lenny we know.. fans didn’t really need a breakdown to affirm what a terrible leader doughboy is. Someone send this to the Man U owners and remind them they have a small market American football team in Tampa
October 20th, 2026 at 7:58 am
Lincon Riley as HC and Jim Shwartz as DC. Boom!!!
October 20th, 2026 at 8:00 am
Captain Obvious
October 20th, 2026 at 8:07 am
He is the HEAD COACH. You lead the team offense and defense. You are not getting half a paycheck on Fridays!!!!!
Man I miss BA. SMH
October 20th, 2026 at 8:13 am
Mr Koetter, as HC, did the same thing with his DC Smith. Ignored the D until it was too late.
Time to earn your overpaid salary JL, go find us the next Ben Johnson.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:18 am
Even if the Bucs miraculously win the division with an 8-9 record, bowels should still be fired. This division, as it stands should be won with a 14-3 record. A quality offensive minded head coach could do that. Every game lost this season by a single score could have been a win with one play. Pathetic. “This” close to being 6-0, but we’re not playing horseshoes or throwing hand grenades so close doesn’t count. I can see the Bucs losing out the rest of the season by one score games and the owners glowing about how “close” we were in every game as if that matters. There is no “they were so close in every game” playoff spot. You either win or you lose. The Bucs are big losers, period. We have a head coach that is a career loser as head coach but the owners don’t care. The wasted opportunities have been disgusting. The NFC South won’t forever be a dumpster fire. One day, an 11 win season will get 2nd place in the division and we’ll always remember the wasted years because of ignorant, stubborn owners that don’t care.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:19 am
The writing was on the wall for this season to be a failure the day they retained Blowzo. The hiring of a garbage offensive coordinator just added more trash to the dumpster. No surprises that this is how its played out. Ownership created this toxicity and deserves no support and empty seats. Way to waste another season!
October 20th, 2026 at 8:20 am
Wow – Lenny…
You are so brave to make this call at this juncture.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Duh!!!!!!!
We fina gonna have a new coach next year…
Yep and thank you Captain OBVIOUS!
LOL!
October 20th, 2026 at 8:21 am
I hope our new HC is Byron Leftwich.
We need a young fresh offensive minded genius at the helm…
October 20th, 2026 at 8:22 am
Gruden is available.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:23 am
Rays got new owners and are going to the World Series! Time to get rid of the STALE Glazers
October 20th, 2026 at 8:25 am
It’s interesting that all these former players go on about how Bowles should be fired because of the long losing streak dating back to last year, but before they finish their thought, they’re quick to revert back to “but he’s a good coach and I respect him.”
Basically ‘this guy is clearly bad at this but don’t tee off on me for stating the obbios’
October 20th, 2026 at 8:26 am
So when Todd is gone Jason, Bruce and the Glazers will have huge coaching gaps at defense and offense. Smart good head coaches will demand total control. Unless we get one of them thing will likely get worse. How many coaches in the NFL are better at defense than Todd? Todd will find a landing spot, perhaps in the NFC south. I do not believe Todd is our primary leadership problem.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:32 am
“Gruden is available”
For good reason – the dude is a doofus.
With the help of his fake BSPN NFL “guru” Mike Mycock – they completely destroyed the Raiders for almost a decade…
Seriously one of the most aggregious mismanagements of a franchise I have EVER seen since the Matt Millen days in Detroit or the Mark Dominik days in Tampa.
No on Gruden.
No on Tomlin.
Yes on an offensive guru type young dude guy…
October 20th, 2026 at 8:32 am
🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
October 20th, 2026 at 8:36 am
I think Mike was onto something. I think the players like, but don’t respect Todd. Last year’s collapse indicates that. Actuallu, the collapse is still going on. I think the defense was playing well until Todd went to the prevent defense in the 4th. The defense was playing great. Why change it in the 4th.
Todd has been known to make head scratching decisions like that. One I will never forget is against Buffalo last year. We were moving the ball. They couldn’t stop our running game and we couldn’t stop them, period. We were within one score around midfield. It was like 4th and 3 or something like that with around 4 minutes left in the game and Todd decides to punt. From that point on, I’ve wanted him gone. Every Bucs fan knew we were not going to get that ball back from Josh Allen, who we had not stopped all night.
He makes point shaving type decisions. I think that when it comes down to it, he wants to be known as a defensive guru. We need to bring BA back.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:43 am
I think Bellicheck is ready to come back to the NFL. He wants to show the world that he can win a title withour Brady. Our season being over, I think we should continue playing JD. And Baker should be added to the firesale. The worst thing that could happen is to finish 1-16. Now, would that really be so bad. The last thing we need to do now is to start piling on useless, draft position ruining victories.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Nate Scheelhaase, Grant Udinski, I really like Declan Doyle also.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:45 am
Ladies n gentlemen, I present to u…Curt Cignetti. I rest my case.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:47 am
In most businesses when someone is not working(after bye week, last year) and looking like it won’t turn around (1-5) this year YOU MAKE A CHANGE. I do not know what is wrong with the Glazers. They need to send a message to the whole team, if you don’t do your job you are gone. RESULTS MATTER, WINNING IS THE ONLY RESULT THAT MATTERS. Defense is playing better does not keep Bowles employed.
October 20th, 2026 at 8:58 am
@ Dmatt
I would be OK with Cignetti but I highly doubt he will be coaxed off of his little comfy perch in Indiana…
Plus – why would you want to come to Tampa?
This roster is a mess.
He will be stuck with Baker Mayfield for 2 more seasons.
He will probably also be stuck with Jason Licht as his GM.
Who in their right mind would want to handle this mess?
October 20th, 2026 at 9:01 am
If we are going to hire another DC/HC my choice would be Brian Flores – who is currently the DC in Minn.
They are doing pretty well last I checked BTW…
He checks all the boxes for the current situation.
October 20th, 2026 at 9:04 am
If Bowles is fired, whoever the new head coach is should be an offensive guy who then hires Dan Quinn as the DC. Quinn is a terrible head coach and will almost certainly be fired at the end of the year by the Commanders, but he’s an outstanding DC.
No other owner will consider him for being the head coach again, so we could get the real continuity at offense and defense that we haven’t had since Gruden and Kiffin.
October 20th, 2026 at 9:07 am
zombie season is here…….so maybe bowles is trending up…?
🙂
October 20th, 2026 at 9:09 am
Wouldn’t it be nice if coaches were paid $500K per season plus incentives/bonus schedules.
– $1M per win.
– $1M make the play-offs
– $1M winning the division title
– $1M per play-off win
– $5M per Super Bowl win
That’s how Head coaches should be compensated…
October 20th, 2026 at 9:21 am
It’s not that complicated. Start trading away fakers like Winfield, Diaby, VV, Kancey and Otten. Get a strong offensive coach as HC and Schwartz as DC. Also, fire Licht!
October 20th, 2026 at 9:34 am
Marine, I would be all for that incentive-based payment system. Make them work for it a bit.
Incidentally, I would bet a milli that Lenny never said he thinks “kit Kat” eating coach Todd is on borrowed time. Why? Because that would be silly. To mention the candy. It’s only apparently not silly in this corner of the internet.
October 20th, 2026 at 9:53 am
Be patient, looks like Bowles is gonna explode in that sweatshirt..Anyhow he here nuthn I can do…Looking forward to the starter being back on the field….GoBucs!
October 20th, 2026 at 9:55 am
We’re stuck with Todd for the duration. He’s locked in for several more years.
Surviving a 4-13 stretch is a miracle in the modern day NFL.
Teflon might be too weak to describe his ability to absorb failure.
He benefits from a protection plan for certain individuals with distinct characteristics.
Plus, he’s a guru.
October 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am
ATLbuc
Who would want washed up Belichick and the circus his girlfriend brings?
October 20th, 2026 at 10:19 am
Name one college coach thats come to the nfl as a head coach and done squat im not aware of any..
October 20th, 2026 at 10:27 am
Rob, just off the top of my head. There’s Pete Carroll. Pretty successful career. Obviously not his last stint with the raiders.
October 20th, 2026 at 10:27 am
you can thick that TB is a good guy which i do but not a good head coach…this is his second chance and hes not doing well so he needs to go …i think the glazers fondness for todd has skewed their view and made them hold on to long and now its really coming back to bite them…
October 20th, 2026 at 10:28 am
Nick Saban with Miami didn’t work, but that’s primarily because they chose Dante culpepper instead of Drew Brees as their free agent quarterback. The entire dolphin situation would have been different with Drew Brees at quarterback.
October 20th, 2026 at 10:29 am
By the way Rob, your assessment of the Todd situation with the owners is spot on. I have to think they regret that at this point. And are probably trying to figure out the most graceful way to get out of it.
October 20th, 2026 at 10:30 am
um — all of them? They almost all start in college at one level or another. Straight to a head coaching gig in the NFL? Probably not.
October 20th, 2026 at 10:31 am
Take a serious look at Brad Idzik. He was in the building. Is Canales’ guy. Doing nice job rehabbing Bryce Young and maximizing output. Added benefit of poaching from division rival.
October 20th, 2026 at 10:42 am
I still think if IU’s Cignetti keeps progressing with IU (who does it with older players), this will be the Glazers play, seems like their kind of guy. Then I would look at Sean McDermott as defensive coordinator because of his experience with an inexperienced HC. You already know that he has watched Daniels; he has helped develop QBs and would have insight into the organization because of the QB coach, Chandler Whitmer
October 20th, 2026 at 10:44 am
Bowles is getting extended, not fired.
October 20th, 2026 at 11:00 am
With a Too 5 pick to boot.
Still time to get that part right.
Someone besides Todd making decisions and maybe Licht.
Really missed the Harbaugh train IMO.
October 20th, 2026 at 11:04 am
Time to trade some players. Eagles obviously need a QB – launch Mayfield there. Winfield to the 49ers. Vea to the Chiefs.
October 20th, 2026 at 11:59 am
@Todd Says
2 out of my top 3 for next year’s HC didn’t even make your list, lol! I guess we’re all shooting in the dark, but below is my list regardless. I too believe we need a proven offensive mind as our HC and one that has more BA (cuss out the refs or players for screwing up) fire rather than arms crossed, silent ire. Here’s my guys:
1. Brad Idzik, OC with Panthers. My line of thinking is to steal a good one from a division rival. Idzik came over to the Bucs with Canales and coached our WRs in 2023. He then left with Canales to become the Panthers OC, but in name only because he didn’t call plays. That changed this year as he now calls their plays, and it seems he’s unlocked both Young and that Panther offense which is currently top 5 in total offense and scoring. We’ll have to see how the season plays out, but he could be the next rocket to catch before takeoff.
2. Declan Doyle, OC with Ravens. He’s young at only 29, but he’s been with some very good offensive minds and is known to have an innovative mind. Reminds me of a young Shanahan or McVay. He spent time last year as the OC (non-play-calling) of the Bears and was heavily credited as a main ingredient to their offensive ascent. He now calls plays for the Ravens who are back to being in the top 5 despite Lamar missing time.
3. Drew Petzing. He is #7 on your list. Solid offensive mind that does bring balance with scheming a strong run game, similar to Coen. He has also had success in the past with the Cardinals and currently as the Lions new OC this year.
October 20th, 2026 at 12:08 pm
2 Super Bowls 2 offensive coaches.