Would The Bucs’ Head Coach Opening Be The Most Attractive In The NFL?
January 1st, 2026
Buccaneers GM Jason Licht.
Like most Bucs fans, Joe is looking toward who will be coaching the team later this month.
Change feels not only inevitable, but a sound decision.
Every January the NFL has about 25 percent of its teams looking for new head coaches. Openings could pop soon in Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami, Cleveland, Arizona, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Tampa. Yes, Tampa!
So which of those potential openings would be most attractive to an incoming, offense-first head coach? Joe assumes Team Glazer would want an offensive mind to escape the merry-go-round of changing playcallers every year.
Joe looks at that list of teams and objectively thinks the Bucs could be the most attractive job.
Would any coach with a sober mind prefer the total mess that is Vegas, Cleveland or Miami? Or quarterback-challenged Atlanta?
Arizona and Pittsburgh have quarterback issues, too. That leaves Baltimore and Green Bay as potentially glowing options. But Joe assumes a head coach candidate would want to stay far away from Green Bay in the punishing NFC North.
That’s a tough division to look good in out of the gate, and you’d be following a coach that lost two NFC Championship games and went to the playoffs in 6 of 7 seasons.
In Baltimore, a new head coach would be following a legend, though Lamar Jackson and a strong front office are huge draws.
That leaves the Bucs.
The Bucs’ roster, with a still young and devastating offensive line when healthy, and a talented veteran quarterback, would make any playcaller salivate. And don’t forget the Bucs’ stunning stable of wide receivers.
Tampa Bay also has an A-list front office that hasn’t tossed away draft picks and isn’t sitting in a salary cap nightmare. Team Glazer treats coaches very well. And don’t forget the miserable NFC South; that’s an attractor. Living large in Tampa isn’t so bad, either.
Joe doesn’t expect the Bucs would have any hiccups courting a new head coach.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:28 am
Aw Man, Joe, don’t get Rod and Lakeland started! Now they are going to go on and on as no because Baker has ONE whole year left on his contract and how he is just the worst of Vinny and Jameis in one, and he kicks dogs too.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:29 am
Why would there be an opening in Green Bay ? Lol
January 1st, 2026 at 10:29 am
No. Penny pinching ownership. If there was no salary floor the Bucs would have one of the lowest team salaries in the league.
?There hasn’t been a salary floor in a full generation. That’s ancient history. –Joe
January 1st, 2026 at 10:30 am
It depends if those potential coaches feel like Baker can be a consistent QB.
Sure, he is a veteran and talented, but he clearly is not consistent right now.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:33 am
Most HCs appear to be ego/power hungry. Who wouldn’t be attracted with that maliable selfie taking puppet as your new boss?
January 1st, 2026 at 10:34 am
It should all start with Ronde Barber at General Manager!
Everything else will fall into place!
January 1st, 2026 at 10:35 am
Ronde has no experience as a GM, no thank you!
January 1st, 2026 at 10:37 am
That talented veteran QB is a major reason why the HC is on the cusp of getting fired. What serious new HC wants to sign up for that?
Who on this roster is an explosive generational talent? A consistent playmaker? Someone you can count on every game?
What’s the big draw to come to the Bucs? What player has balled out in the PLAYOFFS?
Will the owners spend money? If the turnover prone, often injured vet QB continues to regress next season, how much leeway will the owners give him? 2 seasons? 3?
What if the new coach wants a new QB? Or a new GM?
Lots of questions to answered.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:37 am
Been a Bucs fan since 1978. No matter what happens the rest of the season, I don’t see any reason that Bowles doesn’t get fired. This team has got to have a new coaching staff top to bottom. As far as Licht goes I would keep him unless new HC wants a different GM.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:38 am
So are we voting for any sports talk head to be qualified for GM? Sorry but Ronde should stay behind the mic
I vote for that guy Cowherd?!
January 1st, 2026 at 10:40 am
Who on this roster is an explosive generational talent?
A consistent playmaker?
Someone you can count on every game?
Think you’re discounting how good the O-line is when healthy and how much that means to coaches. –Joe
What’s the big draw to come to the Bucs? What player has balled out in the PLAYOFFS?
Will the owners spend money in FA?
If the turnover prone, often injured vet QB continues to regress next season, how much leeway will the owners give the HC? 2 seasons? 3?
What if the new coach wants a new QB? Or a new GM?
Lots of questions to answered.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:42 am
Neither did John Lynch. Not saying Rhonde is capable or willing, just saying GMs and HCs never have the title on their resume until they do. Ben Johnson was not a HC before he was in Chicago, yet the results are amazing
January 1st, 2026 at 10:43 am
Well better than the Giants which is the only opening now. Who wants that could weather, hard fake turf, and micro managing local media. Not to mention an injured playboy rookie QB. Of the likely openings they are all way worse.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:43 am
Bring our Hall of fame n ring of honor former players. A 4 defensive line could be more beneficial than our 3-4 give SVD his walking papers. Draft a rookielb beg David 2 come back n put hime on the outside. Our oline needs an upgrade but licht has to go too. Bring in a younger GM potential that is college game experienced. Swear we can see a better team next year with these moves. Respect 2 Bowles n licht but it’s time.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:44 am
GM is not rocket science for a NFL Football Hall of Fame player.
Ronde has contacts all over the NFL.
He is respected and extremely knowledgeable.
He loves this franchise.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:45 am
I do not think our talent is above average.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:47 am
Please stop with the Rhonde and Gruden talk. Both are less qualified than Todd.
If Green Bay fires LeFluer ( not happening) we should back up a truck with cash
For him. (Again. NO way is Green Bay letting him go)
January 1st, 2026 at 10:47 am
Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Green Bay. Not a chance!
January 1st, 2026 at 10:48 am
Oh, we daydreaming about GMs now. I like McCarthy or Belicheat as GMs. McCarthy seems in tune with his teams and Belicheats seemed good at getting trade value out of guys on the verge of inevitable decline. Both seem willing to make tough calls to bench guys and motivate a team. And Belicheat is just d!ck enough to never be a pawn to his coach.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:48 am
Jason has done amazing in the draft. Adjusting on the fly to what’s available and team needs takes skill. We do not have a GM problem.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:51 am
Talent?
Take a hard and objective look at our established starters on both sides of the ball.
How many are on the upswing of their careers and how many on the back side?
A serious transition is needed and a good bye to fan favorites.
OBP is as stale as a dive bar at 10 in the morning…
January 1st, 2026 at 10:53 am
The question is not – is the Tampa job desirable. Yes. The question is – WHO? Who is available, qualified for the job, and has not failed as a coach in his present position? If they cannot come up with a sane, reasonable and sensible answer, Bowles is safe. Simple as that!
January 1st, 2026 at 10:53 am
Let’s not get carried away on the OL quality. But yes it should be quite an attractive option for an aspiring head coach.
January 1st, 2026 at 10:56 am
If the Bucs had John Lynch as their GM
This would be an attractive Head Coach position especially for an up and coming Coordinator. But with an Idle GM like Jason Licht, this HC position is the least attractive.
The San Francisco have key injuries every year, at every position
But John Lynch is very active in swinging trades, and having a quality Backup in place
The total opposite of what is going on in Tampa
Kyle Shanahan is wearing two hats( which is the norm now)
These young offensive coordinators want to call their own plays
Therefore they won’t have the time make key personnel decisions
Such as scouting, trades, roster etc
That’s why the GM position is very important for a team success
That’s why Liam Coen forced the Jags to hire a new GM
The Bucs do not have a competent GM
With all of this madness that’s been happening in Tampa
This GM haven’t been heard from, nor has he made one Single move to better this team. The HC is still calling the defense, the OC is still calling plays, the special team coach is still coaching the special team, the injured QB is still playing hurt and contributing to the collapse. A UDFA rookie is starting in place of the injured All-Pro LT. The GM haven’t fired anyone, he hasn’t made any trades, he have done absolutely nothing to help this trade. He signed a high school coach to backup his injured QB, after waiving the backup QB of 4 years.
The potential HC position here is probably the worst opening in the NFL
With a sitting GM that don’t have the mental capacity to make key personnel decisions
January 1st, 2026 at 10:56 am
“The Bucs’ roster, with a still young and devastating offensive line when healthy, and a talented veteran quarterback, would make any playcaller salivate. And don’t forget the Bucs’ stunning stable of wide receivers.“
Part true, depends on the candidate. Whose call do you think it was in NY when Aaron Glenn took the job to NOT keep Aaron Rodgers? First time HC, HoF QB you’d think that’d be an easy decision until it’s not and you saw what happened there.
Sirianni inherited Carson Wentz, then traded him a few months after taking the job and has been riding with Jalen Hurts since.
Part of Bakers restructure was taking some of his ‘26 salary and converting it into a $30M roster bonus which can be used in renegotiation or if, IF the front office decided to move that player. It works out that before the bonus we’d be on the hook for the full hit, after the bonus means the team accepting the trade has to cover some of that $30M. Just a thought lol
January 1st, 2026 at 10:58 am
Was just reading a Steelers thread on tweeeter, Tomlin is about as popular there as Todd is here. (And they ALSO point out “who is out there?)
January 1st, 2026 at 10:59 am
All of you calling for JL’s job aren’t talking about the importance of the draft.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:04 am
It would be 50 years before another Tom Brady fall in your lap
Now you need an GM that’s actually good at building and maintaining a team
January 1st, 2026 at 11:06 am
It will get interesting very soon!
January 1st, 2026 at 11:06 am
GM is as bad a problem as Bowzo
January 1st, 2026 at 11:09 am
Licht n Bowles gave grizzard who is young a chance. Grizzard promised a same type of offense with more down field throwing but all I’ve seen were screens n check downs that don’t include the te position. Effing up our 1st down percentages. Also a lack of motions or or swing run blocks. Licht n Bowles agreed 2 bring in the special teams coach despite his horrible history before. McCollum has busted his talent potential he is playing ball doesn’t understand his role as an outside running lane filler. I’d like 2 see us eat his contract n give him his walking papers. We’re heavy at CB. Dean needs 2 stay. McMillan needs 2 go 2. Tez can fill his spot. Mayfield is acting like he owes him plays since he’s been out which is cool as friends. Help him earn his check. Same with sterling Shepard loyalty is costing us games. Tez is better than both. Rachaad white needs 2 go also unless he takes a team friendly contract n a lesser role. Allow our young rbs 2 develop.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:09 am
After a huge slide from 6-2 to 7-9
And you haven’t heard a whisper from your GM
Something is very, very wrong with this picture
I’m just a crazed,lunatic fan from Poke County
And I’m more vocal than this silent, losing poor excuse of a GM
😂😂🤣🤣
January 1st, 2026 at 11:11 am
If LeFluer shockingly becomes available he’s the obvious choice. I like the Seattle OC too.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:11 am
Nothing changes if nothing changes
January 1st, 2026 at 11:11 am
Absolutely agree. Tampa Bay is the place to be. The team has so much going for them. Any coach would love to come here.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:12 am
HC Grover,
Everyone and their Mama knows Bowles is the problem
So why is Bowles still running the show?
A competent GM would have walked Todd Bowles many,many moons ago
😆
January 1st, 2026 at 11:16 am
Mike Evans will leave Tampa Bay after this season. Even with a new coach it’s not gonna be an overnight fix so why would he want to come back here and play in this mess again he wants to play for championships at the end of his career not last place in the NFC south and a team with locker room issues
January 1st, 2026 at 11:20 am
The Bucs franchise is quite desirable…no medallion Owners, Tampa is a great place to live and raise a family and the team has lots of talent on offensive side with an upside for the defense.
Most fans are saying go for it and the truth be known, the players are silently demonstrating similar thoughts by their performance
.
MAKE IT WORK.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:21 am
Joe the O line is as overrated as the rest if the team.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:32 am
A month ago, they should’ve brought both Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden into the locker room before the Falcons game to help motivate and wake this team the f up. Ya know….the good cop/bad cop lecture. But they didn’t
January 1st, 2026 at 11:33 am
Team has talent but everyone lost their fire.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:35 am
Of course it’s attractive. There are a ton of pieces on place. Aside from the offense mostly returning, basically the entire secondary returns. This was a 10 win team a year ago, should have been again this year.
They have 4 or 5 of their first 6 draft picks to put towards the front 7. Grab a couple veteran depth pieces in FA, potentially cooking with gas in a weak division again.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:39 am
Rams OC or DC
January 1st, 2026 at 11:50 am
“””””‘If you’re not part of the solution””””””
Then you’re part of the problem
January 1st, 2026 at 11:51 am
A-list front office? It’s January 1st…not April 1st. Come on!
January 1st, 2026 at 11:51 am
Lakeland
If Lynch was our GM this conversation would be moot.
January 1st, 2026 at 11:52 am
I belive we are. What unit seems to be failing the most over the last 3 yrs… edge rush. How has JL addressed it through draft? JTS, Braswell, Hall (maybe), placidely waiting for walker in the 4th. How has he addressed it in FA Reddick, the pothead, not at all. But let’s think about blowing your 1st round nut on a Center, a converted center at that. I know, I know everybody loves E², but look at our dying void at ILB and 2 potential DROYs passed on…Schlessenger (sp?) and Campbell. Sure JL has blind squirreled a few nuts, but he is picking from a pool of talent. Think about the misses and character fails….Hargreaves, JTS, Howard, D White, Howard, Kancy (sorry, the guy is never on the field)…
He hoards picks, so yeah, a shotgun is bound to hit a 10 foot target more often than a rifle. Have you ever heard the phrase “a bird in hand is worth 2 in the bush?” A Crosby is a bird in hand, but our nearsighted-over glorified-scout prefers to rummage in the bush. Look, he served us well for a brief time under BA’s tutelage, but if drafting is his only skill set, then he severely is lacking in other necessary skills (like: leadership, coach evaluation, trades, free agency). This team needs an image overhaul and it starts with the GM
January 1st, 2026 at 11:59 am
Hopefully JL is watching TT and Oregon today. Draft the Best Player Available, BPA.
Never draft for need. That said, man you getting hope Sadiq or Bain are available at 11.
I love Fletcher too. Tough inside runner who can catch and is a Dawg!
January 1st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
@ChiBuc, all great points. Appreciate you walking me through your thoughts. You seem logical. So, what are your thoughts on GM and HC. I’m interested in your take.
January 1st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
“Change is optional, survival is not mandatory.”
W.E Deming
January 1st, 2026 at 12:00 pm
ME13 is my top 3 all time favorite, but this happens and I can live with it. He deserves another ring or he can hold tight and nobody would think less of him. But, let’s be honest Julio Jones was great too, not so much at 32 and Mike is ending his career, not beginning, so not even a cosideration in this equation imo
January 1st, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Put out feelers for Day and Smart. Day has been rumored the past few years to the NFL.
OSU fans don’t appreciate that guy.
January 1st, 2026 at 12:03 pm
I’m okay with letting Mike go, for Mike’s sake… but for ours too. That is one bumb hamstring. If he would take less money, happy to keep him.
January 1st, 2026 at 12:04 pm
I’m over Jason light as well. He had every opportunity to address the pass rush at the trade deadline, He thinks he can fix everything through the draft. Jason how is that working out for you? I’m tired of Jason drafting alter boys.. Draft some mean , tough kids that want to tackle and hit!!!
January 1st, 2026 at 12:06 pm
DARKHORSE for best job that may be available,, Buffalo would be the best for a good coach to come in and be offensive minded,,, maybe Diabol goes back,,,
For Bucs , if Lafluer becomes available , that’s a no brainer
January 1st, 2026 at 12:07 pm
I LOVE stale dive bars, especially at 10 in the morning, man that is in my WHEEL HOUSE
January 1st, 2026 at 12:13 pm
Dabo Swinney and Jameis Winston. This is entertainment. That would be entertaining.
January 1st, 2026 at 12:19 pm
@Told
I outline my GM pipedream above. It’s all gut speculation, I’m not nearly as smart as Rod thinks he is. I’m just hacking away with my thumb, stilling the dust, and hoping wiser minds (Glazers) prevail.
Re Coaches: I like some of the names already tossed out.
LaFluer: if this guy comes available, why would you not jump. At least get him in the bldg for an interview
Kubiak: Rising star and league trend
Flores: I like his defensive schemes and he immediately created a competitive no quit team as HC in Miami. I know he comes with baggage, but he seems like a good short term fix for our shrinking window
McCarthy: Proven and well organized. He seems like a great at player evaluator and scheming to their skills. I actually think that these skills in player evaluation would make him a good GM. Also, he reads as soft on players which the friendly grandpa roll works better as GM than task master HC. Proverbial Supervisor vs Manager rolls
January 1st, 2026 at 12:31 pm
Who would want to inherit this debacle is the question?
January 1st, 2026 at 12:34 pm
Amen. Look at the stud ILBs he passed on for LVD’s injured retreat friend, Walker, and poorly evaluated SVD. Also, imo, Mike green will be a force in the near future. 2 areas of great need that a savvy GM could have identified and traded back to address. His philosophy makes for a great post SB headline, but in this violent game, is it sustainable?
January 1st, 2026 at 12:35 pm
It would be a good team to coach as long as Licht is fired along with Bowles. He could have picked up a pro bowl CB off of waivers a few days ago and didn’t. Instead GB got him. Then there is not getting a good edge rusher before the trade deadline. Instead when everything goes to hell he re-signs JPP.
Licht destroyed McCoys career and Jameis’s career by not helping a bad defense. Think about it, he is doing the same thing to Baker and Vea.
Don’t even talk to me about the SB, that was all Brady and Airens.
This bum GM has to go. More talk than action coupled with starting some horrible draft picks makes him expendable.
January 1st, 2026 at 12:42 pm
As long as Kubiak or Monken or LeFleur get it , future brightens up…
Ronde for GM is foolishness… He would keep bowels so that alone proves he would be one of the worst gms!…
January 1st, 2026 at 12:42 pm
I absolutely hate to say this but, Bill Belichick.
January 1st, 2026 at 12:44 pm
John Lynch had no experience as a GM and he is arguably the best in the league
January 1st, 2026 at 12:48 pm
Rams OC is Sean McVay. Their OC doesn’t call the plays and is an OC by name only. Their DC Shula would be a good candidate
January 1st, 2026 at 12:50 pm
BA’s Red Pen – Sorry to disagree, but no way to Belichick. We need younger and edgy. He is 73. Bill did nothing after Tom and Gronk left. He did nothing at college level. And he has too much drama and complicit.
January 1st, 2026 at 1:17 pm
I’m not sure why people are talking rebuild. Coaching in the NFL is the biggest differential in any sport. Look what Coen and Vrabel have done this year. Letting Coen out of the building was a huge mistake. Its in the past now but you need to go find a “New Coen” or McVay or KOC or Shannanan and they should keep trying till they find one. Todd Bowels is a dinosaur. Give me the 30 year old Kevin O’ Connell said would be superstar in this league. The guy that Coen made is right hand man in first year as a head coach. Grant Udinsiki is his name. I know he hasn’t called plays but that is overrated for head coach. Can scheme plays and come with game plan. Todd Bowels plays his system regardless of who he is going against or who he has personal. This coaching staff hasn’t had one player improve under them. You can’t name one…
January 1st, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Agree with the assessment, but the Bucs long legacy of mediocrity will count against them to new head coaches.
Assuming Evans retires, the overall offense is still pretty loaded. The Defense could be salvaged with a coordinator who has any idea how to call plays. But the LBs have got to be fixed.
January 1st, 2026 at 1:58 pm
Wow, how many people here actually played football at any level. If you have you know you can’t do crap on offense unless you have a good offensive line. If the Bucs O-line had been intact the whole year we would be talking about the team we are playing first in the playoffs. Baker Mayfield would probably be playing similar to last year. I don’t care what QB you have if you can’t protect them bad things happen. Sure Baker has made bad plays but this is almost totally on our inability to protect Baker.
January 1st, 2026 at 2:01 pm
Jason Licht’s choir boys stink.
Jason Licht has a losing record.
Jason Licht was a passenger on the Brady train.
Jason Licht is a FRAUD.
January 1st, 2026 at 2:07 pm
A really good HC is not going to work for the pennies Bowles got. Bowles is one of the lowest-paid HC’s in the NFL.
January 1st, 2026 at 2:08 pm
Why would someone want to come to Tampa and get the abuse the fans give the present coach? The only one I can think of being attracted is soon to be fired because he lost the team’s best quarterback of the century, one that led them to their only playoff win of the century. He still resides on the shores of Lake Erie, and, yes, he is offense-minded. My other option would be for Bowles and Tomlin to be traded for each other; both are used to being trashed for getting into the playoffs because that just makes them mediocre. And fans don’t like to identify with proxy mediocrities.
January 1st, 2026 at 2:10 pm
Patrick Says:
January 1st, 2026 at 11:32 am
A month ago, they should’ve brought both Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden into the locker room before the Falcons game to help motivate and wake this team the f up. Ya know….the good cop/bad cop lecture. But they didn’t
Dungy is finished
January 1st, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Disrespect but Dungy is retired
January 1st, 2026 at 2:12 pm
No disrespect
January 1st, 2026 at 2:18 pm
The New York Giants Head Coach opening is the most attractive because…
* It’s NYC. The biggest stage in the NFL.
* Jaxson Dart “could be” the next Josh Allen.
* Abdul Carter “could be” the next Micah Parsons.
* Malik Nabers “could be” the next ???
* Cam Scattebo “could be” the next ???
* Brian Burns is Bryan Burns.
* 2026 #1 or #2 Overall Draft Pick.
* Following a 10-year disaster, an easy act to follow.
* The Mara Family is NFL royalty and will stay out of the way.
And then again, much of the above may mean nothing and not make next season any better for “Big Blue!?!
January 1st, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Typo… Brian Burns is Brian Burns!
January 1st, 2026 at 2:28 pm
LakelandSteve,
Of course you are right. Many of the posters here played clarinet in high school bands and just don’t know what they are talking about. Chief among these is RodMunch, Bee, and Munches’ wife, Warren Brooks Loser.
January 1st, 2026 at 2:40 pm
Still rent free in Gippers head, and he’s still talking about High School because he probably peaked there playing JV the morning after Varsity played.
Guy knows more about mental gymnastics that makes him sound mentally challenged, because everything can go wrong but Mayfields’ play 🤣 and that’s when he tells us how many picks Joe Montana threw and how that makes Baker on par with Joe effin’ Montana.
Gipper, skipper of the S.S. Bell-End. Head of the Bakettes
January 1st, 2026 at 2:57 pm
No, to many holes on the bucs team