Scathing Assessment Of Todd Bowles’ Defense By Rondé Barber

January 8th, 2026

The man running the 2026 Bucs defense, as of now, is the same man who ran the 2025 Bucs defense.

And that defense was riddled with problems in every way.

Rondé Barber went there in a clearly thought out assessment today on the WFLA streaming show known as The Rondé Barber Show.

Among other areas, Barber pointed at assistant coaches and head coach defensive architect Todd Bowles.

“I think the indictment is that we don’t have good enough teachers, especially on defense,” Barber said.

“There’s too many gaps in coverages. There’s a lot that this scheme that Todd Bowles designed over the course of his career, that is asked of players. And if you’re not able to find the answers to the questions, and you’re not genuinely curious about how to get better in it, that that’s got to fall on somebody.

“…  No matter who you put in there [in the secondary], every single one of them struggled. There was clearly a lack of understanding of what was going on in their defense. So, I think that’s where the change has come; and it’s not going to be because of Todd. Right? I think people like Todd; they want to be around his energy and what he brings to this team. I guarantee every player on this team is sitting at home right now saying, ‘We kind of let [Bowles] down.’ But at the same time, he let them down. He did not give them a consumable defense that they can play fast. If there’s one quick criticism I have of Todd, it’s that. They don’t play fast enough because there’s so much confusion play-in/play-out and it leads to big plays — over and over and over guys being open that shouldn’t be open.”

Rest assured Barber shared his opinion with folks at One Buc Palace, where he works, long before he did it behind a microphone.

In short, Barber is saying Bowles and his staff didn’t read the room and didn’t get the most out of players.

77 Responses to “Scathing Assessment Of Todd Bowles’ Defense By Rondé Barber”

  1. Davenport Says:

    And yet, he stays … what a joke

  2. Mhystc Says:

    This is what a reporter said so don’t quote me on it but, harbuagh wanted to be here or Miami.

    “ 🚨 New York Giants ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan on John Harbaugh:

    “If that relationship is what people say it is between Ross and the Harbaugh family, it’s a wrap. Several days I got a text and it said said something to the degree of, if the Buccs or the Dolphins [HC job] opens, it’s over for John Harbaugh.”

  3. BucsFan81 Says:

    If your defense is that confusing and no matter who you put in it and it doesn’t work then maybe it’s time to change the defense. Bowles is stubborn and tries to fit a square peg in a round hole. It’s not going to work. He can bring in whoever he wants to teach it but it hasn’t worked in 3 years it’s not just going to magically come together. Your defense is out dated and it sucks. You want to see a defense of guru go look at the head coach for the Houston Texans and that defense.

  4. Outrigger Says:

    Well obviously Rhonde’s opinion doesn’t hold much weight with the Glazers. I just can’t believe they can be this stupid. You fire all the assistants but keep the idiot who hired and supervised them. Everyone with any sense would’ve moved on from Bowles. I guess it comes down to the Glazers being cheap and greedy

  5. End_Insanity Says:

    Tomlin is still a possibility. Let’s see how he does in the coming weeks.

  6. Rob Says:

    If the players can’t comprehend the system, then change the damn system.
    That’s what good coaches do! Redesign the playbook to fit the individual’s strengths.

  7. Outrigger Says:

    It’s bad enough theyre keeping Todd the head coach but it’s criminal they’re keeping Todd the Defensive Coordinator.

  8. Aqualung Says:

    I’ve been saying that since CooperKuppGate.

    His Geniusness is now His Failureness. And he’s like Lovie, he won’t adjust. He won’t adjust the scheme to the players.

    We’re toast.

  9. Wouldn’t pay a single Buc to see this squad Says:

    Cheap
    Accepting of under performance
    Laughing stock
    Now won’t get free agents
    Raiders of the nfc

  10. Bucs4Ever Says:

    RIdiculous.

  11. Bucs4Ever Says:

    One more year to prove himself.

  12. Rod Munch Says:

    How much knowledge does it take to just stand flat footed in a super soft zone like Bowles wants from his players?

  13. Wouldn’t pay a single Buc to see this squad Says:

    Absolute haphazard and reckless oversight of a franchise keeping this MUSH

  14. FormerBucFan Says:

    Anyone thinking that firing all the assistants and keeping fat a$$ makes this team better for 2026 is simply delusional.

  15. BucsFan81 Says:

    The crazy part is pretty sure Bowles was in the draft room when selecting players. So you can’t use the excuse that you don’t have the players to fit your system. Same old same old come September 2026. I can’t wait actually cause Bowles won’t be able to blame anyone else now. You fired everyone you originally hired now when it fails with all your new coaches who you going to blame toilet bowl.

  16. Bobby Says:

    Joe and The Glazers please hear me when I suggest this, what about Ole Miss HC Pete Golding as the next HC. I’m watching this game Miami vs. Ole Miss. This fast paced high uptempo offense. I like it!? It worked well when Bucs had BA during Super Bowl. What about 41yr old Pete Golding for your next HC of the Bucs!?? I like this guy, I think he has future taking him to high points in football. Pete Golding??

  17. JD Says:

    I still wonder why Kacy Rodgers took the job same job with Lions last year.

  18. Bobby Says:

    Pete Golding next HC for Bucs

  19. Popmike66 Says:

    I still have a couple of questions about Bowles defenses. Was his defensive play calling that bad or was it players missing assignments and picking up penalties because of poor position coaching. Ever since Bowles has been DC his secondary have always gave up big plays at times when the team need a shutdown, then I thought back, the people that was fired today was coaching the secondary at that time. One other subject was brought up today about Bowles not developing a edge rusher and I had to agree with another fan, Shaq Barrett had something like 18 or 19 sacks playing in the same defense

  20. ItsBillyBaugh Says:

    Let me tell you somthing. I no ball and no for a fact. Rodney ain’t no nothing. Was he a decent ball player YES but he ain’t no all he thinks he dose.

  21. E Says:

    The Bucs don’t need to announce the firing of Bowles as DC since it appears that he remains the HC. They can simply hire a DC. I’ll wait it out and hope they sign an experienced NFL coach. No more flyers on college coaches or first time coordinators.

  22. Will Says:

    Don’t you think that Ronde Barber is a true professional and knows what he’s talking about. The Glazers should be keeping options open. After this season it’s apparent Bowles lost his players and coaches. The man has lost his mind, if he thinks he’s a great mastermind. Go to retirement, thanks.

  23. Rod Stewart Says:

    Some guys have a all the luck

  24. Les Says:

    GREAT SO BOWLES IS CALLING THE DEFENCE AGAIN ? ARE GLAZZERS OUT OF THERE MIND ? You really have to ask .😡

  25. It's Corn Says:

    That’s a top-notch assessment. Ronde for DC

  26. Popmike66 Says:

    Ok out with the old and in with the new. Bowles is the HC for 026. Who will be the OC and secondary coach. As my mom use to say, no need in crying over spilled milk. This thing about the Glazers don’t care about the fans. If owners always listened to us fan they would be changing coaches every 2 years. I ve been a Bucs fan for 48 years and still is and I will not criticize those who want to bail

  27. Truth be Told Says:

    it is ridiculous that everybody else is getting fired from this team and Todd gets to keep his job? Why? He owns/owned the DEfense. They stink and have for awhile against the Pass. Enough is enough.

  28. ItsBillyBaugh Says:

    Yes he played ball but dose he no ball. Thats the question. I don’t believe he dose.

  29. HopetheBucswin Says:

    Stubbornness stubborn stubbornly Stubbornness stubborn stubbornlyStubbornness stubborn stubbornlyStubbornness stubborn stubbornlyStubbornness stubborn stubbornlyStubbornness stubborn stubbornly. He is.

  30. Let ‘em bake Says:

    Well, expect Bowles to swallow his pride, dump his exotic scheme, and implement a “ consumable” plan.

  31. Just Saying Says:

    You don’t have to know ball at all very high level to know that defense can’t stop anyone. Teams struggled on offense all year until the play Bowles. His defense makes every opponent look like hall of famers

  32. Aqualung Says:

    Coach of the year. Seriously. All those injuries? Lucky to have Todd. Really.

    Goalkeeper pitching a shutout tonight.

  33. JTHV Says:

    Dungy was fired because he hired 3 OC’s that couldn’t figure out how to score 20 points a game with top offensive draft picks like Dilfer, Dunn, Alston, 2 1st round Gator receivers and free agent from Atlanta Bert Emmanuel, as well as 2 early picks on the Oline from Gators

    Bowles needs to figure out how to not give up points

    What a world we live in

  34. Irishmist Says:

    When you are teaching math, you make sure your student has mastered basic algebra before you try and teach them calculus.

  35. buccintimeforchanges Says:

    Bruce Arians is the cancer…until he is fired…this team will be mid to suck

    Licht and Todd are tied at the hip.

    After next year’s embarrassing season…have you seen that schedule?

    They both get ejected and we get NEW BLOOD from golf cart grandpa on down.

    Jason Licht is a losing GM…Todd Bowles is worthless

    Put them together? LOL

    This franchise is a joke around the league. Evans retire. LVD retire. You don’t want to be here guys. It’s gonna be a ish show.

    The joe’s are afraid to speak bad to Licht like tkras. Scared. But once he’s fired next year they will all be claiming that he didn’t do enough on defense…blah blah blah

  36. Jmarkbuc Says:

    Ronde is right.

    But it’s not like what he said isn’t completely obvious. Keeping Bowles to keep running his crazy defense is a huge mistake.

  37. Rod Munch Says:

    IF Bowles is going to insist on running this garbage zone, have Ronde and Brooks come in and teach the coaches how you run a zone.

  38. Aqualung Says:

    Stupid is as stupid does.

    And you can’t fix stupid.

  39. Popmike66 Says:

    As bad as the defense was this past season, the offense wasn’t that good either. Baker threw some bad picks and the run game was so so. However, that’s all water under the bridge. I am interested in who the Bucs bring in at OC and secondary coach. Also the Bucs need defensive players on the DL

  40. Bobby Says:

    What a game, Miami vs. Ole Miss, Pete Golding and Charlie Weis Jr. look like the real deal. Fast paced high uptempo offense. Both of those names are going to be successful in football in the near future.

  41. MelvinJunior Says:

    @ Bobby Says: “Joe and The Glazers please hear me when I suggest this, what about Ole Miss HC Pete Golding as the next HC. I’m watching this game Miami vs. Ole Miss. This fast paced high uptempo offense. I like it!? It worked well when Bucs had BA during Super Bowl. What about 41yr old Pete Golding for your next HC of the Bucs!?? I like this guy, I think he has future taking him to high points in football. Pete Golding??”

    Ohhh, NO. I agree he’s looked a lot better during this crazy ass ordeal at Ole Miss and everything, BUT there’s just an astronomical amount of ‘emotion’ with this current Rebel TEAM, & etc. Just how they’ve come together and everything. Long story short… Everyone LAUGHED AT Ole Miss for this hire (though they didn’t have much choice). Most people assumed (and wanted) it’d just be as an ‘interim’ only position, just during The Playoffs! I’m happy they decided to give him a shot though, but his time at Alabama ended in TOTAL DISASTER. I mean, they freaking HATE HIM THERE, and he’s STILL the ‘punchline’ of MANY jokes. You should go and ask “LEGEND” what HE thinks of him LoL… I DVR “PAWL Finebaum” EVERYDAY, all year long Hahah. They CAN’T STAND HIM at Alabama. With all that said, there are just waaaaayyy BETTER ‘options’ out there. There’s no reason to hire HIM anytime soon. He’s had A LOT of help during this run. So, let’s just wait and see what he can do while at OLE MISS FIRST, when he’s ALL ON HIS OWN.

  42. MikeBuc Says:

    MelvinJunior Says:
    January 8th, 2026 at 11:34 pm
    @ Bobby Says: “Joe and The Glazers please hear me when I suggest this, what about Ole Miss HC Pete Golding as the next HC. I’m watching this game Miami vs. Ole Miss. This fast paced high uptempo offense. I like it!?

    ———

    You announced you are now a jags fan and everyone should leave the bucs so no one cares what you think. go bother your fellow jag fans with your caps syndrome. Take rodney with you too who claims the bucs have a top ten defense

  43. Bobby Says:

    @melvinJunior…you sound a little too much on that message you posted there. I recommend less energy drinks or decaf coffee, whatever your preference. Listen dude, identifying the next coaches that maybe successful from college to pros is a time ol story. So picking on me for suggesting Pete Golding or Charlie Weis as successful NFL coaches is a little premature don’t you think… you don’t what the future holds. No one one this platform does. I identified the high uptempo offense that ole miss is running. SB champion HC Bruce Arians ran something similar and look what that delivered. So relax. Im just saying look out in the future, Pete Golding and Charlie Weis Jr are going to be successful in other places someday. I was a little premature in my suggesting Pete Golding for HC. But is our current leadership with Bowles much better!? So yes I’ll take Pete Golding over Bowles right now. At least he knows how to manage timouts and doesn’t do walk thru practices often. Relax dude..goodnight

  44. Bobby Says:

    Charlie Weis Jr.

  45. john Says:

    zyon,reddick,dean and winfield i feel were the main problems

  46. Bobby Says:

    @mikebuc, read your message, you say I announced I’m jag fan, hmmm, don’t see in any part of my messages where I said that dipspit. Stop drinking and doing drugs dude, it’s killing your brain. I’ve been a bucs fan since the 80s and regularly going to games. Your an idiot, ill look for your next idiot response… you actually derived i’m a jag fan lmao. Dude really. Your a fictional author on this platform aren’t you lol?

  47. Bobby Says:

    Lmao, my bad, there are so many idiots l, I get mixed up sometimes, @melvinjunior, read your message you say I announced I’m a jags fan, hmmm, don’t see any part of my messages where I said that dip spit. Stop drinking and doing drugs dude. It’s killing your brain. I’ve been a Bucs fan since the 80s and regularly going to games. I’ll look for your next idiot response….you actually derived I’m a jags fan lmao. Your a fictional author on this platform aren’t you???

  48. MelvinJunior Says:

    @ BucsFan81 Says: “The crazy part is pretty sure Bowles was in the draft room when selecting players.”

    He was. He was in there with LICKT. And, I was trying to think how to describe ‘the way’ I felt about seeing them BOTH in there together, on that day! I still can’t fully describe it, but in a nutshell, I just looked at THEM as being THE ‘BIGGEST’ CLOWNS I had ever seen before, in such ‘high-level’ positions. It gave me ZERO CONFIDENCE, and just made absolutely NO SENSE TO ME. Nothing they ever do MAKES ANY SENSE. Honestly, it was ‘the day’ that made me feel that we had NO CHANCE, AT ALL. Not with THESE TWO being in-charge. I felt DOOM. That we are going NOWHERE, and FAST. I just wish I could think of the perfect thing to compare ‘that feeling’ I had on that day, just watching THEM… Cause, it was definitely a HORRIBLE “feeling.” I’m watching these guys “high-fiving” one another and all this nonsense, and it was just AWFUL. I mean, SOOO RIDICULOUS. Like, “These Guys Don’t Have Even ‘The FIRST CLUE’ As To What The Hell THEY’RE DOING.” And, I’m like WHAT ARE WE EVEN DOING!? These guys were just sooooo farrrrr over their heads, it’s INSANE. That’s the word for it tho… INSANITY.

  49. MelvinJunior Says:

    @ Bobby – Hmmmm… Yeah, I don’t know what the hell you’re even talking about!? I NEVER called YOU a “JAGS FAN.” So, WHO’s on drugs now!? And, I NEVER “picked on” ANYONE!? YOU ASKED about “Golden,” & I gave you MY OPINION, since I know just a ‘little bit’ about HIM. Alsooooo… THAT is NOT “HIS” Offense. It’s Lane Kiffen’s (team) AND Charlie Weis JUNIOR’S.

    Pete Golden was THE ‘DEFENSIVE” Coordinator. LMAO. So, NOW I AM going to “ATTACK YOU,” since it’s obvious that YOU DON’T KNOW WTF YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT, and was only ‘spewing’ a bunch of EMPTY BS off the top of your head, and without ANY ‘REAL’ THOUGHT. But, whoa… Very defensive there, huh!?

  50. Aqualung Says:

    No one should ingest controlled stimulants and take to posting in blog sections of fan news sites.

    Fire Belows.

  51. MelvinJunior Says:

    @ Bobby SAYS (lol): “What about 41yr old Pete Golding for your next HC of the Bucs!?? I like this guy, I think he has future taking him to high points in football. Pete Golding??”

    Ummmm, yeah. YOU DO do ya!? Think HE might have a “future” in high points in this football thing, huh!? Yeah, he’s been around for a while now LoL. It’s not some ‘new’ name hahahah. Lmao

  52. MelvinJunior Says:

    @ Bobby SAYS: “he doesn’t do walk thru practices often.”

    YOU don’t know WTF he does or doesn’t do. So, WHAT are you even talking about!?

  53. MelvinJunior Says:

    @ Bobby – SERIOUSLY… YOU TOOK THIS as “attacking you.” Get Help. I could tell that YOU knew absolutely NOTHING about him whatsoever. I thought I’d give you a little bit about his background, so at least then, you’d actually KNOW ‘SOMETHING’ about the guy! And maybe, that you’d WANT TO go and do some research to LEARN MORE. But, Seriously, THIS… You call “Picking On YOU.” :/

    Ohhh, NO. I agree he’s looked a lot better during this crazy ass ordeal at Ole Miss and everything, BUT there’s just an astronomical amount of ‘emotion’ with this current Rebel TEAM, & etc. Just how they’ve come together and everything. Long story short… Everyone LAUGHED AT Ole Miss for this hire (though they didn’t have much choice). Most people assumed (and wanted) it’d just be as an ‘interim’ only position, just during The Playoffs! I’m happy they decided to give him a shot though, but his time at Alabama ended in TOTAL DISASTER. I mean, they freaking HATE HIM THERE, and he’s STILL the ‘punchline’ of MANY jokes. You should go and ask “LEGEND” what HE thinks of him LoL… I DVR “PAWL Finebaum” EVERYDAY, all year long Hahah. They CAN’T STAND HIM at Alabama. With all that said, there are just waaaaayyy BETTER ‘options’ out there. There’s no reason to hire HIM anytime soon. He’s had A LOT of help during this run. So, let’s just wait and see what he can do while at OLE MISS FIRST, when he’s ALL ON HIS OWN.

  54. MelvinJunior Says:

    And, by the way, Charlie Weis Junior won’t be THERE alongside of him for NEXT SEASON. He’s following Kiffen to LSU.

  55. MelvinJunior Says:

    @ Mike Buc SAYS: “You announced you are now a jags fan and everyone should leave the bucs so no one cares what you think. go bother your fellow jag fans with your caps syndrome. Take rodney with you too who claims the bucs have a top ten defense.”

    Uh, NOPE. Wrong AGAIN. Mannnnn, you guys got it real bad… The struggle is definitely REAL, Baby! I never “announce” ANYTHING, first of all. I mean, HOW!? WHY!? When, I could not had been ANY more clear about ALWAYS BEING A “JAGS FAN.” I only said at least 2 or 3-TIMES, that I’ve rooted for the JAGS since THEIR EXISTENCE, when they were an EXPANSION TEAM. And, that they were my “4TH-FAVORITE” NFL Team, only trailing The BUCS, BENGALS, & CHARGERS. Now, I’m not getting into all of the reasons for WHY and everything AGAIN. But, definitely NOW that Coen is there… Makes THEM A VERY FUN TEAM To Watch And Pay Attention To Right Now!!!! I hope the WIN IT ALLLLLL. 💯 I have followed COEN’s CAREER, since he’s been at KENTUCKY… Knew him waaayyy before ANY “Buc Fan” had ever even HEARD OF HIM. I wish him nothing but the very best!!!! I already know that YOU CAN’T, because of being too ‘insecure’ after getting your little feelings hurt. Lmao.

  56. HC Grover Says:

    Its The Glazers. Its The NFL.

  57. BillyBucco Says:

    Listen I understand what it’s like to see bad play and want to take the reins but the proof is there if Todd is willing to adjust.
    Letting someone else call the defense has got to be hard for him, especially with such a critical upcoming year, but why go out without trying it?
    This is by far the easiest year for Bowles to bring in a DC, but will he do it?
    If he does, and we succeed next year with an OC, then what has Todd done exactly? We have already said he is a terrible Game Manager. He had way too many walkthroughs etc.
    What is Bowles value if he doesn’t call the defense? That’s the way he looks at it.
    The honest problem is that the players are good enough from great drafts to always pick 15-20.
    For proof of Licht having great drafts look bo further than having 2 of the top 20 rookies from last draft in an article on NFL app. Both Egbuka and Parrish are legit.
    This is why fans are so upset. Bowles is actually making things worse, not better.
    There is still time for Bowles to get Brian Flores but will he. I don’t think he will. I think Todd will bet and Todd and go down with this ship.

  58. BillyBucco Says:

    Melvin your arms must be super long to pat yourself on the back that much.

  59. OLDSCHOOL1976 Says:

    We the fans already knew this. If it takes 2 years to understand then it’s too complicated. Thinking of playing is why they gave up so many big plays.
    Consider how the offense has changed every year for 4 years but the defense has been the same and they can’t or won’t “grasp” it. Simplifying and let players play

  60. BucU Says:

    Todd Bowles is a miserable failure. He should be coaching in the WNBA.

  61. Alanbucsfan Says:

    Hire a Defensive coach that has had great results with 2 different teams – Cowboys and Bears, and was a pro bowler when he played- Al Harris

  62. BucFan4Life Says:

    Just. One. More. Year. Of. This.

  63. Razorramone Says:

    Everything in the 2nd half of the season, all 3 phases were just soooo slow. Offense clunky and dis jointed, nothing smooth. STs? Utter trainwreck. Defense, looking around after every big play with their palms up. But Ronde got the main point right, they did not play fast.

  64. Usfbucs Says:

    @Popmike66 our coaching staff didn’t develop anyone on the Super Bowl defense. Shaq, Suh, JPP, all came to us from other teams. LD was already here and elite. Then throw in a few young guys playing out of their minds on defense. So we had a defense stocked with high end vets from other teams on the defensive line who probably ignored the coaching and a bunch of young guys who hadn’t soaked up the coaching yet and were playing on instinct behind a top defensive line.

    Our offense also scored 30 points per game and I don’t recall us dealing with very many injuries on either side of the ball.

  65. Denny Gay Says:

    This was evident in the play each week. Going back a few years. Even with Brady, the defense struggled to cover people or be in the correct position. Brady could just go get a TD when needed. This defense never hesitated to let ANY team walk down the filed and get whatever points they needed. Especially before halftime or at the end of the game.

  66. bud liked tht bucs Says:

    hire ronde for dc or gm let bowles just be hc for 26 ronde bucs guy through and through and very intelligent

  67. PSL Bob Says:

    Duh!

  68. Day 1-76 Says:

    Ronde is a sycophant. Imagine what he would say if he weren’t buddy-buddy with the coach and front office.

  69. Razorramone Says:

    Telling the coach his defense is too complex, badly schemed and poorly run is being a sycophant?

  70. buc4evr Says:

    I just hope the Glazers are listening to Ronde. Bowles has got to change , he does not have the players that can run his scheme. He proves it every single game. This team is destined for failure without a new DC.

  71. Stetematt Says:

    You can’t play fast when you AREN’T fast. And our linebackers especially are slow., slow, slow. And offensive coordinators victimized that over and over again. We need *faster* linebackers and a better pass rush. Simple as that.

  72. Stetematt Says:

    What I am saying is it’s not the scene. It’s the players. Our defense was great when it won the Super Bowl. It needs an infusion of youth, talent and speed.

  73. Stetematt Says:

    Scheme.

  74. Will24 Says:

    Why can’t Ronde join the team as a coach? Surely he could do better at least with the corner backs than the schlubs we’ve had. Does he just not want to?

  75. Bowles Wasn’t Held Accountable Says:

    Stick with the same old same old. What could go wrong? If it’s true that the other defensive coaches weren’t teaching these guys jack, who does that fall back on? The HC? Great that Bowles got to keep his job, he had NOTHING TO DO WITH GOING 2-7 at the end of the year. 🙄

  76. unbelievable Says:

    “If there’s one quick criticism I have of Todd”…

    Uh, that one pretty big, and obvious, criticism.

    We can all see it. Why can’t the Glazers?

    Oh I know why- cuz they gave him an absolutely moronic contract extension and don’t want their money going to waste.

  77. BAKERSBucs says Says:

    I wud says it’s the same defense that won them a superbowl so there is that!