If These Predictions Come True, Todd Monken Could Be Had By The Bucs
January 14th, 2026
Todd Monken.
This week, the Bucs are scheduled to interview former Bucs wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator Todd Monken as a full-time offensive coordinator.
Joe’s just waiting for the all-important release from the Bucs that the interview is completed.
And from the keyboard of Dan Graziano of ESPN, it seems if the Bucs want Monken, he will be available — as in he won’t be a head coach in the NFL this fall.
Monken is also scheduled to interview with the Browns for their head coach opening. But Graziano believes Monken won’t get that job.
In fact, Graziano made a prediction of what coaches will fill all the head coach openings in the NFL. Monken doesn’t make the cut with any.
Joe is a big Monken fan. Always has been. Wherever Monken goes, he has had success. The last time Monken was a head coach, he took over a winless Southern Miss program in 2013.
Two years later, Monken got Southern Miss to a bowl game where the Golden Eagles lost to a Chris Petersen-led Washington by just two scores. The following season Monken left Southern Miss to join Dirk Koetter’s staff with the Bucs.
And we all know how Monken was Georgia’s offensive coordinator when the Bulldogs won back-to-back national titles before he went to the Crows.
So why wouldn’t Joe be a big fan of Monken? The SOB can flat coach ball.
January 14th, 2026 at 4:24 am
Agree with yo, Joe. One thing he needs to do is have an offense that keeps
Baker healthy enough in the regular season to compete in the playoffs. Both Romo and Brady pointed out during their playoff comments that your QB will have to take some punishment to make plays. And Josh Allen and Justin Hebert did just that. But Josh was effective, and Hebert was not because of that pressure applied.
January 14th, 2026 at 4:41 am
Moneken or Mike McDaniels would be my main choices, but both would probably get head coaching jobs if they succeed. Price of success, I guess.
January 14th, 2026 at 4:51 am
Does anybody else have to hold their phone sideways to read here? It wasn’t always the case with me but I would have that issue temporarily from time to time in the past, but it would recrify itself after a while. It’s been staying like this for quite a while now. Any suggestions?
January 14th, 2026 at 5:00 am
Hoping for Monken, McDaniel, or Scheelhaase.
Agree with Fred too. If they get HC positions that is good for them too. Fred, I haven’t had that problem and I mostly use my laptops in-between my phone. This blog is responsive so maybe a setting on your phone for rotating and/or reboot your phone? Sometimes rebooting solves a lot of glitches.
January 14th, 2026 at 5:18 am
“We chose to suck”. He does tell it like it is, I’ll give him that. I’m sure Baker is a big factor in who they choose. They both worked together in Cleveland for a year, Joe dig up anything on how they got along?
January 14th, 2026 at 5:23 am
Considering Bucs are slowly reverting to a college level, Todd-squared sounds perfectly logical, rather than any sort of Blockhead movement or an Adventure in Cheese
January 14th, 2026 at 5:41 am
Theres no such thing as an offense to keep a QB healthy. If there was I’m sure teams would be using it leaguewide. Add to the fact that Baker looks to run most plays and tends to lower his shoulder when taking contact. Baker is getting older and needs to adjust his playstyle to stay as healthy as possible.
It would be interesting to see what Monk could do with this offense but it still boils down to a few things:
How long of a leash will Bowles give the OC? When a turnover happens will the HC insist on runs up the middle for the rest of the game?
Can Baker execute the offense consistently? The Bucs ranked 16th in time to throw (2.4 sec) so no bad considering the OL injuries, so he had time. Can he improve his accuracy and not tap dance into sacks?
We’ll see. Bowles and Baker are the leaders of the team. The Bucs will go as far as they can take them.
January 14th, 2026 at 5:47 am
2026, the year of the Todds. (?)
January 14th, 2026 at 5:59 am
Too bad we have incompetent Jason Licht picking the groceries and an over-the-hill defensive coordinator whose defensive philosophy includes letting receivers routinely run wide aas open across all three levels of his defense.
Monken is a solid hire tho
January 14th, 2026 at 6:31 am
I do the same to my Fred–if I pinch/zoom it enough to read the text, I can only see half the line. Turn it sideways, text gets larger AND the whole paragraph is there to be seen. I can’t think of other sites that have this issue for me. (Android)
January 14th, 2026 at 6:35 am
Doesn’t really matter who they hire as long as fat a$$ is in charge
January 14th, 2026 at 6:38 am
Beeej, exactly. This is the only one to do that.
January 14th, 2026 at 6:44 am
Bee,
When Monken was here previously he worked with Mike Evans as part of his responsibilities. I think Baker could also benefit from his coaching. Also think
Baker should make better use of his outlets before he starts to get surrounded by defenders. I noticed when White was in he rarely looked his way. We had three backs that could make plays and should have been used as outlets more. Not sure if this is on Grizz or Baker holding on the ball to make a big play.
January 14th, 2026 at 6:53 am
Formerbuchan, Cohen seemed to have fair autonomy. I’m pretty sure a strong OC can and will do what he wants. What we need is a strong and independent defensive coordinator. Bowlzo’s defense is a big stinking mess. Even the flies find it disgusting.
January 14th, 2026 at 6:59 am
HC monken sounds good for now. Anyone but Bowels
January 14th, 2026 at 7:03 am
Todd Monken to Tampa while Turd B is there?
What works
-Would instantly modernize and stress defenses.
-Baker would get more vertical freedom and shot plays.
-WR talent would be maximized.
What doesn’t
-Philosophical clash with Turd Bowles.
-Turnover tolerance ≠ Turd Bowles’ DNA.
-If Baker hits a rough stretch, Turd Bowles tightens up and Monken gets handcuffed.
Likely outcome
• Short-term fireworks.
• Long-term friction.
• High ceiling, volatile fit.
Grade: High risk / high reward
Best case: Top-8 offense
Worst case: Internal tension → regression and drama
January 14th, 2026 at 7:09 am
I did not want Monken as a HC, but I would take him in a second as OC. With Monken’s track record, outside of McD, Monken has the lowest risk of failing
January 14th, 2026 at 7:19 am
BUCS WONT HIRE MONK/ HE IS TOO GOOD AND THIS ORGANIZATION SEEMS BENT ON MEDIOCRE
January 14th, 2026 at 7:20 am
The offense was fun to watch last time he was here
January 14th, 2026 at 7:27 am
I think a fair bit of what Grizz did this year was under orders from Todd. Monken is nearly as old as Todd, I’d imagine he would be less malleable than Grizz
January 14th, 2026 at 7:47 am
@Fred. I had the same issue. My browser was Chrome. I switched to Firefox and the issue resolved.
January 14th, 2026 at 7:48 am
Concur with Joe.
January 14th, 2026 at 7:54 am
Monken is my first choice by far.
January 14th, 2026 at 7:55 am
Monken as OC and HC in waiting is a no brainer.
Baker will flourish and ME13 will probably want to keep playing.
Ride with ReTodd until his defense collapses again, give him the boot and hire a real DC.
I can deal with a little pain to see that scenario to fruition.
January 14th, 2026 at 8:01 am
Bee-
Nice, thoughtful, and insightful post!
January 14th, 2026 at 8:27 am
Fred, on iPhone I just double tap the middle of the page and it auto zooms to fit the screen. Hope that helps.
January 14th, 2026 at 8:32 am
McDaniels is too nice and too much of a stoner.
I want Monken.
I want a strict, no non-sense, ornery OC.
Monken would be a great hire!
January 14th, 2026 at 8:32 am
You could have the greatest offensive mind in football as the Bucs OC but until you get a competent DC, the Bucs are going to suck. You can’t keep sending edge rushers and linebackers into coverage.
January 14th, 2026 at 8:32 am
You could have the greatest offensive mind in football as the Bucs OC but until you get a competent DC, the Bucs are going to lose. You can’t keep sending edge rushers and linebackers into coverage.
January 14th, 2026 at 8:33 am
so why wouldn’t monken just bounce where ever harbaugh goes?
he must be getting some intel that if he takes the bucs gig, he can possibly bump up to HC…
while with johnny harrr, he is just locked in to the OC spot with no room to move up
January 14th, 2026 at 8:37 am
yes i think monken could have a field day with our receiver group…if we manage to bring back last year’s room…
and rachaad as a focal point receiver out of the backfield
(griz failed miserably with white)
January 14th, 2026 at 8:44 am
It would seem to me that the loyalty that Harbaugh showed him by refusing to fire him in order to keep his job in Baltimore would mean that wherever Harbaugh goes, Monken will go with him.
January 14th, 2026 at 8:47 am
If we do get Monken I kinda feel bad for him. It will be like having Mike Smith 2.0 as his defensive coordinator so he will have to put up well over 30 points a game to have a chance.
January 14th, 2026 at 8:48 am
Monken?!?
Leading Southern Miss to a bowl game and losing is nothing special LOL…hell, Lovie got Illinois to a bowl game…and lost lol
Monken was the OC when we went 5-11 back to back under dirk correct?
Monken was nothing in CLE..if he was half as good as folks claim, he wouldve took over as HC when Freddy got sent packing…
UGA?!?….
Give Grizz a college team full of 5* players and Kirbys defense lol…i bet Grizz could win 2 nattys too lol
Monken couldnt win in BAL with an average defense, King Henry and a 2x MVP!!!!…
Yet, yall think Monken can win with Bucky, Baker and todds defense?…
GTFOH!!!!!!
Hard Pass on Monken!!!!!….been there!!!…done that!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!!
January 14th, 2026 at 8:50 am
imo, Harbaugh is going to ATL and bringing his staff with him…
we’ll see Monken twice a year lol
GO BUCS!!!!
January 14th, 2026 at 8:54 am
The bottom line is, it doesn’t matter who the coordinator is, Todd Bowles will ruin this team.
January 14th, 2026 at 8:59 am
Monken is the first in person interview which kind of indicates that he is on the short list. McDaniek would be nice but he will be a consolationn prize to a team who does not get Harbaugh or end up the Lion OC. One thing, wouldn’t Monken travel with Harbaugh to his next job? Harbaugh got fired in B’more because he would not launch Monken because Todd M tried to make Lamar Jackson accountable. Good OC for the Bucs but they may have to settle for Z Robinson, but hey, he was able to school Bowles as the ATL OC and would be an upgrade over Grizz.
January 14th, 2026 at 9:05 am
Even if Monken gets the OC job in Tampa, he is just passing through – he wants to be HC, and Todd Bowls is in his way. He will just leave like the others. He knows that no matter how well the offense improves, the Todd Bowls defense just negate the team progress. Fire Bowls and open up the future!
January 14th, 2026 at 9:06 am
Can Monken also coach the defense and special teams? Both have been horrible for several years now. Thankfully, the Bucs fired their special teams coach and their def…oh wait just the special teams coach.
January 14th, 2026 at 9:11 am
It will be either Gruden or Monken.
January 14th, 2026 at 9:23 am
WHY would anyone even decent be willing to work for IBS?
I see any job with the BUCs as radioactive until a talent is hire as their HC…
Defense has been hit and miss and unreliable for years so the OC will HAVE to carry the team and listen to IBS steal all the credit as if he was the reason the Bucs won consecutive division titles…. That is one of the BIGGEST misconceptions people argue as to why IBS deserves this next season… BOGUS!
January 14th, 2026 at 9:34 am
@Tye. 100% on target assessment!
January 14th, 2026 at 9:36 am
813bucboi Says:
January 14th, 2026 at 8:50 am
“Harbaugh is going to ATL and bringing his staff with him…”
So Monken sucks (in your opinion)…yet Harbaugh would still want him? You are a true contradiction.
January 14th, 2026 at 9:43 am
Monken has interviewed many times for HC positions. Never got one.
If he truly isn’t in the running for one now, the Bucs are the smart move…because…assuming he does a good job:
– if the team does well, he will be offered a HC job
– if only the offense does well, he will be offered the Bucs HC job next year
January 14th, 2026 at 9:50 am
Tye, all this whining over Bowles getting another year is useless. The decision is made and everyone here agrees it wasn’t the smart move at this point. So your crap comments are only making it worse for the people who agree with you.
Also you are mistaken in saying that the team is radioactive. Any oc candidate with foresight knows they have a strong chance of becoming a HC after a year.
January 14th, 2026 at 9:50 am
This is the very first time Joe has heard about this. Just checked three different browsers on his iPhone. No issue with any of the browsers.
Sounds like a personal settings issue on people’s phones. If this was a widespread issue, Joe would have heard about it before.
(Joe’s main browser is Chrome.)
January 14th, 2026 at 9:52 am
I truly dont understand the fing fascination with if our coordinator has success they get a job as a hc. Dudes been successfull. No hc job. Yet magically he comes here and oooooooo ahhh must make head coach. It says very little about us. It says ppl think so poorly of us thatvge worked majic lol. Which isnt true but its just ridiculous at this point that we have this conversation over and over again
January 14th, 2026 at 10:16 am
not another retread. no retreads. no internal promos. no previous has beens
January 14th, 2026 at 10:18 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
January 14th, 2026 at 9:36 am
813bucboi Says:
January 14th, 2026 at 8:50 am
“Harbaugh is going to ATL and bringing his staff with him…”
So Monken sucks (in your opinion)…yet Harbaugh would still want him? You are a true contradiction.
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not a contradiction at all!!!!
Harbaugh is loyal to him and Harbaugh provides job security…simple as that…
GO BUCS!!!
January 14th, 2026 at 10:28 am
It will not matter who the OC is in 2026.
The guy running the defense and the HC have an ultra conservative mindset.
When in doubt Bowles will always try to win a game 16-14.
He’s stuck in that old school mentality and philosophy.
Plus, he can no longer coach the defense. 2026 is already lost.
January 14th, 2026 at 10:32 am
Buccaneer Bonzai Says:
January 14th, 2026 at 9:43 am
Monken has interviewed many times for HC positions. Never got one.
– if the team does well, he will be offered a HC job
– if only the offense does well, he will be offered the Bucs HC job next year
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monken went 13-3 & 12-5 in 23′ & 24’…did the teams not do well?
monken had 2 top 5 offenses (23’&24′) those seasons, but wasnt offered an HC job…interviewed but not offered/hired
but you think if he does “well” with the BUCS, he’ll be offered a HC position?….
nawl…i think the NFL knows monken is a better OC than HC…and he’s an average OC…
GO BUCS!!!
January 14th, 2026 at 10:41 am
Enough with this head coach in waiting ridiculousness. How many times has anyone seen this being a legitimate option or ever coming into fruition before in the NFL or NCAA? Almost never. It doesn’t happen because it makes no sense. Almost every time when a head coach gets fired, everyone else gets it too. They typically don’t decide to promote the losing OC or DC to HC. It makes no sense and why would you handcuff yourself like that? You wouldn’t because no one can see into the future. Probably 99 times out of a 100, you are starting over fresh. You’re definitely not doing it with a coach in his 60’s. Now come on, think people.