Bucs Find In-House Answers; Hire Todd Bowles’ Son
February 12th, 2026
It’s well documented that Todd Bowles sent a lot of assistant coaches packing this offseason, in addition to having a couple guys retire.
Heck, Bowles launched about as many coaches as the Bucs had sacks from edge rushers last season.
Today, the Bucs announced various hirings, many of which already had been reported.
They included three major in-house promotions: Tim Atkins to safeties coach, Rashad Johnson to cornerbacks coach and Chad Wade to head strength and conditioning coach.
The Bucs also hired Bowles’ son, Todd Bowles Jr., as defensive assistant, and Luke Smith as assistant special teams coach. Smith happens to be the nephew of new Bucs special teams coordinator Danny Smith. (There is no truth to the rumor that Zac Robinson’s wife is now in charge of Jason Licht’s junk food feast on draft night.)
Bowles’ son recently wrapped up his college playing career at Long Island University and Rutgers.
Joe is intrigued by the in-house promotions of Atkins, Johnson and Wade, who has been with the Bucs since the Raheem Morris era.
Are they the best men for the job after an exhausting national search to make the Bucs the very best they can be? Joe’s not sure. But coaches deserve a shot. Perhaps each suggested significant changes that resonated well with Bowles.
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February 12th, 2026 at 6:16 pm
Hiring your son doesn’t sound like a good idea – just invites speculation
February 12th, 2026 at 6:20 pm
One good thing about having low expectations for next season is the numbness one develops to stories (of nepotism) such as this. As a fan I still intend on watching the (sh!t?)show however it all plays out in 2026-2027.
February 12th, 2026 at 6:24 pm
This tracks
February 12th, 2026 at 6:25 pm
If Junior is half as good as his dad, Bucs fans are in great shape. Nepotism is the best. Remember Lovie Smith.
February 12th, 2026 at 6:28 pm
Wow Bowles family just sucking up undesrved money @ defensive back coaches promoted after being so pathetic, his hideous 8 year nfl career he wont hire anyone who has a brain other than give up 1st downs give up yardage wont do something different, stubborn mule frustrating knowing 2026 is gonna be the same old pitifulness…. ” we” ‘ need more turnover, mis-communication. blah blah blah
February 12th, 2026 at 6:29 pm
hired his son with no experience hello !!!
February 12th, 2026 at 6:30 pm
Those with BDS (Bowles Derangement Syndrome) will need to seek mental health treatment after today, now that there are two of them! 😉
February 12th, 2026 at 6:36 pm
Are they joking??????
February 12th, 2026 at 6:37 pm
At least sons are often at odds with their father. We can only hope that is the case here.
February 12th, 2026 at 6:39 pm
Todd hiring his son is of no surprise to me. I believe after this season, they will all be history. Kinda nice to start your coaching resume straight out of college with a pro job though. Nice work if you can get it.
February 12th, 2026 at 6:41 pm
OMG – going to be a lot of panties in a wad over this one – Lol 🙂
February 12th, 2026 at 6:42 pm
Great. Now I’ve got visions of Johnny McKay in my head.
February 12th, 2026 at 6:48 pm
It now can’t be dismissed outright that Bowles has serious blackmail material on the Glazers.
February 12th, 2026 at 6:53 pm
Hiring your son ??? Looks like nothing is going to change so you might as well go hire your family & friends….BUT I AM ACCOUNTABLE….WE WILL FIX IT ……..lol
February 12th, 2026 at 6:58 pm
Yes Dad!
Whatever you say Dad!
Destroy my career before it even starts… Thanks Dad!
February 12th, 2026 at 7:04 pm
Lovie smith 2.0 hiring his kids.
February 12th, 2026 at 7:07 pm
They promoted from within because last season turned out so well that big search to get the right people in place because that was the problem and this is what they turned in lmao can’t even make it up
February 12th, 2026 at 7:10 pm
It’s just comical at this point. Counting down the days for this blowhard to be launched into the sun.
February 12th, 2026 at 7:11 pm
This is preposterous!!! This is as bad as It gets!! This organization is a total DISASTER!!! Just what they needed to do, miss off more fans….oh my!!!!
February 12th, 2026 at 7:13 pm
Ah, darn autospell…piss off, not miss off
February 12th, 2026 at 7:15 pm
“This makes perfect sense! Don’t all dads give their kids millions of dollars and chances in a sports franchise?” – Hugh
February 12th, 2026 at 7:18 pm
Great Googly Moogly!!!
Are Glazers fearful of the Rooney Rule?
Are the Glazers on Drugs?
What is the Issue at One Buc Place?
February 12th, 2026 at 7:20 pm
Totally up to the players to, “play it better”, now.
February 12th, 2026 at 7:21 pm
Hey, Junior learned at the feet of Greg Schiano. You know he had to be in high demand, Bucs probably had to pay a premium to hire Junior. He’s probably already a master at coaching off coverage soft zone defense.
Maybe they can hire Mrs. Bowles to be a nutrition expert for the team. She sure has don’t a great job helping Todd grow as a human.
February 12th, 2026 at 7:23 pm
I can’t believe we have two Todd Bowles on our team. Let this be s valuable lesson, it can always get worse. I wish I could Madden sim the 2026 season
February 12th, 2026 at 7:25 pm
The optics on this do not look good at all.
What’s that old saying? Timing is everything…
February 12th, 2026 at 7:28 pm
He’ll be great,as long as he does the exact opposite
February 12th, 2026 at 7:34 pm
What position will Bowles wife be hired to coach? It only makes sense between Todd and his son mom should have enough knowledge to coach something.
February 12th, 2026 at 7:37 pm
I have no words….
February 12th, 2026 at 8:00 pm
Par for the course. I didn’t think it could get worse but it did. This upcoming season is going to be a Greek tragedy.
February 12th, 2026 at 8:07 pm
more evidence of 2026 is a tank serason!
February 12th, 2026 at 8:16 pm
Wow Todd Bowles Jr 3 years college coaching then get hired as an assistant on one of the worst defenses in the NFL. That’s not a good look especially since technically he may not know more than Benjamin Morrison.
February 12th, 2026 at 8:22 pm
If you think there’s a national search for asst coaches, especially with the Bucs, get another drink.
Shanahan’s, Belicheat, Kubiaks, all of them brought their kid onto the payroll after college. It’s an easy staff fill for someone to be a gopher…..they’ll be as effective as the last group of assistants……HAHAHAHHAHA….
February 12th, 2026 at 8:23 pm
Only the very best for out Bucs! I’m assuming they went through a comprehensive interview process considering dozens of qualified candidates before landing on Little B. . . .
February 12th, 2026 at 8:31 pm
I don’t actually have any issue with Todd hiring his son. I mean, if my son needed a chance that I could provide, I would do it in a heartbeat. Bowles is likely retiring soon, so this might be their last chance to work together.
It’s an assistant spot. No big deal.
What I do have a problem with is promoting from within. Those guys have done nothing to earn this shot.
Gotta admit, if all this works, they will be geniuses. If it doesn’t, what a fall!
February 12th, 2026 at 8:32 pm
I’m so disappointed I have to see this whole next season be a complete waste. I have a prediction that the season will turn out the same or worse and the Glazers still won’t fire Bowles.
February 12th, 2026 at 8:49 pm
“Perhaps each suggested significant changes that resonated well with Bowles” now THAT’S funny lol.
February 12th, 2026 at 9:04 pm
Super bowl, here we come!
February 12th, 2026 at 9:06 pm
Does not inspire confidence!
February 12th, 2026 at 9:06 pm
Coming off a collapsed second half of the season, this feels like a tone deaf move.
February 12th, 2026 at 9:07 pm
Well there shouldn’t be any pressure for the kid to as good as his old man.
February 12th, 2026 at 9:15 pm
Bowles Bowles Bowles Bowles Bowles Bowles. Spam spam spam spam. Welcome to the Bowles Bucs flying circus.
February 12th, 2026 at 9:21 pm
I thought we fired Lovie…
Lovie 2.0 🙄
February 12th, 2026 at 9:23 pm
Isn’t this what you do when nobody else wants the job?
February 12th, 2026 at 9:36 pm
What’s better than Todd Bowles? Two Todd Bowles! Problems solved. Glazers and JL going all out to put together crack staff!
February 12th, 2026 at 9:42 pm
Why Joe?
February 12th, 2026 at 9:47 pm
Bowles son got us tykee so he’s a definitely maybe.
February 12th, 2026 at 9:49 pm
Nothing screams accountability more than hiring your family. What a clown show.
February 12th, 2026 at 9:50 pm
Could care less if he wants to hire his kid to be on his staff. Lots of coaches do that. Half the coaches in the NFL are there because their dad or brother is or was a coach.
Firing/retiring the corner and secondary coach though, only to turn around and promote their assistants to the full time job feels like a net zero gain at best.
February 12th, 2026 at 10:07 pm
TB Defensive Coaching. Where defensive draft picks go to die.
February 12th, 2026 at 10:09 pm
“@LeftyR, we don’t do drugs…they cost money! Now I got to leave the “Light” House…I you know what I mean.” – Hugh
February 12th, 2026 at 11:00 pm
Everyone knows Bowles is basically on a one-year deal. You’re not getting top prospects when everyone knows that – you’re only going to have a limited pool to choose from. In any case, it’s his job on the line, so we’ll see how it turns out.
February 12th, 2026 at 11:09 pm
The glazer retirement fund!
All losers apply here!
February 12th, 2026 at 11:29 pm
Yay, 2026 is the bring your kids to work season. Why work to improve when you can just promote from within and maintain your lame duck status?
February 12th, 2026 at 11:34 pm
Still time to do the right things Glazers
Ronde as GM
Let the new coach search begin
The reality is that the team is or should be in a rebuilding mode.
February 13th, 2026 at 12:48 am
The Glazers don’t know what the hell they are doing. They are totally disconnected and not connected to the modern game or the new wave of coaches and GM’s with talented minds. So, they’ve just put all of their trust into two LOSERS, Lickt & Bowles, who also don’t know what the hell they’re doing. They’re ALL LAZY and CONTENT. Completely, CLUELESS. LOST. The Bucs Franchise is in a HORRIBLE spot right now, with no end in sight. 💯
February 13th, 2026 at 12:50 am
It’s a total clown show.
February 13th, 2026 at 1:00 am
Relly bad optics here. For a guy who like it or not is on the hot seat even before camp starts and has unloaded much of his staff? Bad look…
Go Bucs!
February 13th, 2026 at 1:20 am
This is so brilliant, most fans can’t see it. Two Todd Bowles for the price of . . . Two.
But, anyway, just watched a 2002 week 11 Bucs Panthers game. Offense gelling, defense smothering everything. Pretty good but not nearly as good as Todd Bowles’ 2025 Bucs week 11.
And now we have two Bowles. This is special. The players are so thrilled. They must be as thrilled as we fans should be.
Go Todd Bowles and Todd Bowles! Yay!!!
February 13th, 2026 at 1:56 am
So the Secondary coaches this season will be ones that were coaching over the last few years. That is looking great.
Perhaps the changes they suggested are that the DBs will be playing 9 yds off the receivers instead of 10 yds off. That sort of aggressiveness is what this Defense needs. Because from that this season have taught us from the teams that went deep in the Playoffs is that what a great Defense does is sit back and play soft.
Things are looking great.
Go Bucs
February 13th, 2026 at 2:09 am
It just gets better and better with this mess.
February 13th, 2026 at 2:13 am
Gotta love nepotism. Especially from a zero.
February 13th, 2026 at 3:25 am
Next thing you know bowles jr is the next head coach oh boy
February 13th, 2026 at 3:28 am
Many coaches hire their children, or have other teams coaches give their children a start, don’t make this sound like an assistant is anymore than a towel boy.
Shula hired his children, Shotenhiemer,Belechek,Shanahan Gruden to name a few. Just like today in corporate industries and private industries today. No story here.
February 13th, 2026 at 4:02 am
Nepotism in football is getting ridiculous. Its just ridiculous.
February 13th, 2026 at 4:37 am
NEPOTISM by Milton Bradley, the game the whole family can play.
February 13th, 2026 at 4:47 am
At least there’s now a good chance of hearing, “Todd Bowles (Jr) was fired today!” at the end of this coming season.
February 13th, 2026 at 5:19 am
Lovie Smith all over again!!!!!
RINSE AND REPEAT!!!!!!!!!!!
SMH
February 13th, 2026 at 5:20 am
2027 Zac Robinson HEAD COACH!!!!!!
February 13th, 2026 at 5:23 am
Bowles is cashing in this year on his way out.
February 13th, 2026 at 6:22 am
@Hugh Glazerhouse
Hahaha….. I know a lot of lines…. and sometimes, I can read in between the lines, but I do not know what you mean….. then again
February 13th, 2026 at 7:06 am
This is starting to have a Saturday night live kinda feel. Wtf
February 13th, 2026 at 7:35 am
When I read this news yesterday I knew I’d come to this site and it’d a bunch of people crying about nepotism.
Watching outrage culture is manifest and metastasize from commenter to commenter is hilarious.
Ya’ll are mad because he’s going to be setting up cones, contact pads for drills, calling guys back from water breaks, and blowing a whistle
lmaoooooooo
sawft.
February 13th, 2026 at 7:54 am
Well at least the Glazers have now solved the question of who will be HC when Todd Bowles sr retires. In all reality Maybe he knows this is the only chance he will have to help his son’s career. Hope the kid does well.
February 13th, 2026 at 7:57 am
I would agree that coaches deserve a shot, EXCEPT this is TB & JL’s prove it year. Nepotism happens usually because the relative can’t get a job elsewhere. The picture is beginning to get a bit more in focus…TB cannot attract experienced and successful defensive coaches. If we thought last season was bad, 2026 will make it look like Seattle’s defense. It is telling that the owners would allow such nepotistic hires. Perhaps they are not as passionate as some write. Perhaps their vision is blurred by the $$$$$$$$$. Have they gotten content and lazy, more interested in soccer?
February 13th, 2026 at 8:04 am
Just FYI, I believe this is exactly how Sean McVay got his first job in the nfl with the Bucs while his dad was an executive, not even a coach. Certainly there is a bit of bad optics but other than today I doubt we hear anything more about young Bowels. Most of you complaining would or have done same for your family.
February 13th, 2026 at 8:20 am
“Nepotism happens usually because the relative can’t get a job elsewhere.”
Can’t get a job, or in a privileged enough position to not even have to look.
How likely do you think it is, that Kyle Shanahan walked into an interview without being looked at favorably beforehand because of who his dad is?
Callahan? Schottenheimer?
Charlie Weis Jr is re-legitimizing their family name
Shane Beamer is keeping the spirit of Beamer ball alive at SC
Wait, wait, wait how’s about your HOF dad telling the Chargers to go eff’off and NOT draft you lol
February 13th, 2026 at 8:28 am
Glaziers – WERE ARE YOU???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
February 13th, 2026 at 8:29 am
amazing!
February 13th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Defensive assistant can do anything between making coffee everyday to breaking down game film. It’s basically a paid internship for an administrative assistant.
February 13th, 2026 at 8:44 am
Thank God!
One more year of this and it’s over.
Meanwhile I’m hoping to see a top 5 offense.
February 13th, 2026 at 9:45 am
And the Glazers continue to urinate on the fans.
February 13th, 2026 at 9:50 am
THis is a “stick it in the eye” of the fans and anyone else who does not like TB.
TB doesn’t care, nor do the owners. Huge ego. Delusional. Narcissist? Not sure…..but do not be fooled by his calm and cool exterior.
This is a corrupt system. They are all intertwined. You’ll get Ian Beckles, John Gruden, and others telling us to “put up with it”. This is because they all wash each other’s hands.
HOPEFULLY the owners will smarten up when their fan base leaves.
In the meantime? Watch the Bolts. Great ownership, coach, and GM. It Makes a huge difference. Leadership is key.
February 13th, 2026 at 9:59 am
Todd has a 3 year extension. Decade of the turtle. I don’t have a problem with his boy getting his coffee. I do have a problem with promoting those secondary assistants. More of the same failed system this year.
February 13th, 2026 at 10:04 am
nepo assistant bowles can help coach nepo db morrison
i guess todd sr’s stock is so low he couldnt convice any of his other buddies in the brotherhood to hire his son so he had to do it himself….
February 13th, 2026 at 11:02 am
Speaking from experience owning a family business with inherited family members. Nepotism does not turn out well. Paying a family member not to work is even worse!
February 13th, 2026 at 11:16 am
I read a stat today that said the Seahawks Defensive DVOA this season was the 4th best ever. Behind the 2002 Bucs, 2000 Ravens, and 1985 Bears. The Bucs put up over 30 points on the Seahawks D. One of only two teams.
No doubt the coaching on the team needed changes, but the coach who helped craft a game plan to put up over 30 points on one of the better defenses of the decade gets the boot, while assistant coaches who coached units that routinely underperformed get promotions? What is this, the government?
February 13th, 2026 at 11:21 am
So, not one voice from the outside nor anyone with any discernible level of experience – and a couple of nepo additions to boot
This is not going to end well…
February 13th, 2026 at 11:47 am
Bucs doing Buc things. (SMDH)
February 13th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
This is done every day across corporate America. NEPOTISM. Nice work if you
can get it. BUCLIFE BABY!
February 13th, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Before they made a name on their own the following head coaches/GMs were brothers/sons/grandsons of coaches/GMs: Jon Gruden (and his brother Jay), Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Rich McKay, Klint Kubiak, Lane Kiffin, the Harbaugh brothers, Brian Calahan, Nathanial Hackett. You don’t think these men got a leg up on their competition because their last name resonated with front offices and personnel due to their pedigree literally coming directly from the coaching/gm tree of their father or grandfather? Some of them worked on staff with that direct relative (Jay Gruden worked for Jon, Kyle worked for Mike Shanahan, etc.) Its not uncommon in the NFL to have family connections in coaching or even the front office. I just find it odd the “Joes” want to make it sound so idiosyncratic that Todd Bowles is no different than the rest. Tood Jr as Defensive Assistant is probably another fancier term for quality control, meaning you do the crappiest menial tasks as both McVay and Shanahan can attest to working under Jon Gruden during his tenure as the Bucs HC. Its not a glory position, but one stepping stone to greater things. Someone may need to remind me which of these coaches main responsibility as a either quality control or defensive assistant was to retrieve a week’s worth of turkey sandwiches for Monte Kiffin? It was on Raise The Flag, and was definitely a paying your dues type of position for sure. Kind of like a glorified ball bay, but with other ancillary responsibilities for practice/game plan prep.
February 13th, 2026 at 1:31 pm
So we are paying a kid that just finished his college playing career? What happened to internships?
February 13th, 2026 at 1:36 pm
“Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, Rich McKay, Klint Kubiak, Lane Kiffin, the Harbaugh brothers, Brian Calahan, Nathanial Hackett. You don’t think these men got a leg up on their competition because their last name resonated with front offices and personnel due to their pedigree literally coming directly from the coaching/gm tree of their father or grandfather?”
Buddy, Rex & Rob Ryan too
“Someone may need to remind me which of these coaches main responsibility as a either quality control or defensive assistant was to retrieve a week’s worth of turkey sandwiches for Monte Kiffin?”
Hilarious
February 13th, 2026 at 2:27 pm
when will Jason Licht hire a family member? We need new ownership – I never thought I’d want Mr. Culverhouse back (RIP Hugh)
February 13th, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Some times I hate some of you but the comments section is always entertaining. Thank you for the laughs.
February 13th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
Dumb and Dumber
February 13th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
Three ring circus P.T. Barnum would be proud.
February 13th, 2026 at 3:32 pm
I don’t have a problem with Todd hiring his son as a defensive assistant as long as we win games.
We have a very tough schedule next season and if we win ten games and make the playoffs, that will be quite a job by the coaches. If we don’t win, then Todd Bowles is out.
Now get to it coaches !! I believe you can do it !!
Go Bucs !!
February 13th, 2026 at 5:48 pm
Sounds like more of the same from defensive coaching staff. Whats the point of even talking about people like crosby and hendrickson
February 13th, 2026 at 8:40 pm
4-13 patriots to the SB i would say Bowles had a chance but i just cant
February 13th, 2026 at 9:27 pm
Nothing says “regime in desperation and decline” like old school nepotism.
February 13th, 2026 at 10:04 pm
Bowles Jr is defensive assistant. Pause for a second and think about it. He’s basically shadowing his father and may be able to lessen some of the burden from Todd but he’s not really doing any serious coaching. More as an understudy. I have no beef with that. I would do that for my son. I am the first one to drop grenades on Todd but not on this one.
February 14th, 2026 at 7:22 am
Cmurda, the beef is that Jr can play practice coach in Tampa and not at North Carolina, where his daddy belongs.
February 15th, 2026 at 4:54 pm
I don’t believe fans would care about Bowles hiring his son if he was doing a good job. Rewarding mediocre coaching is how franchises implode.