“Is Todd Bowles Making It To Halloween?”
September 26th, 2026
Another Bucs-friendly national analyst checks in.
Following in the footsteps of Chris Simms and Chris Long, another Bucs-friendly analyst came down hard on Tampa Bay head coach Todd Bowles this week.
Former Eagles scout John Middlekauff is a big fan of Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht. The two share a former colleague, Eagles GM Howie Roseman. Middlekauff also is a regular guest of Colin Cowherd of FOX Sports, and Middlekauff hosts his own popular 3 And Out podcast.
This week, Middlekauff said he isn’t seeing any light in the Bucs’ tunnel after losing to Deshaun Watson and the Browns at home.
“Is Todd Bowles making it to Halloween?” Middlekauff asked.
He also came down on Baker Mayfield, citing him for progressively playing more out of control and losing accuracy.
“Throw the ball away. You’re not Lamar Jackson, buddy,” Middlekauff said. “I’m a huge Baker guy, but it’s been a rough two weeks.”
So what about Halloween and Todd Bowles?
The Bucs will play seven games before Halloween. Team Glazer has never fired a coach in-season, but the Joe typing here doesn’t consider that a major factor in their eventual decision.
If the Bucs are, say, 1-7 on Sunday, Nov. 1, following their home game against Atlanta, then the Joe typing here absolutely could see Team Glazer and Licht wanting to fire Bowles immediately. That sets them up to trade a few key veterans before the Nov. 10 trade deadline (tanking insurance), and to spare Bowles weeks of ugly fan vitriol.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:21 pm
We can hope. It’s a Bucs life
September 26th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
fire Bowles, hire Gruden strictly as interim coach to fill the seats, then go hire your real guy in January
September 26th, 2026 at 12:25 pm
I am not to sure Licht is escaping the wrath. Licht has survived multiple head coaching fires already with Dirk Koetter and Lovie Smith. Not sure he is going to survive Bowles getting fired. They might clean house completely.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:25 pm
or elevate Danny Smith to HC… his unit seems to be the only doing anything worthwhile
September 26th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Greg Schiano made is to 0-8
They had “”Fire Schiano ” billboards everywhere
They even had the billboards in Polk County
I doubt if they fire Todd Bowles in season
That’s not the Glazers way
September 26th, 2026 at 12:32 pm
There you go again Joe, can’t help yourself. You’re counting Atlanta as a win at home to go 1-7. What have you seen from both teams so far this season to think Tampa is better? Just the opposite. Atlanta destroyed GB in prime time. Bucs could never do that. Take your pewter glasses off already.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:33 pm
They live Bowles. They WILL fire him. They just won’t do it in season.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
I seriously doubt it. To do what? Trade who? What’s the point? Draft capital? You don’t need draft capital until you know who your GM is going to be and I can’t imagine Jason Licht will survive this transition. The Glazers will want time to get the new GM on deck before figuring out who is who. Mid season GM firing? They have never done that before either but if they do then Bowles knows he is done. If they have some sort of plan regarding coach and GM then … maybe. This is going to require some timing and I don’t think that Licht is going to be the one to manage it.
They REALLY should have done this last year. Instead they let Licht get bullied by Mayfield and Vea and now … what? They may have wasted an entire season.
What a mess.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
I’d rather have Schiano than Bowles right now
September 26th, 2026 at 12:43 pm
The scariest thing in Tampa this October won’t be a haunted house. It’ll be third-and-long.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:44 pm
Todd’s costume?
A defensive mastermind.
Nobody will recognize him.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Okay, one more. Just can’t help myself:
Nothing says October like pumpkins, ghosts, and a Bucs’ secondary getting carved up.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:49 pm
Lol @Todd. I’ve got PTSD from third and long
September 26th, 2026 at 12:50 pm
Bowles being stoic has never been an issue for me. My issues are his win record and insistence on a “complicated” or “exotic” system in which too many of his players aren’t used effectively or can’t execute his system or both. Success forgives a lot. I agree Joe, that if he is 0-8 or 1-7 or 2-6 then he should be fired. If he makes it to Nov 1 with 5-3 or 6-2 then that will silence some critics but if he ends with a losing season he needs to go.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:50 pm
Licht deserves the axe as well, because he is the main reason Bowles is still here.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:51 pm
“Is Todd Bowles Making It To Halloween?”
Sure doesn’t deserve to BUT he should have been terminated this past Jan.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:52 pm
Paratrooper. Yes stoic is a good call. He aint no John Madden.
September 26th, 2026 at 12:53 pm
Bowles will 100% NOT get fired til after the season.
The national media would paint the Glazers as being racists if they did that to Bowles when they’ve never fired any other coach midseaaon before.
So, in the interest of public perception, Bowles is our coach this entire season no matter what.
Remember how Bruce Arians was painted as a racist/slave master for getting involved too much a few years ago.?????Arians was not painted as such.–Joe
September 26th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
October 8 night game might be Halloween Horror Night. Get the costumes ready. Tour the Horror Ship, Fun Fun game v the Cowgirls. Hope the fans respond with cool costumes with a Buc Theme.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:00 pm
The question becomes. If we do go say 3-14, 4-13, do we try and trade Baker???? Give a team a second or 3rd rd pick to pick up most of his cap hit. Would that even be possible??? Pittsburgh???
September 26th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
The new GM should trade anyone and everyone of value.. get as many picks as possible and start over from scratch.
Make players actually earn their spot instead of building a culture where players are given their spot based on draft status and pay.
The new GM should hire a very bright college offensive minded coach who can fire up a bunch of young players.. and go young.. stop overpaying at any and every position.
The culture built by the GM where no one, including the HC are held accountable is the problem
September 26th, 2026 at 1:08 pm
I get the anger with J. Licht but this isn’t his fault, this is all on T. Bowles. The coaching is so dang poor and it’s gotten worse season after season. We are starting to wade out into Lovie Smith waters now. There was an article yesterday about T. Bowles personality being different on the field and off, this team emulates his personality on the sidelines… vapid.
I’m usually the guy saying “we’ll turn it around”. I can’t be that guy anymore with T. Bowles out front.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
No, let him fall all the way to his face until the end of the season.
At the pace that the Glazer Kid Conglomerate works, they would have had to start putting this contingency plan in place four weeks ago.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:18 pm
Interesting proposition Joe (Glazers fire Bowles by Halloween). Problem is … What then?
Bucs have a totally non-descript coaching staff, on BOTH sides of the ball. WHO do we have on staff to take over for Todd Bowles as HC and do better than he’s doing? And WHO do we have on staff to take over for Todd Bowles as DC and again, do better than he’s doing?
Bringing TWO coaches in from OUTSIDE the current staff during the middle of the season rarely happens. As a matter of fact, since 2000 ZERO NFL head coaches have been permanently replaced during the regular season by an EXTERNAL hire from outside the organization. They’ve all come from INSIDE the organization, and only 12 of those survived to become the HC for the next season.
And that’s just to replace Todd Bowles the HC. Even IF the Glazers did replace him as HC by Halloween, they’d STILL need to replace him as our DC with someone.
Me thinks that Todd has done a masterful job of securing his position in this establishment. Just wear TWO hats and make sure that no one on your staff is competent to fill either one.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:19 pm
The way they’re playing and being coached, can’t see them winning ANY games!
Vikes 21 Bucs 13
September 26th, 2026 at 1:23 pm
Joe, what I said is true. The word “slavemaster” is a bit of an exaggeration on my part.
But the media definitely accused d him of a being a “white overseer” or “white handler” and not letting the black coach run things on his own .
Therefore, Arians retreated off the sidelines and into the background after that.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:26 pm
If they’re 1-7 Nov 1 then you have to keep him and just tank the Season for the first pick and get a QB. Do the right thing Glazer boys, fire him at the end of the season.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
Bloodbath this Sunday
September 26th, 2026 at 1:30 pm
WTF @ Erik?? Your joking right??? Where did you ever hear that jibberish?? Arians gifted and bribed the Glazers to take on Bowles.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
1–2 loading… 🏴☠️🔥
Fire Bowles after THREE games? Not happening. The Glazers don’t operate emotionally, they method evaluate the entire season. And fire him now for who? You’re getting an interim coach, not your long-term answer.
Baker WILL bounce back. He’s 2–0 against Flores-led defenses and has been outstanding against the blitz.
Let the season breathe. Baker delivers Sunday, stays perfect against Flores, and the cannons start talking. 💥🏴☠️
September 26th, 2026 at 1:34 pm
TOSS the Keys to Gruden and Ronde. Seasons over. Create some curiosity and entertainment. If they do turn it around…..well….you never know.
This team has no fire, no energy, nothing.
Do it!!!
September 26th, 2026 at 1:34 pm
Owners too cheap to fire Bowles.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
I’m not sure Gruden can do anything with Baker and the play calling would be a little more up tempo. 1-7 wow Joe that’s really big pill to swallow. But Cleveland man that’s really sad to lose that game. That’s pretty much the outlook the way they are playing.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
One win would be great. It’s hard to win in the NFL. No other coach could do better.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
Licht has to go also. Need a fresh set of eyes on this roster. Licht’s to in love with his picks. Overpaid marginal players, and has struck out in FA. Reddick, Bredesen, Anzalone, Bridgewater. Licht’s time is up.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Bowles has perfect season…0-17.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
We have to wait until Halloween? Gruden is available!!
September 26th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
Let’s see how empty the stands are for tomorrow and then how empty they’ll be if we truly are 0-8 or 1-7. Glazers have never fired anyone mid season, but they also have never seen a stadium 1/4th full.
September 26th, 2026 at 1:56 pm
How donyou inherit a deep depth Super Bowl team and bring it down every year that you’re there
Obviously Mike Evans would have been a buccaneer for life. How does that not speak volumes that he knew to get out of there even after putting up with all the drama for years. Honestly we never used him right anyway he could’ve been way more than what he was…3rd and 28…….
Everybody knows with right coaching you can turn your team around. Many coaches do more with less. The jags were four and 13 when Cohen got there they became 13 and four
September 26th, 2026 at 1:56 pm
How donyou inherit a deep depth Super Bowl team and bring it down every year that you’re there
Obviously Mike Evans would have been a buccaneer for life. How does that not speak volumes that he knew to get out of there even after putting up with all the drama for years. Honestly we never used him right anyway he could’ve been way more than what he was…3rd and 28…….
Everybody knows with right coaching you can turn your team around. Many coaches do more with less. The jags were four and 13 when Cohen got there they became 13 and four
September 26th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
The best time to fire Bowles was at the end of last season. The second best time is now.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:12 pm
Belts making it to Halloween is SCARY 😱
September 26th, 2026 at 2:12 pm
*Bowles
September 26th, 2026 at 2:22 pm
The Green Bay game next week will determine that. If we lose and he keeps his job Monday then they will clearly ride the season out.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:23 pm
Speaking of Halloween, does anybody know where I can get a Baker Mayfield mask? I want one to wear so while handing out treats I can miss wide open trick or treat bags.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:24 pm
Just don’t criticize Todd on the radio. T-Kras will call you racist. Just saying.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:24 pm
Two reasons I don’t think that will happen. As Vancouver pointed out, if you’re 1-7 it is time to tank and if that is your strategy, why bother with an interim head coach. Also the Bucs would have to find an interim DC as well.
What I would like to see is the Bucs wait until the bye just a week later. Force Bowels to relinquish DC duties and direct the interim DC to install a 43 defense to determine if the is more suitable for Bucs defensive personnel. Bowels should be instructed NOT to interfere with the DC who would not answer to Bowels.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
Trey the stadium will be more than 1/4 full with Viking fans alone.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:27 pm
If it takes 1-7 to fire bowels, I’m all for it. This season is done.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:30 pm
Can’t believe Joe is still using that Ring of Honor label when referring to the GM. C’mon, man. De program that key. It has become embarrassing.
September 26th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
pro football being what it is, there will be a couple of wins on the board by the end of the season, but looking at the calendar, it is hard to circle any games as wins especially after a home loss to Watson and the Browns
another Bowles season, another wasted year
September 26th, 2026 at 3:11 pm
@Todd is on fire today. Appreciate the levity.
Concur with DR. We have little choice but to keep both arms inside, hold on, try not to puke on your neighbor, and wait for this ride to finish.
September 26th, 2026 at 3:14 pm
i hope not.
September 26th, 2026 at 3:15 pm
You can absolutely get ahead of your search if you launch him in season but that’s only for guys that are unemployed.
We do not need Sean McDermott or Tomlin or some retread. We need an offensive qb whisperer that can help Licht or a new gm select the right qb in April and get mayfield back to productive next year.
There are good red chip players on this team….just no blue chips. The right hire can turn this into an 11 win team next year.
September 26th, 2026 at 3:18 pm
So if the coaches put you in a position to win the game, and your $65M/year franchise QB can’t make a simple throw that every single QB in the NFL is expected to make, what exactly is the coach supposed to do differently when you can’t actually bench that QB that has singlehandedly lost you 6 of the last 7 games?
September 26th, 2026 at 4:05 pm
Then they would have to temporarily make Zac HC. No? Not yet impressed with him.
September 26th, 2026 at 4:39 pm
Anyone talking racism being a factor in this decision needs to stay away from media for awhile.
You’ve been poisoned.
Bowles has had a much longer leash than some coaches get. He hasn’t won enough games, the Bucs appear to be going backwards, the D is consistently ranked in the bottom half of the league.
I assure you if the Bucs are 0-5 or 1-7 and he gets fired, no one but the looniest cartoons in media would cite racism. That’s crazy talk.
September 26th, 2026 at 4:42 pm
I truly believe he could get fired mid season if things stay bad.
The biggest problem in thinking that, is the replacement. Definitely no good in house candidates but once again, change is about selling hope.
Could make Baker player/coach and it would be a disaster but the Glazers/Bucs would get attention and curiosity.
Bowles is currently inspiring nothing, been that way for 3 years. Not good for sales.
September 26th, 2026 at 5:18 pm
Cut your losses! Fire Bowles. I’ll help him pack and I have a bad back!
September 26th, 2026 at 5:32 pm
Todd’s only hope is if Watson plays like a top tier qb the rest of the season. If he immediately reverts to 7 of 23 for 96 yards and 2 picks…..
September 26th, 2026 at 6:43 pm
For those of you that don’t remember, a couple years ago in the beginning of the season, Arians was actively involved in coaching the offense of this team again. Bowles was in year 2 or 3 of his Head coaching tenure, I think it was. And in Week 2 or 3 of that season, Arians was seen on the sidelines yelling at the refs passionately, and that entire next week in the media, Arians was being shamed and slandered for it and it became a racial commentary hat Arians wouldn’t let Bowles run the show by himself and was acting like his handler or some other bs race-baiting slander.
Subsequently, Arians had to give up coaching again and fade into the background and Bowles run the show by himself. It was a ludicrous national media narrative that cost us having BA as an active offensive coach and forced him to quit coaching. It was ridiculous.
September 26th, 2026 at 6:57 pm
What kind of loser mentality is that “trade some veterans away to make sure we lose”, hell no, we need them when we build the new team why do we have to make the team weaker for the new coach?