Tampa Bay Buccaneers Retain Todd Bowles as Head Coach Despite 2025 Season Collapse
TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to keep Todd Bowles at the helm as head coach for the 2026 NFL season, despite a disappointing finish to their 2025 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs. Bowles, who has led the Buccaneers since 2021, confirmed the decision following a meeting with team owners, the Glazer family, on Tuesday.
After a strong start that saw Tampa Bay post a 6-2 record, expectations were high for the Buccaneers to secure their fourth consecutive NFC South title. However, a dramatic second-half collapse led to the team winning only two of their final nine games, finishing with an 8-9 record. This was identical to the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons, but due to NFL tiebreaker rules, the Panthers clinched the division title, leaving Tampa Bay on the outside looking in. The Falcons’ upset victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17 further complicated the playoff picture.
Despite some speculation about Bowles’ job security amid the late-season slide, the Glazers and the front office have chosen to maintain stability with the coaching staff. Bowles acknowledged that changes will be made to his coaching staff for the upcoming season, though he did not specify the nature of those adjustments. The hope is that a refreshed coaching approach, combined with roster reinforcements, will help the Buccaneers rebound in 2026.
Bowles’ tenure with the Buccaneers has been marked by mixed results. Over four seasons, the team holds a 35-33 record under his leadership, with consistent divisional success but limited playoff advancement. The Buccaneers have yet to progress beyond the divisional round during his time as head coach. His best season came in 2024, when the team finished 10-7.
Injuries played a significant role in the Buccaneers’ struggles last year. The offensive line was particularly hard hit, and key players such as wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin missed extended time. Additionally, running back Bucky Irving, who emerged as a standout rookie in 2024, was sidelined for multiple games. These setbacks contributed to the team’s inability to maintain their early momentum.
The Buccaneers are now looking toward the 2026 season with a strategy that includes bolstering the roster through free agency and making tactical changes to the coaching staff, all while keeping Bowles as the central figure guiding the team. The decision reflects a belief in Bowles’ ability to steer the Buccaneers back to playoff contention.
For more information on NFL coaching decisions and team management, visit the National Football League official site. Details on the Buccaneers’ season performance can be found through the ESPN Buccaneers team page. The NFL’s official rules and tiebreaker procedures are outlined at the NFL Operations website. For insights into injury reports and player status, the NFL Players Association provides comprehensive updates.
As the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Bowles and his revamped staff to see if they can reverse the fortunes of a team that showed so much promise early in 2025 but ultimately fell short of postseason aspirations.
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