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Todd Bowles choosing between Buccaneers, Bears DC job

By Ryan Doyle

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 17: Head coaches Todd Bowles of the New York Jets and Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shakes hands after the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 17, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 17: Head coaches Todd Bowles of the New York Jets and Bruce Arians of the Arizona Cardinals shakes hands after the NFL game at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 17, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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Hold your horses. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not get coveted defensive coordinator candidate Todd Bowles. He is looking into a job with the Chicago Bears.

UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Bucs reached a deal with Todd Bowles to become the team’s defensive coordinator.

UPDATE: On The Rich Eisen Show, Arians mentioned that Bowles will be heading to the Buccaneers.

After initial reports linked the former New York Jets coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported that Todd Bowles is weighing two job offers.

Bowles was offered the position to become the Chicago Bears, defensive coordinator. Bruce Arians also offered Bowles the defensive coordinator position.

The Bears have an opening after their defensive coordinator spot, Vic Fangio was hired as the Denver Broncos head coach, leaving a vacancy with a talented defense in Chicago.

Now, Bowles has a significant decision on his hands. He can become the leader of one of the NFL’s best defenses, or come to Tampa with his old friend and mentor.

The Bucs offer a notable pathway to another head coaching job. Arians won’t be coaching the Bucs for a decade. With health concerns and his age, Tampa Bay will need to groom a replacement if Arians can turn the franchise around.

Bowles could be that coach. He has head coaching experience, and he can learn from his mistakes. If things go well with Arians at the helm, Tampa Bay could pluck a candidate from his coaching tree and continue to ride the wave.

Tampa’s defense will undoubtedly be a lot more work. They allowed 29.0 points per game, the second-worst mark in the league. The situation won’t get much better talent-wise in 2019 as the Bucs don’t have much spending money due to their tight cap situation.

The Bears feature one of the most talented units in the league, led by Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks, Chicago won the NFC North with ease in 2018. If Bowles wants another head coaching job down the road, the Bears could be a smart place to land.

Bowles also has connections with Chicago’s head coach Matt Nagy. Back when Bowles was playing football in high school, Nagy’s father coached him, according to Biggs.

Next. Buccaneers 7-round Mock Draft Vol.2. dark

A reunion of sorts will take place for Bowles. Only one question remains, will it take place in Tampa Bay or Chicago?

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