Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles on Washington’s shortlist

After leaving a head coaching post this offseason, Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is reportedly in the hunt for another gig.

The news that broke this morning in the NFL world was the firing of head coach Jay Gruden by Washington after an 0-5 start. Reportedly, Washington already has a shortlist put together, and on this list is current defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Todd Bowles.

Bowles was previously a head coach before 2019 for the New York Jets before losing a power struggle with now former general manager Mike Macaggnan. He was the head coach for the gang green from 2015 until last season before being fired; Bruce Arians was quick to leap on his former defensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals and bring him to Tampa.

Through the first two games of the season, Bowles had the Bucs’ defense flying around the field, as Shaquil Barrett has recorded nine sacks on the season already, and Vita Vea is off to the best start of his young career. Even coming into Sunday, the pewter and red were ranked as the sixth highest defense in the league according to Football Outsiders and 16th against the pass.

However after yesterday’s meltdown against the New Orleans Saints, the unit is likely to take a hit and fall in those rankings. However, Bowles’ reputation around the league must still be high as he is still being discussed for head coaching jobs after just getting fired less than a year ago.

For the sake of the Bucs’ defense, hopefully Bowles can hang around in Tampa as improvements have been made from a year ago with this young unit. For now, Bowles is being watched by Washington for their next head coaching job as they look to change their culture.