The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the brink of playoff elimination and face a must-win game Saturday against the Carolina Panthers just to have a shot at a fifth consecutive NFC South division title.
Over the last four weeks, the Bucs have had numerous opportunities to avoid this type of scenario, where they must win and hope for a Falcons' loss in order to make the playoffs. However, sloppy play and a lack of focus on the details have led to one bad play after another, resulting in one loss after another.
Appearing on his weekly slot on the Pat McAfee show, former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians was asked, just exactly what happened to the Buccaneers over the last four weeks, and he was just as flabbergasted as the rest of us. Yet despite that, he still believes there’s a chance Bowles stays on as head coach next season.
“You’re guess is as good as mine,” Arians said. “All of a sudden, we can’t make a play to win the game. We’ve got veterans busting coverages giving up 80-yard touchdowns in critical moments. Baker, I don’t think it’s totally healthy, and all of a sudden the interceptions are back. So those things lead to really bad play. But I don’t think they’ll make a change.”
Buccaneers fans shouldn't ignore Bruce Arians' prediction about Todd Bowles' future
Arians' statements shouldn’t be taken for granted, and while he used the words, “I think”, he is still very plugged into the day-to-day at One Buc Place. Not to mention his thoughts echo those of NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who on Sunday reported Bowles is likely safe as head coach and not on the hot seat after the Buccaneers' string of losses.
“For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it has been a rough, rough couple of months, Rapoport said. “They have lost six of their last seven game, face a must-win against the Miami Dolphins today to keep their playoff hopes alive. And yes, this has led to some questions about head coach Todd Bowles. So let me answer some of those questions before they begin. Todd Bowles received a three-year contract extension before the season. He is under contract through 2028. They’ve won three straight division titles and still have a possibility of winning their fourth. Does that, Rich, sound like someone who should be in trouble? I would say, certainly not.”
That was before the Bucs fell to the Dolphins and took destiny out of their own hands. Now they must beat the Panthers at home and hope for the Saints to beat the Falcons or Carolina will win the division based on tie breakers.
Maybe a loss will be enough for the Glazers to consider a coaching change but reports over the last few days seem to make Saturday's outcome irrelevant to the decision to keep Bowles in 2026 and beyond.