The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered the 2025 season hoping to win their fifth division title in a row. That goal is still in reach, but with two weeks left in the season, the Buccaneers aren't in great shape. They are 7-8, coming off a pivotal loss to the 8-7 Carolina Panthers, who led the NFC South. The two teams will meet again in Week 18, but this season has already been one to forget for Tampa Bay.
Considering that, many fans and media members are wondering if head coach Todd Bowles is on the hot seat. While some people will argue it’s time for change, Buccaneers reporter Rick Stroud made it seem like a coaching change is unlikely. The veteran reporter recently took to social media to explain that Tampa Bay doesn’t look like a team ready to find a new head coach.
I don’t fire coaches bud. Have never called for someone’s job and won’t start now. That’s up to our columnist John Romano. But I’ve done this for more than three decades so I know the pattern. I would just say a change of HC may not be as guaranteed as some believe FWIW but… https://t.co/nr2iWxLKTA
— Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) December 22, 2025
Todd Bowles may be given another season to get the Buccaneers right
With two weeks left in the season, it’s important to note that everything is still on the table for Tampa Bay. The team could still win the division, make the playoffs, and make noise in the postseason. If that happens, Bowles definitely won’t be going anywhere. The Bucs could also suffer two embarrassing losses and miss the postseason. That would certainly bring a coaching change into consideration.
To Stroud’s point, though, Bowles probably isn’t going anywhere after the down season. He’s a respected voice in the organization, with quite a bit of success, including three straight division championships in the three seasons he’s been head coach. Bowles also has one playoff win in his three trips. Factor in all the injuries the Buccaneers had to navigate, and it seems like the veteran coach will be given another opportunity to get things right.
If Bowles is given that opportunity, he must take advantage in 2026. Once people start questioning a coach’s job security, they only have so many underwhelming seasons before those questions turn into action. Additionally, circumstances can only be used as an excuse so many times. So while Todd Bowles could be back in 2026, that season is already shaping up to be a make-or-break year for the head coach and the Buccaneers.