Many Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans have grown impatient with Todd Bowles, and the team’s disappointing 8-9 finish in 2025 only intensified the criticism aimed at the head coach.
Entering the 2026 season, Bowles finds himself on the hot seat, with a growing portion of the fanbase believing the Buccaneers have reached their ceiling under his leadership.
Franchise legend Gerald McCoy offered a different perspective, defending Bowles and making the case that the Bucs head coach is doing a better job in Tampa Bay than he’s being credited for.
Gerald McCoy defends Todd Bowles as Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach faces criticism
McCoy has clearly noticed the sentiment that is running rampant among Bucs fans calling for Bowles’ head. He posted a lengthy message to his X account, highlighting the success Tampa Bay’s defense has had under Bowles’ leadership and reminding fans that the Bucs have remained one of the league’s most consistent playoff contenders in recent years.
All yall Todd Bowles ain’t the guy and his defenses haven’t worked people need a reality check. Since taking over as DC in 2019 the defense has given up more points than we score TWICE!! In that span we have made the playoffs 5 out of 7 years. Only 6 teams league wide have done…
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) August 2, 2026
“All y’all Todd Bowles ain’t the guy and his defenses haven’t worked people need a reality check. Since taking over as DC in 2019 the defense has given up more points than we score TWICE!! In that span we have made the playoffs 5 out of 7 years. Only 6 teams league wide have done that… It ain’t all on TB. Y’all just looking for somebody to blame."
McCoy also acknowledged the team has dealt with roster turnover and injuries, and argued that Bowles shouldn’t shoulder all of the blame.
McCoy makes a valid argument, and Bucs fans should have more grace toward Bowles.
While the NFC South has consistently been one of the NFL’s weakest divisions, somebody has to win it. Bowles deserves some credit for leading Tampa Bay to a division title in three of his four seasons as head coach and keeping the team in playoff contention.
While it’s certainly frustrating that the Bucs have hovered around the .500 mark in the regular season and posted a 1-3 playoff record under Bowles, the bigger question is whether he’s had the necessary talent on the roster to lead the team to the next level.
Has Buccaneers roster construction held Todd Bowles back?
Roster construction is an important layer to this debate. A coach can only do so much with the players available to them, and Bowles has not always had the defensive talent required to maximize his scheme.
Bowles’ defensive philosophy is built around stopping the run and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Since taking over as Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator in 2019, the Buccaneers have ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rushing defense, proving his approach can be effective.
The big issue holding the defense back is a failure to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Bowles hasn't had enough quality pass rushers at his disposal in recent years, which limits the defense’s ceiling. The front office deserves as much blame for that as Bowles does.
Last year, the team signed Haason Reddick to a $14 million deal in free agency, and he recorded just 2.5 sacks. They also drafted Chris Braswell in the second round in 2024, and he’s recorded just 2.5 sacks through his first two seasons. Throw in 2021 first-round draft bust Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and the front office's inability to identify quality pass rushers in recent years becomes an obvious flaw.
That could finally change in 2026. The Buccaneers added first-round draft pick Rueben Bain Jr., signed Al-Quadin Muhammad in free agency, and are getting David Walker back from injury. On paper, it’s the best collection of defensive talent Bowles has had in years.
If Tampa Bay’s defensive struggles continue despite an improved roster, the criticism of Bowles will be much more justified. But entering the season, it’s only fair to acknowledge McCoy’s point that Bowles hasn’t always been working with ideal circumstances.
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