The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not have the most settled head coaching situation in the world, as Todd Bowles is operating on a knife edge. Recent moves across the league have helped throw Tampa's future plans all out of whack, as their de facto head coach-in-waiting has bit the dust.
Offensive coordinator Liam Coen, who had previously agreed to a revised deal to remain in charge of this high-powered offense, decided to renege on his word and take the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach job. Not only does this hurt the offense, but it deprives Tampa of their perfect in-house replacement for Bowles if he is kicked out of town.
Tampa would be better off hiring an experienced coach to replace Bowles, as they need to help establish themselves as the reigning chiefs of the NFC South. If that is the case, former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy could be perfect for them.
McCarthy, who had been under consideration for the New Orleans Saints' head coaching vacancy, has reportedly decided to sit this hiring cycle out and wait until 2026 before picking his next destination. If Tampa tires of Bowles, they could have an ideal replacement lined up.
Bucs should consider Mike McCarthy as Todd Bowles replacement after 2025
McCarthy has been selective about his next coaching destinations, as he is seemingly very insistent on choosing a quarterback who can help him compete for postseason births right off the bat. He got that in Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott, and he can find it again in Baker Mayfield.
Due to how weak the division is, NFC South head coaching vacancies should be viewed in a very favorable light. With Mayfield and a roster that needs just one more solid draft to go from good to great, McCarthy should have no trouble keeping Tampa at the top of this division.
McCarthy may not be the same brilliant, innovative offensive mind that Coen is alleged to be, but his offenses have a level of baseline competency that will appeal to Mayfield and others on that offense.
Getting rid of Bowles could be an attractive option for Tampa Bay, especially if they fail to make any progress after their 2024 playoff exit. If Bowles is let go, Tampa could surely do a lot worse than a coach with Super Bowl experience and a history of building productive offenses across this league.