The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fanbase has been waiting for some sort of news surrounding potential changes. The team missed out on the playoffs after starting off the year with a 6-2 record, losing the last spot to the Carolina Panthers, thanks to a win by the Atlanta Falcons over the New Orleans Saints. Fans wanted some form of accountability due to their epic collapse after their bye week, with most of the ire directed at head coach Todd Bowles.
Earlier in the week, Bowles said he wasn't informed by team ownership if he would remain as head coach, and offered a fiery defense of why he should stay. On Tuesday, Buccaneers fans saw a very popular, potential replacement hit the market in the form of former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Given how in demand Harbaugh would be, fans wondered if the Buccaneers would move on from Bowles if they received some clarity that he'd seriously consider signing with Tampa Bay.
But on Wednesday, Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times received word from Bowles that he was told by the Glazer family that he would remain as Buccaneers head coach for the 2026 season.
Todd Bowles officially returning as Buccaneers head coach in 2026
This may not be a popular move for Buccaneers fans, but it seems the Glazer family doesn't put the team's failure in the 2025 season on Bowles. According to Stroud, the Glazers took into account the injuries the team dealt with this season, from the majority of the offensive line to wide receiver Mike Evans.
As for what's next, Bowles told Stroud that there are likely to be changes to the coaching staff for next season. One coach that has been on the hot seat is offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, who hasn't panned out like previous individuals who held the position like Panthers head coach Dave Canales and Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. This season, the offense averaged 320.4 yards (21st in NFL) and 22.4 (tied for 17th in NFL).
The Buccaneers obviously believe that Bowles is the right person for the job. But given Harbaugh's surprise entrance onto the coaching cycle, the Glazers better hope that Bowles does turn things around next season and hope that they can return to Super Bowl contention. If not, one has to wonder if this will ultimately be a case of the team kicking the can down the road.