Sunday night, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers saw more of the same issues from head coach Todd Bowles in their Wild Card loss to the Washington Commanders.
Late-game mismanagement seems to be at the forefront of many complaints when it comes to Bowles, and this game was no different. As the Commanders marched down the field on their final possession of the game to ultimately kick the game-winning field goal, Bowles also spotted them plenty of time in the process.
Failing to take his timeouts in timely fashion was a familiar sight to Bucs fans and would lead to plenty of questions regarding Bowles' future in Tampa Bay.
If the Bucs were to make a quick decision and fire Bowles in order to get in on this year's coaching cycle full of worthy candidates, there are four key names that would be a lot of fun to see take over.
Who would replace Todd Bowles as the Buccaneers head coach?
Liam Coen, Bucs Offensive Coordinator
Before looking elsewhere, it would make the most sense for the Bucs to promote Liam Coen. He's done a phenomenal job with this offense and Baker Mayfield. Speaking of Mayfield, this would ensure the Bucs quarterback not end up with his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons with the Bucs.
Coen is already a head coach candidate and being looked at by other NFL teams, so why not keep him in Tampa Bay and give him a well-deserved promotion?
Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
The biggest remaining name after Mike Vrabel was hired in New England is undoubtedly Ben Johnson. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator is going to get a job, no doubt. But, his stipulations of having a quarterback (or path to get one) as well as organizational cohesiveness could impact which franchises have a chance at him.
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The Bucs, with Mayfield, would be a great landing spot for Johnson and a place for the two of them to flourish. Tampa finished as the league's no. 4 scoring offense, but Johnson led the league over in Detroit, with the Lions scoring over 33 per game.
Joe Brady, Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
Staying on the page of offensive minds, Joe Brady is another one who should have consideration for head coaching gigs as well. His experience leading the Bills offense and previously being at LSU for Joe Burrow's Heisman season should be more than enough to get him a job, sooner or later.
If the Bucs want to go with an offensive head coach, Brady should absolutely get a look. The Bills finished just behind Detroit as the league's no. 2 scoring offense during the regular season.
Deion Sanders, Head Coach, Colorado
Finally, and only if the Bucs wanted to get real crazy, they could try and pursue Deion Sanders, who has been rumored to make the jump to the NFL for a little while now. Sanders was already reportedly interested in the Las Vegas Raiders job, so there. might be legs to him moving on up.
Would he be able to handle coaching in the NFL, though? Would his style translate? It'd be a big risk, that's for sure.