The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will not be entering the John Harbaugh sweepstakes.
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Head coach Todd Bowles said he will return to Tampa for the 2026 season, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Bowles delivered the message after meeting with team ownership Tuesday and ahead of scheduled meetings with his assistant coaches on Wednesday.
Bowles has had a steady run since taking over the Buccaneers job, winning division titles in each of his first three seasons and compiling a 27-24 regular-season record. This year, however, marked a downturn. Tampa Bay finished 8-9, missed the playoffs, and dropped seven of its final nine games.
While Bowles' job appears secure, changes are coming. He said he expects to make adjustments to his coaching staff, though he declined to offer specifics.
He will also have to do some real self-assessing, given Tampa Bay's collapse this past season.
"After starting 6-2, the Bucs lost seven of their final nine games to finish 8-9 and miss the postseason for the first time in six seasons despite finishing with the same record as the division champion Panthers," Stroud wrote. "The Bucs lost four straight games to teams — New Orleans, Atlanta, Carolina and Miami — with losing records. Had Tampa Bay won any of those games, it would be preparing for a playoff game this weekend against the Rams."
Stroud added, "Bowles' strength is as a defensive play-caller, and this season the Bucs allowed 24.2 points per game, which tied for 20th in the NFL."
