Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles confirmed Wednesday that he will return for the 2026 season.
As NBC Sports noted, his announcement was made following a meeting with team ownership, ending days of speculation surrounding his job status.
Bowles told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times that he is “back” after meeting with the Glazer family, echoing reports from NFL insiders that the organization opted for continuity despite a late-season collapse.
According to multiple reports, Bowles is expected to make changes to his coaching staff, though he has not offered specifics yet.
“I’ve earned the chance,” Bowles said earlier this week when addressing questions about his future.
“I won three straight division titles. The coach’s problem is to make the team better. That’s all I’m looking forward to.”
While ownership appears aligned with that view, the reaction from large portions of the Bucs fan base was overwhelmingly negative.
Their reaction was nothing but anger and disappointment.
Fans Push Back Hard on Another Bowles Season
As news of Bowles’ return spread, social media filled with frustrated reactions from fans.
Many fans see the decision as settling for mediocrity after a promising start unraveled into a collapse.
“I guess the Glazers don’t care about winning,” one fan wrote on X. “This is a massive mistake.”
Another longtime Buccaneers supporter argued that history would not be kind to the current era, calling the team’s recent success “superficial.”
“At least ownership saves money,” the fan added, referencing Bowles’ contract status.
Others were even harsher, calling the decision “insanity” and labeling it “the worst move this franchise has made in decades.”
These fans all pointed towards Bowles’ conservative game management, defensive inconsistencies, blown leads and inability to close out big games.
One fan summed up the mood bluntly: “Put a fork in the 2026 Bucs,” while he posted a picture of a dumpster fire with the Bucs logo.
From a 6-2 start to an 8-9 finish with no playoffs, the outrage reflects how dramatically the season shifted this season.
Buccaneers Turn to 2026 With Big Questions
With Bowles officially returning for a fifth season, attention now shifts to 2026.
Bowles is expected to evaluate his staff in the coming days as the league-wide coaching carousel continues.
Rumors have floated that the team may move on from offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.
Nothing has officially been confirmed but shakeups are to be expected in the coming days.
Another big 2026 decision revolves around Baker Mayfield.
After a strong start that put his name in the MVP race, Mayfield’s play deteriorated in the second half of the season.
He was playing through injuries, but he threw nine interceptions in his last eight games.
He also failed to throw for 205 passing yards in six of those nine games.
Mayfield still has one more year on his 3-year, $100 million contract as he is set for $30 million guaranteed in 2026.
Another storyline to watch will be whether Tampa Bay targets a QB in the draft, to signal potential competition for Mayfield in 2026.
But for now, all we know is that, like it or not, Bowles will be returning next season.
Buccaneers Clear Answer on Todd Bowles’ Coaching Future Sparks Outrage Among Fans