The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ collapse this season has led some to wonder if coach Todd Bowles could take the fall for their poor finish.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday that there is virtually no chance Bowles will be fired at the end of the season even if the Buccaneers do not win the NFC South. He pointed to the coach’s recent accomplishments as a major reason.
“Todd Bowles received a 3-year contract extension before the season. He is under contract through 2028,” Rapoport said on NFL Network. “They have won three straight division titles and still have a possibility of winning their fourth. Does that sound like someone who should be in trouble? I would say certainly not.”
From @NFLGameDay Morning: The status of #49ers TE George Kittle (ankle) is in doubt tonight, but he's intent on working out to see; Meanwhile, the #Bucs face a must-win today, which has led some to wonder about coach Todd Bowles. pic.twitter.com/Nlu2KIC6AB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 28, 2025
The Buccaneers started the season 6-2 and looked like they were going to cruise to a division title. Since then, they have lost six of seven, and Carolina has overtaken them in a standings. Bowles has seemingly been feeling the pressure and frustration in recent weeks as well.
The late-season swoon is undoubtedly a source of concern for the Buccaneers, but not enough to seriously put Bowles on the hot seat. He is 34-32 overall with Tampa Bay, but as Rapoport noted, they have won the NFC South in each of his three full seasons to date.
The Buccaneers do technically control their own destiny. They face Carolina in Week 18, so if they win on Sunday, they will essentially set up a winner-take-all season finale.
