Bucs Rumors on Todd Bowles' Hot Seat, Job Security Amid NFL Playoff Bracket Push

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are riding a three-game losing streak into Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins, and many are wondering about the future of head coach Todd Bowles if they fall short of the playoffs.

However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported during Sunday's episode of NFL GameDay that Bowles' job is likely to be safe this year.

"Let me answer some questions before they begin. Todd Bowles received a three-year contract extension before the season, he is under contract through 2028. They have won three straight division titles and still have a possibility of winning their fourth," Rapoport said. "Does that sound like someone who should be in trouble? I would say certainly not."

The Bucs started the season with a 6-2 record before losing six of their last seven games. At 7-8, they now trail the Carolina Panthers (8-7) for first place in the NFC South. The two teams will face each other in Week 18, so Tampa Bay needs to win against Miami to remain in the running for the division crown.

Bowles has coached the Bucs since 2022 and has a record of 34-32 with a 1-3 record in the playoffs. He made headlines earlier this month when he blasted his team for their performance in a disappointing Week 15 loss against the Atlanta Falcons.

"It's inexcusable," Bowles said at the time. "We don't make excuses. You gotta f--king care enough where the s--t hurts. You gotta f--king care enough where the s--t hurts. Gotta f--king mean something to you. It's more than a job, it's your f--king livelihood. How well do you know your job? How well can you do your job? You can't sugar coat that s--t. It was in-f--king-excusable. And there's no f--king answer for it. There's no excuse for it. That's what you tell them in the locker room. Look in the f--king mirror."

However, if the Bucs fall short of the postseason, it will be Bowles who will have to look in the mirror. It doesn't sound like he's going anywhere, so if he continues to stick around for the remainder of his contract extension, he will have to make some changes if he wants to lead Tampa Bay back to title contention.