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It might not be well-known, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles might be on the coaching hot seat in 2026.
After starting last season 5-1, the Buccaneers crumbled in an embarrassing way to finish 8-9 and miss the playoffs.
Having made the playoffs in the two years prior, the Buccaneers now have their work cut out to get back, as the pressure grows on Bowles to get things right again.
And for Fox Sports' Eric Williams, he thinks Bowles needs a fast start in 2026 to avoid a midseason firing.
"So, Bowles will now enter the season on the hot seat while also having to replace a pair of franchise icons," Williams wrote. "Bowles has a 35-33 record and has taken the team to the playoffs in three of his first four years of the helm. But can he prove that last season was a blip? Bowles is on the hot seat after last season’s poor finish and needs a strong start to avoid a potential midseason firing."
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Can Bucs start fast for Bowles?
The first six weeks will be decisive.
Tampa faces the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. That is a tough opening to the year.
Then, the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears are up before the bye in Week 10.
So that is the stretch that will define Bowles' tenure in 2026.
If the Buccaneers are under .500 and have looked poor during that time, there is every chance he could be moved on. But if he can get this team to have a winning record, then he might stick around.
But it looms as a tough task, as the Buccaneers have to play some genuine playoff contenders early on, and if things go south, Tampa Bay might have a new head coach.
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