TAMPA, Fla. — Todd Bowles will return as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the 2026 season, a source confirmed to ESPN. Bowles also sent a text to the Tampa Bay Times confirming his return.
The decision came after Bowles met with the Glazer family, who expressed their desire to continue the partnership. The meeting followed news that the Baltimore Ravens had fired longtime coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons.
Bowles, who signed a three-year extension this past offseason, guided Tampa Bay to three consecutive NFC South titles. However, a late-season collapse in which the team lost seven of its final eight games and missed the playoffs for the first time under his tenure raised questions about his job security. Tampa Bay finished 8-9, giving Bowles a 35-33 record over four seasons, with a 1-3 postseason mark.
At a season-ending news conference, Bowles acknowledged fans’ frustrations but emphasized his focus on improving the team. “All I can do is coach and be myself. I’ve earned the chance; I’ve won three straight division titles, so that says a lot as far as I’m concerned,” he said. He added that changes would be made both schematically and in coaching approaches to maximize player strengths.
Bowles is scheduled to meet with his staff on Thursday, and some adjustments are expected. Several Buccaneers players have expressed support for the coach. Center Graham Barton compared Bowles’ situation to the 2023 Eagles, who rebounded under the same coach after a late-season slump. Wide receiver Jalen McMillan praised Bowles’ leadership and consistency, calling him “a great leader” who “shows up to work every day” and gives consistent effort.
This decision secures Bowles’ position as the team’s head coach for another season as Tampa Bay looks to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.
