As you would expect after a dreadful second half of the season, the Buccaneers made some changes to their coaching staff.  But one notable name remains.

First, who’s out?  Offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard and special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey.  There are others, but let me focus on those two.  The offense took a step back under his command.  The Bucs were 18^th in scoring, and in the lower-third of the league in rushing yards and passing yards.  Those numbers are down substantially from the previous year under Liam Coen (look what he’s done with the Jaguars.)

Special teams were abysmal all season under McGaughey.  Tampa Bay had FIVE kicks blocked, two of which were returned for touchdowns (Philadelphia and the Jets.)  The kickoff coverage was awful.  How many times did the opponent return a kickoff to midfield, or even beyond?  It got so bad, that the Bucs just decided to kick touchbacks and give the other team the ball at the 35.  Not ideal, but it’s better than midfield.

But guess who’s staying?  Todd Bowles.  Despite his late-season collapse and his porous defense, the Glazers are giving him another chance.  I don’t get it.  The Bucs’ defense finished 21^st in points allowed.  If you count just the last 9 games, that ranking is a lot worse.  They can’t tackle.  They can’t cover.  They can’t generate a pass rush.  It’s been like that for awhile now.  And yet, Bowles refused to make any changes.  Will he hire a defensive coordinator?  Who knows.  But if he calls the plays on defense again in 2026, expect another year of mediocrity in Tampa.

We, the fans, deserve better.

Photo courtesy: New York Times