The chants at Raymond James Stadium were loud and unmistakable during Thursday Night Football: “Fire Bowles. Fire Bowles.” And after what’s unfolded over the past week, it’s no longer just fan frustration - it’s a real conversation.
The Buccaneers, once in control of the NFC South, have now dropped five of their last six games, including back-to-back home losses to division opponents who were already out of playoff contention. That slide has them sitting at 7-7, clinging to second place in a division that’s been wide open all year. But here’s the kicker - both losses came in the span of just four days, and the most recent one stung even more: a blown 14-point fourth-quarter lead against the Falcons on a night when the franchise was celebrating its 50th season.
That’s not just a missed opportunity. That’s a gut punch.
Now, technically, Tampa Bay still controls its own destiny. Win out - with two games against the Panthers and one against the Dolphins - and they’ll take the division crown.
But controlling your path and actually walking it are two very different things. And right now, this team doesn’t look like one capable of stringing together three straight must-win performances.
The concern isn’t just about the standings - it’s about the way they’re losing. These aren’t shootouts or narrow battles against contenders.
These are losses to teams with nothing left to play for but pride and future contracts. And when you’re giving up double-digit leads at home in December, it raises deeper questions about leadership, execution, and direction.
That brings us back to Todd Bowles.
Bowles has been at the helm for three seasons now, and he’s guided the Bucs to three straight division titles. That’s no small feat, even in a division that’s lacked a true powerhouse since the post-Brees Saints and post-Ryan Falcons faded.
But NFL history is littered with coaches who found short-term success and still didn’t get the long leash. In this league, past wins don’t always protect you from present losses.
And the Buccaneers? They’re not exactly known for patience.
Since 2001, they’ve cycled through eight head coaches. Names like Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Raheem Morris, Greg Schiano, Lovie Smith, and Dirk Koetter have all been shown the door.
Even Bruce Arians, who technically stepped down on his own terms, did so under circumstances that raised more than a few eyebrows.
So, yes - if this late-season slide turns into a full-on collapse, it’s fair to ask whether Bowles could be next.
That’s not to say the Bucs are done. Far from it.
They’ve got three games left, and the path to the playoffs is still there. But the margin for error is gone.
Every snap, every drive, every coaching decision from here on out will be under the microscope. Because in Tampa Bay, the bar was raised the moment Tom Brady walked through the door - and it hasn’t been lowered just because he walked out.
The next three weeks will tell us a lot. Not just about whether the Bucs can salvage their season, but about whether Todd Bowles is the man this franchise still believes in to lead them forward.