Todd Bowles is looking to simplify the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense by refocusing his attention on what he knows best. During the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, Bowles shared that stepping back from offensive duties, thanks to the hiring of Zac Robinson, should sharpen the defense that’s been his hallmark. Last season, Bowles found himself stretched thin while working closely with then-offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, who, along with several assistants, has since been let go.
Bowles emphasized that Robinson’s addition will allow him to concentrate more on defensive responsibilities. “Instead of doing so much on offense, I’m back to focusing on my defensive duties,” Bowles explained. “Robinson’s understanding of game situations from an offensive perspective is invaluable.”
The Buccaneers’ defense in 2025 was a shadow of its former self, ranking 21st in yards allowed and 20th in scoring defense. While they excelled in rushing defense, their struggles in passing and red-zone defense were glaring. Bowles acknowledged these challenges, noting that the defense was more static than dynamic, and it didn’t yield the desired results.
Criticism has come from all sides, including Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, who pointed out the complexity of Bowles’ schemes. Barber highlighted that asking players to perform unfamiliar roles can lead to confusion.
Bowles, however, defended his approach, explaining that the defense was beaten on basic plays, not exotic ones. “We’ve got to get better at executing the fundamentals,” he said.
Looking ahead to 2026, coaching changes are a big part of Bowles’ strategy. He’s brought in Marcus West as the new defensive line coach and promoted Rashad Johnson and Tim Atkins to coach defensive backs and safeties, respectively. Bowles expressed confidence in these younger coaches, believing they bring the necessary energy and intelligence to revitalize the defense.
The Bucs also face challenges in personnel, particularly at outside linebacker. David Walker, a promising rookie, missed his entire season due to injury.
Bowles admitted the need to address this position in the draft, acknowledging past misses but remaining hopeful for improvement. “We’ve got to coach better and play better,” Bowles stated, emphasizing the importance of size and strength in future acquisitions.
Ultimately, Bowles believes that with a renewed focus on defense and strategic coaching changes, the Buccaneers can turn things around. His commitment to calling plays again signals a return to basics, with hopes of restoring the defense to its former glory.