Despite a tough 2025, ownership reaffirms faith in Bowles, targeting key roster additions and player health to reclaim a winning tradition by 2026.
An 8-9 finish to the 2025 season left a sour taste in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' mouth, and ownership is sticking with coach Todd Bowles despite a disappointing year.
Joel Glazer, the co-chair of the Buccaneers, shared a slew of quotes with the media at the NFL's annual meeting on Tuesday regarding the organization's decision to keep Bowles for his fifth season.
Glazer understands a losing season is unacceptable for Tampa Bay and its fans. But he believes the team needs some additions to improve the roster and return to having a winning record.
“If you look at our roster, if you look at our team, I think we are great in a lot of spots. But like a lot of teams, you have to add,” Glazer said. “So obviously, ultimately the head coach is the one who this falls at his feet, but I know Todd’s very respected in the locker room and nobody wants to win more than Todd.”
Bowles shares the same sentiment about adding to his roster, especially at the cornerback position. Tampa Bay lost Jamel Dean to the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this month.
Dean spent all seven years with the Buccaneers, and losing a veteran presence in the unit means the younger players must step up to bolster the position. Tampa Bay has other needs as well, including the EDGE, linebacker and tight end positions, according to ESPN's 2026 NFL draft team needs.
The Buccaneers can address all of their needs, whether it's in free agency or the upcoming draft, but what matters is staying healthy. Injuries played a significant role in derailing Tampa Bay's season.
“Everybody has injuries, but I think we had some significant challenges we had to deal with last year, Glazer said. "It was unfortunate down the stretch, frustrating down the stretch, but you see week in and week out, this team plays hard for Todd."
Mike Evans missed five games, Chris Godwin missed two games, Bucky Irving missed three games and Zyon McCollum missed the final three games during Tampa Bay's 2-7 stretch to end the season.
Health is wealth in the NFL, and the Buccaneers need to remain healthy to bounce back from Bowles' second losing season in four years.
Tampa Bay signed Bowles to a five-year contract on March 30, 2022, succeeding Bruce Arians. He's won the division three years in a row, only placing second last season to the Carolina Panthers.
Bowles is the first coach in franchise history to win three division titles in each of their three season. The Buccaneers' run defense has ranked in the top five for three straight seasons under Bowles defensive philosophy as well.
Despite a disappointing 2025 season, Tampa Bay has bright spots on its roster, and the Glazer family is prioritizing continuity with Bowles over searching for a change.
Everybody in the organization shares high expectations for the 2026 season, as they chase a winning record, which likely crowns them as division champions once more.
“He knows we have the highest expectations, we know he has the highest expectations, that Jason has the highest expectations, so we’re looking forward to this season,” Glazer said. “Look forward to finishing up the offseason with the draft, and we’re very optimistic.”
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