Despite recent struggles, Todd Bowles' defensive genius shines, ranking him among the league's elite play-callers, especially against the run.
Although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' late-season collapse was not a good look for Todd Bowles, the fifth-year head coach has consistently posted strong defensive metrics, carving out a reputation as one of the best defensive minds in the league.
In his role as head coach, Bowles is under pressure to succeed next season after Tampa's four-year reign as NFC South champs came to an end in 2025 after what was widely seen as the Buccaneers' second-half collapse last year.
Still, the defensive success Bowles has brought to Tampa Bay dates from his time as the team's defensive coordinator.
NFL analyst John Frascella released his rankings Wednesday for the defensive coordinators for all 32 teams, placing Bowles at No. 12 in the league and first in the division.
Bowles, who started his Bucs tenure as defensive coordinator in 2019, has a reputation as one of the most creative defensive play callers in the NFL, as he frequently dials up unique blitz packages and formations.
Bucs defenses under Bowles are among the best in the league for blitz percentage, which also helps dictate how Tampa defends against the run.
Since Bowles took over in 2019, Tampa Bay has often ranked among the best run defenses in the league.
Some of this success can be attributed to drafting Vita Vea that year as well, who has become one of the premier run stuffers in the NFL.
Vea's development has been a big part of Bowles' success, as the former Washington nose tackle has posted four or more sacks and 30 or more tackles in five consecutive seasons.
Outside of Vea, Bowles has helped develop multiple standout defenseman, including All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr., who has become one of the most dynamic secondary players in the NFL.
Bowles' defensive scheme also delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in recent Super Bowl history, holding the Kansas City Chiefs to just nine points.
The Bucs' defensive line got to Chiefs star QB Patrick Mahomes all night, as the defense accounted for three sacks, holding the two-time MVP to 26-49 (53-percent) completions for 270 yards and two interceptions, while keeping them out of the end zone.
Following the game, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talked about Bowles' gameplan, saying "he got us," giving credit to the Bucs for their dominant showing.
Of course, coaching is a different story, but as far as defensive play callers go, Bowles is one of the best and has been for a long time.
Regardless of how this season goes, he will always be remembered for blanking Mahomes and the Chiefs and helping Tampa Bay hoist the Lombardi.
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