Todd Bowles was clear on why they chose Zac Robinson as the new OC. “I was very impressed with his plan for getting the most out of the talent we have on that side of the ball. He has a very good understanding of the strengths of our top offensive players,” Todd Bowles said via a team’s statement. He then added, “I am very confident in his ability to teach and develop our young players.”

Robinson knows the Buccaneers’ weapons very well, as he was the Falcons OC in years prior. Hence, he played against Tampa Bay twice a year. He will replace Josh Grizzard, who only had one year and failed to deliver.

Zac Robinson has a lot of pressure

Robinson really needs to bring the heat, as Baker Mayfield is already reigniting beef with Kevin Stefanski, who is the new HC of the Falcons. Also, his reputation is on the line. He had four different first rounders on the Falcons roster, and the offense was still not great. Despite having Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Michael Penix Jr. and three first rounders on the offensive line, the Falcons were still not a feared opponent.

Now, he will have an even more stacked offensive roster to work with. Two of the last three OCs on the Bucs have become head coaches in the NFL. Both Dave Canales and Liam Coen are doing wonderful jobs in their respective teams. Therefore, this is a job were Robinson could use as a trampoline if he provides on the promise of making this offense a powerhouse.

The Bucs offensive weaponry is incredibly elite and deep

There is no reason for Tampa Bay not to have a top five offense in the NFL next year. If healthy, the Bucs only need a decent playcalling and they could absolutely blast any defense in front of him.

• QB: Baker Mayfield
• RB: Bucky Irving
• WR: Mike Evans / Jalen McMillan
• WR: Chris Godwin / Sterling Shepard
• WR: Emeka Egbuka / Tez Johnson
• TE: Cade Otton

According to reports from The Insiders via Ian Rapoport on X, the Bucs will now need to find a new offensive coordinator. Josh Grizzard, who had been serving in the role, was fired, meaning Baker Mayfield will have a new play-caller moving forward.

During crucial days when there was even speculation that John Harbaugh could replace Bowles in 2026, that ultimately didn’t happen. However, according also to the insiders, further staff changes in the near term are still not out of the question.

The disappointing final stretch of the season for the Bucs not only kept them out of the playoffs, but now it’s a matter of starting fresh and preparing for what’s ahead.

Who could replace Grizzard?

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers move on from Josh Grizzard, names like Todd Monken, Zac Robinson, and Nathan Scheelhaase have already surfaced as potential candidates to spark a stagnant offense.

This search carries extra weight as Todd Bowles enters his fifth year at the helm; in a staggering display of coaching turnover, Bowles will be working with his fifth different offensive coordinator in as many seasons, a revolving door that many insiders believe makes the 2026 campaign a “make-or-break” year for his tenure in Tampa.

The Buccaneers failed to secure their fifth consecutive NFC South title in 2025. The team fell well short of expectations, fueling speculation about whether Todd Bowles would return in 2026—especially after the Ravens fired John Harbaugh.

Despite the rumors, Bowles has now confirmed that he will return as head coach in 2026. According to the Tampa Bay Times, he met with team ownership on Tuesday and secured his position for at least one more season.

The last chance for Todd Bowles

While Todd Bowles has confirmed his return for 2026, it could represent his final opportunity to prove he can deliver postseason success with the Buccaneers. Since taking over as head coach in 2022, he has led Tampa Bay to three NFC South titles, but the organization expects deeper playoff runs.

Under Bowles’ leadership, the Buccaneers have lost twice in the Wild Card round and once in the Divisional round. The roster remains talented, yet the team has lacked the dominance it displayed during its Super Bowl run in 2020 with Tom Brady at quarterback.

The team’s decision to retain Bowles signals strong confidence in him. Nevertheless, many fans believe 2026 could be his final season in Tampa Bay if he fails to reclaim the NFC South and guide the team on a deep playoff run with this talented roster.

Will Baker Mayfield return with the Buccaneers in 2026?

Baker Mayfield is entering the final year of the contract extension he signed with the Buccaneers in 2024, so he is expected to return next season. He has been solid for Tampa Bay, but production alone means little if it does not translate into postseason success.

At 32 years old, Mayfield could be in line for another extension, though it would likely be a short-term deal. The Buccaneers must also begin planning for their long-term future at quarterback to avoid another last-minute transition like the one that followed Tom Brady’s retirement in 2023.

In a profanity-filled press conference, Bowles called the Bucs’ performance “inexcusable.“ After that, Bowles was asked if he was concerned for his job security. Bowles was not willing to entertain that kind of discussion.

“I don’t think I worry about it at all,” Bowles said. “It doesn’t creep into the locker room. Players play and coaches coach. I got more years behind me than I do ahead of me. I think we’re in a situation where we’re right back in it and our only focus is on winning a ball game.”

Not everything was negative though

The loss against the Falcons was certainly a big blow to the team. However, the silver lining is that Mike Evans is back like he never left. In his first game since Week 4, Evans racked up six catches in 12 targets and 132 yards. He was elite and provided, once again, a deep, physical threat. With him back, the Bucs certainly can look at this crucial last stretch as something that could end up in favor of the team.

With the loss, the Bucs are now second in the NFC South but they await Carolina’s result on Sunday. Also, the Bucs and Panthers are yet to play this season, so those two games will be key to see who goes to the playoffs. Not everything is lost yet.

If the Bucs miss the playoffs, Bowles should be concerned

Right now, Bowles said he is focused on winning games. He needs to do that, because if the team misses the playoffs, then his job security will be in the air. The Bucs have dealt with many injuries this year, but still the talent pool on the roster is great for them to not win one of the easiest divisions in football.

Bowles is in his fourth year as the Bucs coach since taking over from Bruce Arians. While he has won the division every year, his record isn’t as great. He has a 34-31 record as the team’s head coach and one could argue the Buccaneers should want more than being barely over the .500 mark.

According to the official NFL site, the quarterback’s status ahead of this game was listed as questionable. However, journalist Adam Schefter reported on X (formerly Twitter) that Mayfield will be on the field alongside his teammates at Raymond James Stadium.

Todd Bowles’ team will look to secure its seventh win of the season, which would help keep it atop the division, ahead of both the Panthers and the Falcons, their closest rivals.

What injury is plaguing Mayfield?

Baker Mayfield is once again demonstrating his gritty resolve as he navigates a low-grade AC joint sprain in his non-throwing (left) shoulder, an injury sustained during the loss to the Rams. While the sight of him in a sling post-game was alarming, subsequent MRI results showed no structural damage, leading to positive news for the Bucs.

Mayfield has progressed rapidly in practice and, despite being listed as questionable, he will start this week against the Cardinals. The team’s playoff hopes hinge on their signal-caller’s ability to manage the pain and perform, which may involve him wearing protective padding.

Bucs aim to stay on top

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the most crucial stretch of their season with the luxury of a three-game home stand at Raymond James Stadium. After starting the run against the Cardinals, the Bucs immediately face two consecutive divisional rivals: the Saints and the Falcons.

With the NFC South race intensely competitive, the outcome of this homestand will be paramount. Winning these games is non-negotiable for Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers to create distance from their challengers and decisively secure their position atop the division hierarchy.

During the Bucs’ last outing, which ended in a loss to the Rams, Mayfield was unable to finish the game due to a left shoulder injury. On Monday, after medical evaluations, it was confirmed that the QB sprained his AC joint with no structural damage and would be able to return to play sooner rather than later.

When asked by the media about the pain, the former Browns standout said it is “decreasing for sure… It’s pain tolerance, management, at that point. See how it goes through the week and go from there.”

Additionally, he clarified that he doesn’t want to rush his recovery to avoid worsening the injury. “Understanding that we have Teddy, and I’ve been in this spot before, in the non-throwing shoulder, and if it’s going to hinder how I play, probably won’t go. But won’t know that until later in the week, getting practice reps, and seeing how that goes.”

A veteran back in the Bucs’ lineup

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing to lean on the veteran experience of Teddy Bridgewater should Baker Mayfield be sidelined for the game against the Arizona Cardinals due to his shoulder sprain.

While Mayfield’s status is being monitored daily, Bridgewater has been taking the majority of first-team practice reps to ensure readiness. The Bucs are banking on Bridgewater’s proven composure and ability to manage a game, as demonstrated throughout his career as a spot-starter, to keep the offense stable and help Tampa Bay snap its recent losing streak and remain competitive in the NFC South race.

Tampa Bay aims for the playoffs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a critical three-game stretch crucial to their playoff aspirations. With an opportunity to capitalize on a favorable home schedule, the Bucs host the Arizona Cardinals and a pivotal NFC South showdown against the Atlanta Falcons.

They then travel for a divisional clash with the Carolina Panthers. Tampa Bay must secure wins in these upcoming contests, particularly against division rivals, to significantly boost its current standing and maintain their pursuit of a postseason spot.

“Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Bucky Irving will not play against the Rams but is ‘trending up’ to play vs Cardinals next week. Says he got hurt and ‘didn’t handle it well..’, but doing fine,” reported Rick Stroud on X, relaying the head coach’s comments.

Bowles didn’t acknowledged what was already known: that Irving had been dealing with mental challenges beyond the physical injury. Just one day prior, Stroud had also mentioned that the running back had been receiving mental health support during his recovery.

Irving recently spotted at Buccaneers practice

Stroud also reported seeing Irving practicing with his Buccaneers teammates and took the opportunity to mention other players who will miss Sunday’s game: “Bucs RB Bucky Irving (red hoodie) warms up before practice. CB Jamel Dean, OLB Hasson Reddick were not working and will likely be out for Sunday night’s game.”

Although Irving will not be available for the Week 12 game against the Rams, Bowles affirmed that Chris Godwin is on track to play that game, which would be a huge boost for Mayfield, who needs all available weapons.

Buccaneers look strong without Irving

Despite Irving’s absence in multiple games, the Buccaneers look strong with a 6-4 record and could easily reach the playoffs, especially since the NFC South scenario is not overly complicated. The Panthers (6-5) currently represent their only major threat.

The league’s reigning MVP, despite turning the ball over on a few occasions, ultimately proved to be the driving force behind his team’s latest victory — a 44–32 win in a Highmark Stadium packed with Bills fans.

Todd Bowles knows that Allen was one of the main reasons his Bucs couldn’t secure a win that would have put more distance between them and their NFC South rivals.

“When we went after him, he made some plays in the second half,” the HC said via the team’s official website. “When we covered, he stayed in the pocket longer and beat us with his feet. He’s a great player and he did a heck of a job. Hats off to him.”

Bowles’ candid self-critique

The Buccaneers managed to hold the lead at various points during the game, but in the end, their defense could do little to stop Josh Allen’s onslaught. In a postgame reflection, Todd Bowles admitted that if “you score 32 points, you’re supposed to win the game.”

He also stated: “Sometimes it’s coverage, sometimes it’s pass rush. But at the same time, it’s got to get fixed. We’re playing hard, but then we have lapses here and missed tackles there, and we give up big plays. That’s what happened in the second half and two times in the first half. When we’re covering, we can’t get to the quarterback; when we get to the quarterback, we’re covering wrong on the play. We’ll get that fixed going forward.”

Quick thinking for what’s ahead

Following a tough loss to the Bills, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers must quickly regain their footing with a pivotal three-game slate. Their immediate test is a difficult trip to Los Angeles to face the Rams, followed by two crucial home stands at Raymond James Stadium: a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, and a critical NFC South divisional showdown against the New Orleans Saints. Winning at home will be key as the Bucs look to make up ground in the playoff race.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense is hugely depleted. Todd Bowles, head coach of the team, just gave very bad news regarding one of the best weapons Baker Mayfield has on the roster.

Everyone has been awaiting the return of wide receiver Jalen McMillan, who was an incredible weapon last season. However, a neck injury has sidelined him all year.

Bowles spoke with ESPN and said, “I don’t know what getting better means as well because they say it’s not like you can see inside the neck and say, ‘Well he’s moving it a lot better.’ I’m sure he can turn it, but it’s just a matter of the bones healing the right way, and those are such difficult bones to judge inside the neck. And I’m not in a medical profession, but he’s coming along. I think he’s in good spirits, and I think he’s getting a lot better. I just don’t know how close.”

Jalen McMillan should be a top-tier weapon

McMillan ended up with 461 yards last season and a whopping eight touchdowns. His real explosion came from Week 9 to Week 13 where he had 316 of those yards and seven of the touchdowns.

McMillan also had a 77.4% catch rate from Week 9 to Week 13. He emerged as a brilliant player but the neck injury suffered during preseason seems to be more serious than previously thought.

Other injuries are harming the WR corp of the Bucs

McMillan is not the only missing piece in that wide receiver room. Mike Evans will miss most of the season with a broken collarbone. Chris Godwin is still not fit with a fibula injury.

Hence, it’s third string receivers playing with Baker Mayfield right now. Even rookie sensation Emeka Egbuka is dealing with different physical situations. It’s rookie Tez Johnson and Sterling Shepard right now as the best options available.

The report was shared by Ian Rapoport on X: “WR Mike Evans suffered a broken collarbone and is out for most of the year, coach Todd Bowles announced. Absolutely brutal.” The Bucs must now determine how to replace their veteran receiver while he recovers.

“It’s never good to see one of your star players go down like that, especially with him just coming back and everybody excited to see him,” Bowles said. “So, it’s a blow and we’ve been holding down since he’s been gone and we just got to regroup and come back.”

With 11 consecutive seasons of 1,000+ receiving yards, this is a significant loss for the Buccaneers, who were off to a strong start this year. While Mike Evans unfortunately will not be able to extend that record, he will at least remain tied with Jerry Rice for that all-time mark.

Who could replace Evans?

The options on the Buccaneers depth chart are limited, but they do have available personnel to replace Evans. These players include Sterling Shepard, Kameron Johnson, Tez Johnson, and Ryan Miller, any of whom could see increased playing time now that Evans is out.

The Buccaneers are not losing their absolute best wide receiver and being left with nothing; they still have Emeka Egbuka, who is healthy. So far this season, Egbuka has recorded 527 yards and 5 touchdowns with an average of 17 yards per game, a highly productive output that offers some relief to the fans.

This year, the Buccaneers have established themselves not only as the best team in the NFC South, but also as one of the top contenders in the entire conference — even above the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles.

Baker Mayfield has done a remarkable job leading the offense despite the multiple injuries the team has suffered. The defense has also performed at a high level, creating a well-balanced roster that looks on pace to win the division once again this year.

Todd Bowles warns the NFC South about his 5-1 Buccaneers

The Buccaneers have shown an impressive level of football this season. While the team was already considered the best in the division, it has taken another step forward, looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

Tampa Bay has won four straight NFC South titles, which means they have faced one of the toughest schedules in the division. However, Todd Bowles doesn’t believe that’s been a problem — quite the opposite, as he sees it as a challenge that keeps his team sharp.

“I think the mental toughness has gotten a lot better this year,” Bowles said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. “We’ve kind of embraced the grind. You know, playing the first-place schedule, [players] used to look at that as playing all these teams in a row as a burden; now they look at it as a challenge.”

Todd Bowles also addressed the several injuries the team has suffered this year, especially on offense. The head coach believes that although those losses have had a big impact, their 5-1 record proves the quality and depth of the roster.

“[I]t doesn’t matter who plays,” Bowles said. “I think they understand the assignment — to get where we gotta get to it is going to be a lot of different people every week. And that’s what the good teams do and that’s what we’re trying to become. So we’re kind of embracing the challenges week in and week out and guys are really stepping up and maturing, and we got great locker room leadership and their resiliency is outstanding.”

What’s next for the Buccaneers?

The road ahead won’t be easy for Tampa Bay. Their next game is against the Detroit Lions, another top contender in the NFC. Fortunately for the Bucs, their bye week comes in Week 9, and they’re hopeful to enter it with a 7-1 record.

• Week 7 – @ Detroit Lions
• Week 8 – @ New Orleans Saints
• Week 9 – BYE
• Week 10 – vs. New England Patriots
• Week 11 – @ Buffalo Bills