The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up another season as NFC South champions, only to face an early playoff exit at the hands of the Washington Commanders. The outcome signals a need for change, and it seems the shake-up should start with the head coach position.
Todd Bowles stepped into the role of head coach for Tampa Bay in 2022, following Bruce Arians’ retirement. He’s put together a decent record, going 27-24 during his tenure. However, despite the wins, the Buccaneers haven’t seen the kind of growth that translates into postseason success, indicating that things have stalled under Bowles’ leadership.
Throughout his entire head coaching career, Bowles has a record of 53-65, with only one postseason win against three losses. This might be surprising for a coach known for his defensive prowess. Yet the Bucs’ defense allowed an average of 22.6 points per game and 360.4 yards in the regular season, numbers that don’t quite scream defensive masterclass. Compounding the issue, there have been questionable game management calls. Take, for example, the mismatch in plays against the Commanders, where Tampa Bay ran just 44 plays compared to Washington’s 69. It’s clear the defense struggles to get off the field, and improvements are needed, both in the defensive schemes and in situational coaching.
So, who might be the right fit to lead the Buccaneers forward? Look no further than Aaron Glenn, the current defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
Under Glenn’s guidance, the Lions’ defense has transformed, climbing from the depths of the rankings to land among the top seven. Glenn’s experience as a former cornerback gives him unique insights, allowing him to elevate the performance of defensive units by leveraging his playing days’ knowledge. Additionally, his time alongside head coach Dan Campbell in Detroit has exposed him to the gritty culture necessary to foster a winning environment, something he can translate into fostering a player’s perspective.
The Buccaneers aren’t lacking in defensive talent, sporting stars like Jamel Dean, Antoine Winfield Jr., Lavonte David, and Jordan Whitehead. Pairing such a talented roster with Glenn’s defensive strategies and leadership skills could be the perfect recipe. Glenn joining a team with this kind of potential, alongside a sustainable offense, presents an enticing opportunity for him to transition into the head coach role seamlessly and enhance Tampa Bay’s championship aspirations.
