The sky is falling in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers come off yet another loss, this one in even worse fashion than the week prior, when they lost to the New Orleans Saints. The loss on Thursday to the Atlanta Falcons has their playoff chances at just over 50% which means they need to win out to give themselves the best chance at winning the NFC South. Thankfully for them, two of their final three games will be against the Carolina Panthers, who now lead them by half a game heading into Sunday’s slate of games.
Despite the remaining optimism, this team has limped through the season, both literally and figuratively, after a 5-1 start. Because of that, it seems increasingly likely that Todd Bowles will not be back, so we wanted to explore some options on both sides of the ball with one college coach in the mix as well.
This team remains steadfast and capable of winning a Super Bowl. The team is also at a crossroads, so this hire is going to be critical of whether this Super Bowl window they are in remains open or closes. Here are our choices for who should be the next head coach of the Bucs.
Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
Previous Coaching Experience: Been with the Rams in various roles since 2017, Quality Control Assistant for the Chargers from 2015-2016
The Bucs have a defensive-minded coach in Todd Bowles, but his approach has either become dated or teams no longer fear it. If you watch the Los Angeles Rams in 2025, you see a team capable of winning the Super Bowl and keeping the Bucs to just seven points when they play. Chris Shula has shown he can get the most out of his defense, while also taking castoffs and putting them in roles to succeed. A prime example of that is former first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes, who has played like a top talent after being benched in Washington. Pair that with his ability to create pressure, and this team would be given the breath of fresh air that they need.
Klint Kubiak, Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
Previous Coaching Experience: Vikings offensive coordinator in 2021 and Saints offensive coordinator in 2024
Klint Kubiak has taken the magic that Kevin O’Connell and the Minnesota Vikings bestowed upon Sam Darnold in 2024 and expanded upon it in 2025. The Seahawks offense, led by Darnold under center and Kubiak calling plays, is averaging 29.8 points per game and 362.2 yards of offense. Seeing him be able to work with Baker Mayfield, as well as the rest of the skill players, could be a recipe for success. For rookie Emeka Egbuka, he has seemingly hit a wall this season, whereas Jaxson Smith-Njigba has become the leading receiver in the NFL. Those same results could be captured in Tampa Bay with their roster, so if they go offense for head coach, this could be the hire.
Mike McCarthy, former Packers and Cowboys Head Coach
Previous Coaching Experience: Head coach of the Dallas Cowboys from 2020-2024, Head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 2006-2018, and NFL offensive coordinator from 2000-2005 (Saints and 49ers)
This may seem like a less-than-ideal hire, but McCarthy has proven to be a winner over the course of his career. On top of it all, McCarthy can command an offense and get the most out of his quarterbacks. For a team that has Baker Mayfield heading into a contract year in 2026, seeing what they have in him with a healthy roster next season is pivotal. He should also be able to build out a good staff to help the young players on defense maximize their potential as well, so while it won’t be an exciting hire, it could be a smart one.
Kelvin Sheppard, Defensive Coordinator for the Detroit Lions
Previous Coaching Experience: Been with the Detroit Lions in various roles since 2021, played in the NFL for eight years before entering coaching
During his playing days, Kelvin Sheppard was a hard-hitting and rangy linebacker for several teams. He is currently coaching for one of the teams he played for, and the job he has done for them is worthy of being considered for a head coaching job. He would be a former coach in the locker room who can bring higher energy, and also understand and relate to more of the players than most candidates. It may not be the greatest selling point, but Sheppard could be a really fun under-the-radar hire.
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame Head Coach
Previous Coaching Experience: College Defensive Coordinator from 2017 to 2021 (Cincinnati and Notre Dame)
This is a name that will be thrown out for a lot of jobs, but the Bucs ownership has shown they are willing to take chances on college coaches in the past. Both John McKay and Greg Schiano were hired from the college ranks, with one working out and the other not so much. In the case of Freeman, he has shown he is a players’ coach through and through, while also bringing a high energy that this team could use as their leader. It isn’t likely to happen, but personally, he would be my second choice among those listed here for the job.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 5 replacements for Todd Bowles as head coach of the Buccaneers in 2026
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
