An 8-9 Finish Means One NFL Coach Is ALREADY On The Hot Seat For 2026, And Nobody Is Safe

Yo, seriously, even as we're just getting into April, the heat is already on in the NFL! You think our guys have it tough? PFF analyst Bradley Locker just dropped a bomb, including Tampa Bay's Todd Bowles among six NFL head coaches already staring down the hot seat for the 2026 season. This isn't some casual observation, folks. This is a cold, hard look at a league that demands perfection, and it shows nobody, no matter their past success, is truly safe.

The Numbers Scream Collapse

How does a coach with a winning record and division titles end up on the hot seat for a season that's still a year away? Well, the 2025 campaign for Tampa Bay was a punch to the gut. They started the year strong, blazing out to a 6-2 record, and everyone thought they were locked for the postseason. But then the wheels fell off hard. They finished a dismal 8-9, losing five of their final seven games and completely blowing their chance to extend their playoff appearance streak. The cold, hard PFF data paints a bleak picture too: the Buccaneers ranked 23rd in rushing EPA per play. Their defense? Not much better, ranking 22nd in coverage grade and tied for 20th in explosive pass plays allowed. And quarterback Baker Mayfield, who battled injuries, posted a 64.8 passing grade. Oof. That's a rough scene, no sugar coatin

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So What Even *Is* Enough?!

Here's the kicker: Locker acknowledges that Bowles has built a respectable resume! The man has a 35-33 record in Tampa Bay and has guided that franchise to three NFC South titles in four seasons. Think about that for a second: three division titles in four years, and he's still on the hot seat because of one frustrating season. That 2025 collapse truly "changed the conversation" around him, according to Locker. To make things even tougher, the 2026 roster is gonna look massively different. Franchise icons Mike Evans and Lavonte David are gone, meaning younger guys like Emeka Egbuka, Rueben Bain Jr., and veteran addition Alex Anzalone are going to have to step up big time. Locker isn't just talking about making the playoffs either, he’s saying failing to post a winning record could end Bowles' time, and another season without an NFC South title could bring even more questions about where the franchise is headed. The Buccaneers have responded aggressively, rebuilding parts of their defense and adding young talent through the draft. But is it enough to get them back into postseason contention and secure Bowles' future beyond 2026? He has to prove it, and fast. Man, this league does not mess around. It's a stark reminder that every snap, every game, means something, even when we're just talking about 2026 already. Get ready, 12s, because the NFL never sleeps!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.