Placing Return Percentages On The Bucs Futures Of Todd Bowles, Tom Brady And Byron Leftwich
December 29th, 2022
Likely to return, but not a lock.
As the Bucs inch closer to the playoffs, they also get closer to judgment days on big offseason decisions. And Joe’s not talking about whether to bring back Keanu Neal.
Sage of Tampa Bay Sports Ira Kaufman, the JoeBucsFan.com columnist, talks to movers and shakers inside and outside One Buc Place and believes how the Bucs season finishes is an important component to the futures of free agent Tom Brady, and Todd Bowles and Byron Leftwich, the Bucs’ playcaller.
The coaches are not free agents.
Firm decisions have not been made on Bowles, Leftwich and Brady, for 2023, Kaufman believs, so he placed a percentage chance on each one returning during the most recent episode of The Ira Kaufman Podcast.
The results are as follows:
Todd Bowles — 87 percent chance of returning.
Byron Leftwich — 4 percent.
Tom Brady — 25 percent.
Joe almost agrees with Kaufman. How could Bowles be a lock when the Bucs still have a chance at turning in one of the most disappointing seasons in NFL history?
Leftwich probably still has a shot at returning if Brady wants him, and if Brady returns. Because the football gods surely know that Team Glazer isn’t going to tell Brady he can’t have a say in his offensive coordinator.
As for Brady, that Bucs number by Kaufman may be high because it’s unclear if Brady will retire. How Brady finishes the season could be a factor in his own decision whether or not to play.
Would Brady choose the Bucs? If Brady is looking for top-shelf receivers, super-accommodating ownership, two Pro Bowl offensive lineman — Jensen and Wirfs — a soft schedule and a GM eager for his input, then the Bucs are a hell of an option.
(Tuesday’s Ira Kaufman Podcast) Ira Talks Frustrated Mike Evans, A Bowles-Leftwich Disconnection, Cardinals Game Reactions, The Glazer-Brady Relationship, Defensive Personnel & More
December 29th, 2022 at 11:44 am
Where does Giselle and the kids now live? If in Miami, I don’t think there’s a chance he goes elsewhere. He’s not going to screw up his relationship with the kids.
December 29th, 2022 at 11:46 am
Retaining Todd Bowles as Head Coach is boggling my mind…..but not if he stays on as a Defensive Coordinator…..which probably won’t happen cause that’s a demotion.
Brady won’t come back here…..he’s definitely done with Tampa Bay.
December 29th, 2022 at 11:49 am
@ Todd
Brady can go play anywhere and still own a home in Florida……
…..John Lynch lives in Florida but is the GM of SF
Sooooooooooo…….
December 29th, 2022 at 11:57 am
If Bowles returns as head coach and Leftwich and Brady are both gone, then there will be a mutiny on the Bucs pirate ship.
Hopefully Brady is the only one of the three to return. But why would Brady want to return and play in this horrible offensive philosophy under Bowles?
December 29th, 2022 at 12:00 pm
I have to believe after this shat show Brady is gone. I also believe he’ll probably have rotator cuff surgery in the off season and possibly finger surgery.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:00 pm
IF we win the division and make the Playoffs, Bowles will most likely be back.
Brady is gone from Tampa, after this year.
But there is no guarantee we will beat the Panthers!
They beat us badly 21 to 3 last time we played them, and they are playing much better now.
Of course I WANT us to win, but that does not mean that we will.
The Detroit Lions were the hottest team in Football, and the Panthers literally destroyed them!
The Panthers are not only playing for the division championship and the Playoffs, they are also playing for their Coach’s Future!
Despite my desire for us to beat the Panthers, it will be best for us if we lose and lose badly.
Because that will certainly be the end of Bowles, and hopefully Jason Licht too.
Brady will be gone, either way, so it will be time for us to rebuild.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:00 pm
I can totally see the Glazers making a pitch for Josh McDaniels as HC in order to try to lure Brady back to the Bucs.
BUT THAT scenario is highly improbable.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:03 pm
Bowles likely to return???????????????????????????????????? WHAT THE FRICK!!!!!! If you bring that Ben Stein back after we’ve all watched him not even blink his eyes, you DESERVE a losing season. Let me give you a good analogy. If you went to the Doctor and he/she/it told you that you have 2 tumors in your pecker. The Dr says “I’m going to take ONE of them out” Why not take both of them out? the Doc says ” well it might not be cancer.” OK, after i knocked all the Doc’s teeth out, i would call the AMA. Dr gone right? Thank God Todd isn’t a Dr. But Joey got 80 million votes by hiding in his basement and our Southern border is secure right?
December 29th, 2022 at 12:03 pm
And it should be bucs anthem. Because Josh Mcdaniels is a trashy head coach. He cant even win games with a team that an interim coach won games with
December 29th, 2022 at 12:06 pm
There’s no future with Brady unless there’s a upper management position or coach that he’ll be interested in.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:07 pm
Brady 25% ???? WOW you are way too kind. If they keep the MUMMY coach, all the Bucs need to go out and buy a new couch. That’s as close as they will get to the playoffs
December 29th, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Should be zero percent for all three. Time to clean house and rebuild.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:19 pm
You get the impression from TV that Brady and BL are good friends, hard to tell
December 29th, 2022 at 12:25 pm
The results are as follows:
Todd Bowles — 87 percent chance of returning.
————————————————————————
If this is true, it’s just ridiculous. Bowles has done everything he possibly could to get fired. He’s tried as hard as he possibly could and done everything to get fired….
December 29th, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Todd Says:
“Where does Giselle and the kids now live? If in Miami, I don’t think there’s a chance he goes elsewhere. He’s not going to screw up his relationship with the kids.”
They just got a house down the street from him.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:38 pm
I’d drop Brady below 10%. If Bowles cleaner has some really viable OC candidate in the pipe Brady might stay, but I doubt both of those scenarios.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:44 pm
So what you are saying is the Bucs have an 87% chance if sucking next year.
Go Bucs!
December 29th, 2022 at 12:45 pm
Brady is gone for sure. Lefty will likely be fired. Bowles will stick around to ensure maximum suckage in 2023. #CollapseforCaleb
December 29th, 2022 at 12:49 pm
So, being objective here…if Bowles had a more aggressive personality and coaching style, I would accept him coming back. It think that is where he lacks in being a head coach.
Again, objectively…Leftwich was dealt a bad hand this year. Would he have done so bad a job if the offense had been healthier? Is it fair to hold this disaster of a season against him when he lacked the proper tools to do his job?
And once more…objectively…Brady. He has had a really rough year on and off the field. I would be extremely distracted if I went through the same things. But is it proof that he has regressed as a QB?
NOT OBJECTIVE:
I think Bowles can run a great defense, and in the best of worlds, he would remain DC…but that is not possible. He doesn’t have the personality to drive his players to succeed as a head coach…or to encourage fans.
So I think we have no choice. He has to be fired.
Leftwich got a bum deal, as I mentioned above. I honestly do not know if he can be a great OC or HC (eventually) because he doesn’t have enough experience. If we replace Bowles, probably 85-95% of the staff is history…so I think he goes. Nothing against him, but in this situation I hope he does. He’ll get work elsewhere.
Brady…
…I still think he has a couple years left in the tank. I see him making bad passes because his OL is not giving him time…so he’s taking chances he normally wouldn’t and his accuracy is off because of the increased rush.
I think with a fixed OL, he’ll be back to above average.
There is the argument for getting a young guy in and started in his place. If he retires (likely), that will almost certainly happen (unless we get another veteran).
I do NOT think Trask has it in him. There are a couple first or second year backup young guys I see potential in, and the draft is always a longshot.
But then, the possible veterans are not impressive either.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:50 pm
But I do believe Brady will retire. If he plays, it will be here if the Bucs will have him.
December 29th, 2022 at 12:52 pm
Chris@Apple Roof Cleaning Tampa Says
“IF we win the division and make the Playoffs, Bowles will most likely be back.”
If it were me making the decision, I would weigh it with whether Brady is the reason, and a win in the playoffs would be required.
But if Brady is the reason, then since he’ll likely retire, I doubt Bowles will do well without him in the future, unless we end up with a fantastic QB.
December 29th, 2022 at 1:00 pm
Bring back Bowles to complete the the inevitable tear down…perhaps even ahead of schedule with a top 3 pick in the 2024 draft.
In the words of The Eagles…Brady is “Already Gone”. He’ll fight to the bitter end this season but him and Gronk have something up their collective sleeves. Anywhere but New Orleans with Payton is all I ask.
December 29th, 2022 at 1:06 pm
I doubt that Brady retires. His trainer, Guerrero, said he will probably play until age 47. He should know better than anyone what Brady’s plans are.
December 29th, 2022 at 1:13 pm
With a healthy Smith and Wirfs, Bucs OLine is ranked 10th best.
Without a healthy Smith and Wirfs, Bucs Oline is ranked 26th.
Last year, Bucs Oline was ranked 2nd best in NFL.
Going from 2nd best to 26th just needs coaches to adjust I guess. SMH
December 29th, 2022 at 1:29 pm
They all have to go. There is too much talent on this team to perform this badly. Coaches that are successful do more with less talent. TB12 is running on fumes, and if he is injured only a fool would sign a 46 year old qb coming off of a shoulder injury. Fixing the offensive woes at this point doesnt validate the skills of these guys, it just brings the question of why it took so long when it is apparent to even a casual viewer. I respect them for taking their shot this season, but when you end up with one of the worst possible outcomes, you gotta pay the price to the football gods…
December 29th, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Sadly, I think Bowles is back. BL is gone. Brady will keep playing, just not here. IMO it’s three teams. SF, raiders, dolphins. Of course if SF wins it all, Brady becomes a less likely option. Tua may never play football again due to his concussion problems. The Raiders are a long shot, but if they bolster that defense, things could change. I just can see how the bucs get discernably better. If they want to use the Rams model, I suppose it’s possible. I just can’t see that happening for one more year of Brady. The glazers are worth less than half of the Rams owner. IMO, this was always a three year window here. It’s run it’s course. Stat the rebuild.
December 29th, 2022 at 1:44 pm
Bowles – 10%
Licht ousted Lovie pretty quickly. Licht will keep Bowles if Licht wants to build via the draft. No one is better at losing … except Lovie.
Leftwich – 1%
1% seems high.
Brady – 0%
He was done with TB last year. The Bucs gave him no choice. He has a choice in ’23.
December 29th, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Blow it up let bowles stay and we get the #1 pk in 24
December 29th, 2022 at 2:28 pm
If Bowles stays, Ken goes.
Nice man. Not a good Head Coach.
December 29th, 2022 at 2:41 pm
If the Glazers keep Bowles Brady is gone. Who took away the wide open passing game?? Todd Bowles. Who is responsible for moving to an unsuccessful run game?? Todd Bowles. Brady knows Bowls can’t coach if the Glazers open their eyes Bowles who makes nobody accountable will n gone next year. If not get ready for mediocrity!!!!!
December 29th, 2022 at 2:48 pm
I want to praise all you at Joebucsfan for putting the blame on Todd Bowles for this train wreck of an offense thst Bowles has destroyed. Other competing press bloggers are acting like Leftwhich is the only problem. He’s a problem but this fish stinks from the head on down. It takes courage to say Bowles caused this train wreck and I thank you for not backing off the truth while others think a new O coordinator will right this ship. They are wrong and cowardly for not saying so!
December 29th, 2022 at 2:54 pm
This is Tampa Bay!!! We did have 2 great football seasons!! We were blessed!! Back to games on Sunday at 1pm starts only!! Keep Bowles for 3 more years and receive great 1st round draft picks!!! I’ll be going to bed from long Saturday nights at about noon Sundays!!! Let the SNOOZE FEST continue!!
December 29th, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Here’s another set of statistics:
Chance of a Buc loss at home to Carolina–75%
Then:
Chance of any of the three next year- -0%
December 29th, 2022 at 3:14 pm
Everybody types like Brady being the GOAT has his choice of all 32 teams.
That of course is nonsense.
Has anybody really taken a look beyond SF and Miami and now N.O.?
IE I’m not sure the Bucs aren’t the favorites in what will be a very limited competition.
December 29th, 2022 at 3:21 pm
stp, LV, Tenn, Pat’s, Jets, Indy, Detroit, the man puts fans in the seats. He helps teams print money. Too bad Glazers prefer diversity over cash.
December 29th, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Sorry forgot Arlanta & Carolina.
December 29th, 2022 at 3:39 pm
its pretty simple guys. If our Bucs finish 9-7, Bowles stays. Don’t know about Leftwich though. If we lose just one of these next 2, Bowles is packing bags.
December 29th, 2022 at 4:12 pm
How long can a team be rebuilding? The Glazers really need to sell the team to somebody that’s actually gonna care.
December 29th, 2022 at 4:18 pm
@Alanbucsfan
Donovan sucks. My grandma would even get passed him & beat him for a sack. I would’ve dumped him a couple of years ago.
December 29th, 2022 at 4:21 pm
Bowzo will bring the rise of the Anti-Fan. A Buc Fan who is disgusted with them. He will get zero benefit of the doubt.
December 29th, 2022 at 6:00 pm
And let’s cue the “Sean Payton, and Vic Fangio” convo. My biggest problem with this idea would be that I’ve heard Payton wants roster control. I’m not disappointed in Jason Licht as a GM
December 29th, 2022 at 6:46 pm
Bowles will return …..
Leftworst gets thrown under the bus …
Brady & Gronk head to Raiders !!!
we beat the Panthers..– but we loose to Cowgirls..
December 29th, 2022 at 9:30 pm
Bady 0%. 35.1 million dead cap.
leftwich 0%. he sucks.
Bowles – 100% – They don’t give up on coaches in 1 year. Geez, look at morris, schiano, smith, koatter all of them. None was a 1 and done ever.
December 30th, 2022 at 5:32 am
Brady will retire after losing his next Super Bowl, whenever that happens.
December 30th, 2022 at 7:13 am
Why on earth would you guys want Brady back? Anybody seeing those under thrown passes all year long? No deep balls? Missing the mark with relievers he was hitting last year? I understand O line is a big deal but I personally don’t want Brady or Leftwich back. If Bowles goes back to DC sweet but doubt that. O line should look better next year, that’s a big deal
December 30th, 2022 at 10:40 am
Brady is leaving, still plenty left in the tank, doesn’t like to get hit, you all should know that. He’ll dump into the dirt or throw it away to avoid a sack if he can, doesn’t care about stats, wants another ring, will not come back with this staff. Could be New Orleans, could be Vegas, could be Miami, Tua could be a vegetable with all these concussions. Missing Gronk and an OL, cant run, every coach in the league knows it so they drop 8 if needed. Too much talent here wasted with Bad Coaching, play to your strengths, quick passes, quick outs, guys are dropping balls, then putting their heads down. Evans said “It was an ugly drop that effectively sucked the life out of the Buccaneers for the rest of the game, according to Evans.Oct 23, 2022” THATS QUITTING, on the 1st series. BRADY IS LEAVING!!!
December 30th, 2022 at 11:15 am
The Glazers should offer Brady a limited partnership or a position in the front office as senior vp of operations. Bowles needs to go. Get Sean Payton in here and let’s begin a rebuild in 2023.
December 30th, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Well put Bonzai. I would agree Stp and no offense but you’re delusional NEfan there was lots of talk last time and in the end was actually a very short list and you think after 3 more years and the worst season he’s had in his entire career the markets going to be hotter? Sorry but I think based on history it’s a limited number of teams who think they are on the cusp and a couple will go hard at him with hopefully us being one of them.
If NE goes after him after having a very well playing rookie QB just a year ago that THEY broke a year later by giving him a DC as an OC, it’s honestly almost more atrocious than Bowles moves this season for how badly that affected your year, plus having the cash window of a great young QB, it would be worse than their move this year of making a DC an OC and then letting the entire team suffer all year in it.
SF, LV, Tenn, Miami depending on Tua, Indy possibly and Us. With likely only actual offers coming from SF, LV, and Us.