Could the Bucs have a new coach next year? Would that new coach have the second-most wins in NFL history?

Some league insiders think that is a real possibility.

One speed bump stands in the way: Todd Bowles is very much still employed by Tampa Bay. And if he is able to rally his troops to reach the playoffs in the remaining seven games, it would be a stretch to think Bowles would get run.

However, from a few coaches and NFL suits who spoke to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, if the Bucs’ season goes south in the next two months, a long shadow will hang over One Buc Palace.

That would be the silhouette of Bill Belichick.

The former Browns and Patriots coach lurks. He has six rings to his resume as a head coach and is largely believed to be seeking a new team after parting ways with the Patriots in January.

Russini asked coaches and NFL shot-callers where Belichick may land. While Jacksonville was often mentioned, so too (“frequently”) were the Bucs, Russini typed.

One common answer was the Jacksonville Jaguars. In a recent episode of the “Scoop City” podcast, my co-host Chase Daniel and I discussed the possibility of Belichick taking over Jacksonville in 2025, should Doug Pederson get fired. While Belichick has maintained a strong relationship with Jaguars ownership, it’s anticipated he would seek changes in the front office, particularly regarding current general manager Trent Baalke.

The other two teams that came up frequently: The Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (should those jobs open up).

Of course, Belichick has been dropping hints himself in his many media responsibilities this year. Earlier this season on “Inside the NFL,” Belichick enthusiastically said of the Bucs’ offense, “I love Baker Mayfield.”

And recently on the Manning Bros. show, Belichick spoke glowingly of Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht who worked with Belichick in New England.

Belichick, on his YouTube channel, said Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs was the best at his position this season.

So there is something for Bucs fans and Joe’s readers to chew on as they prep for the Bucs-Giants game tomorrow at 1 p.m.

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