“A Lot Of People Think He May Retire At The End Of The Year”
December 11th, 2024
Responds to rumor.
UPDATED 5:35 a.m. — Well, this is a juicy item dropped by a former NFL suit who is very tight with Bill Belichick.
One thing is certain when listening to the podcast GM Shuffle hosted by Michael Lombardi, the former NFL general manager and coffee fetcher for Bill Walsh, Al Davis and Bill Belichick. The former Browns shot-caller rarely speaks ill of someone from the branch of the Bill Parcells/Bill Belichick coaching tree.
And that would include Bucs coach Todd Bowles, a former Parcells disciple. Remember, Parcells called Bowles one of his “homeboys” two years ago.
For example, don’t you dare even hint to Lombardi that Belichick never won a Super Bowl ring as a head coach without Tom Brady but Brady won a ring without Belichick. Remind Lombardi of this at your own peril and brace for a fire and brimstone sermon the likes of which would make a holy roller preacher blush.
Currently, Lombardi is the biggest cheerleader for Mike Vrabel to get a new head coaching job. The way Lombardi talks up Vrabel, the former Belichick player who also was a defensive coordinator at Houston for Bill O’Brien, you’d think Vrabel is Andy Reid or Sean McVay.
Being such a defender of the Parcells/Belichick tree wins favors for Lombardi, who is an intimate of Belichick.
That’s why the following is so intriguing to Joe.
When breaking down the Bucs’ win over the Raiders on Sunday, unprovoked, Lombardi dropped the following line while praising Bowles for finding a way to win on a day when his quarterback struggled and a third of his starting defense was hurt.
“Give Todd Bowles credit,” Lombardi began. “Everybody thinks he’s not going to keep his job. A lot of people think he may retire at the end of the year.”
Well now, that’s the first Joe heard of a potential Bowles retirement in a matter of weeks.
Lombardi didn’t say who exactly claims Bowles might quit in January or February.
Now Joe is going to be two-bit detective here. Last year Bowles, almost flippantly, said the Bucs will be the last team he coaches.
Joe followed up by asking Bowles if he planned to retire. No, said Bowles, who turned 61 last month. But Bowles told Joe that the Bucs will be his last head coaching job. Whenever he leaves, for whatever reason, that’s it. He’s done. Tampa Bay will be his last rodeo.
Could this be the genesis of Lombardi’s statement? Someone read Joe’s article or heard Bowles say this last year and told someone, who told someone, who tipped off Lombardi over a bottle of Pinot noir at Oscar’s Steakhouse in Vegas with other NFL folks.
Or if we want to play TMZ here, did Lombardi get this intel from Belichick, with whom Lombardi does a weekly podcast? If so, how would Belichick know Bowles plans to retire?
Fun stuff to chew on as this warm Wednesday morning rolling.
Oh, and as far as the Bucs winning, here’s what Lombardi said of Bowles and the job he is doing:
“His team is resilient,” Lombardi said. “They fight through it. You know, I’m not saying they are the best team. But they sure as hell are tougher than Atlanta.
“This is what Tampa does. They finish the season strong and their toughness shows up.”
Lombardi added the Bucs losing to the Dixie Chicks in Atlanta earlier this season was a lucky accident for Atlanta.
UPDATE 5:35 a.m.: Joe got in touch with Todd Bowles about Lombardi’s comments this morning and Bowles was emphatic about his coaching status. “Definitely not retiring,” he said.
December 11th, 2024 at 3:53 am
Belicheck has probably been digging. Im sure he would rather coach the Bucs than NC.
It sure would make either keeping Liam Coen or getting Bill if Bowles retires.
Maybe he drops that nugget so the team plays harder.
Here’s hoping to at least 2 of those happening.
Liam Coen getting a 2nd year with Baker would be my top choice.
December 11th, 2024 at 5:04 am
Lombardi is right on point. Bowles has had the locker room though out. The team respect him and we never hear of any discourse.
Atlanta got lucky winning those two games too. The refs were not doing us any favors. Still a no for Belichick coming here. He didn’t have a winning record after Brady and Gronk left. Plus, he would bring all his own staff/coaches in and want full control. It would be another major shake-up.
December 11th, 2024 at 5:04 am
He is a man of honor and is more than worthy to be welcomed as an esteemed member of the Buccaneers Ring of Honor.
December 11th, 2024 at 5:07 am
I don’t want to talk about anyone retiring during the season as some of us Bucs fans know the last coach to announce he was retiring during the season was Monte Kiffin and we lost the last four games of the season. After that with no playoff games and the firing of Gruden the lost decade began.
December 11th, 2024 at 5:16 am
I think Bowles would be a much better head coach if he gave up the defense to an experienced defensive coordinator.
December 11th, 2024 at 5:46 am
Todd is one of the best coaches in the league. Losing him would be devastating. We are not that far away from another superbowl need an edge rusher badly but I think expectations around here are going stay really high. Team is young and growing I don’t see him going anywhere anytime soon.
The goal of this season was to make the playoffs again probably get beat in first round. With all the injuries he has made no excuses and will win divsion again.
I don’t think think we can beat Minnesota but it will be in Tampa so you never know! Todd deserves so much more respect than he gets for the job he has done here.
December 11th, 2024 at 5:47 am
that’s the best news i’ve heard since the season started!
December 11th, 2024 at 5:55 am
Name Coen Assistant Head Coach (the coach in waiting ) that way in 2 years he transitions to head coach with a seamless easy transition for the team,, obviously that would come with higher pay as well
December 11th, 2024 at 6:02 am
“A lot of people think he may retire at the end of the year.” Yes please.
December 11th, 2024 at 6:25 am
Joe this is the TMZof Bucs websites! Lol
December 11th, 2024 at 6:57 am
Lombardi may rail at the concept of BB only winning with Brady but the stats are overwhelming and not just a few years or one team or one QB.
The fact is that BB’s win % without Brady is below .500 and was almost identical to Bowles win % at the start of this season. Bowles is still improving his % as of last Sunday. How does Lombardi lie about the numbers? They are what they are or as the wag once said, “You are what your record says you are.” It’s a FACT that BB has an overall losing record without Brady, with the Browns, with the Pats before Brady and the Pats after Brady.
BB was a great DC…he sucked as HC and was worse when he controlled the GM’s.
December 11th, 2024 at 7:05 am
Bowles has only two years remaining on his contract. My guess would be he’d like to finish out his contract, and retire. I don’t see him retiring earlier then that.
December 11th, 2024 at 7:08 am
Lord please be true
December 11th, 2024 at 7:23 am
I am open to a lot of situations as long as it includes “and Liam Coen isn’t going anywhere”.
December 11th, 2024 at 7:24 am
Belichick might have had his surrogate Lombardi put that little nugget of info out there to see if it gains any traction. Perhaps Bowles might retire, who knows, maybe Mrs Bowles??? I doubt Todd Bowles would be making any such decision available for gossip if he was thinking of stepping down and I also sincerely doubt that Lombardi would be the first to report it if it was true. If the Bucs were down in the standings with the Saints and Panthers at 4-9 or so, such talk of stepping down would be far more believable. I am not the biggest fan of Bowles but this story seems most likely to benefit only one person; a coach who is 13 wins short of catching Don Shula and is probably fishing for a franchise where he could accomplish that in a couple of years which might be a reach in some of the places who will be looking for a new head coach like New Orleans with their cap issues.
December 11th, 2024 at 7:33 am
Well if he does, Liam Coen is definitely a good coach to take the reigns
December 11th, 2024 at 7:36 am
ProudBucsFan, I couldn’t agree more. Let someone else take over the DC responsibilities. He could still help with game planning, but leave the nuts and bolts to someone else and focus on the big picture.
December 11th, 2024 at 7:38 am
Hmmm….🤔
December 11th, 2024 at 7:45 am
Don’t Licht and Lombardi know each other from the Patriots?
December 11th, 2024 at 7:47 am
Todd Bowles is a brilliant defensive coordinator but I don’t think he’s suitable to take the team to a Super Bowl. Perhaps he’s just too focus on the defense.
I would love to see Liam Coen become the next head coach. For a young coach, he is incredibly talented.
December 11th, 2024 at 7:48 am
Good to see you, stpetebucsfan! Was wondering if you, Defense Rules, and Pickgrin have been okay. Agree about Belichick. Plus, he would bring in his own staff and coaches. A total shake-up for all.
Hodad – Agree. Todd will probably finish out his contract since it’s so close. If we win another SB, that’s even better for him too.
December 11th, 2024 at 7:51 am
Too bad he’s not retiring now I have to hope the Glazers move on instead of wasting free agency dollars on this defense for nothing
December 11th, 2024 at 8:07 am
Last week, hack-extraordinaire Dianna Russini floated the idea that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were secretly eyeing Belichick for next season. Bold claim. Less than 72 hours later, the rumor mill pivoted to Belichick allegedly gunnin’ for the UNC job in Chapel Hill. A seamless transition from NFL icon to Tar Heel dreamer—because sure, why not?
This week, the plot thickened (or thinned, depending on your tolerance for nonsense). A washed-up ex-GM decided it was time to “announce” Todd Bowles’ retirement. Bowles, ever stoic professional, promptly debunked the claim as total BS.
So what’s next on the agenda for this traveling circus of speculation? Will the same sources claim Belichick is moonlighting as a Zamboni driver? Stay tuned, folks. Same bad takes, and the same shaky sources.
We LUV our Coach. Go Bucs!!
December 11th, 2024 at 8:08 am
Even if he was it’s a jerk move to put that out there without permission.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:09 am
No more DC’s as the Bucs HC. It’s a OC league now (other than Tomlin )
Maybe they can put something together with Coen to keep him here , maybe hes promised the gig after Bowles eventual retirement. Make Coe the highest paid OC
December 11th, 2024 at 8:11 am
NO BILICHICK. Dude: stay on air talking football and hang with your hot lil girlfriend. Thats the good life. Enjoy.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:17 am
tough for sure, but just barely.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:31 am
I don’t care what happens as long as we keep Liam Coen. Glazers have got to make him the heir apparent.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:38 am
“Bowles was emphatic about his coaching status. “Definitely not retiring,” he said.”
That is not unlike statements the outgoing US President made about not pardoning his son. Bowles is cut from the same cloth as politicians when it comes to being truthful.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:48 am
Imo, perfect scenario: B² is a 1-2 year fix just to get the house in order…mentor Coen on preparation, game management, discipline, etc. Do NOT let B² run your draft, leave Licht’s hands but B² sure can contribute on LB/edge picks. Make Coen your Assistant HC & OC. After 2 yrs, MAX, hand the reigns to Coen. B² and Parcells are notorious micromanagibg megalomaniacs who tend to wear out their welcome with their teams when times are tough.
We don’t need to see a year of bumbling (eg Canales). Also, Todd can retire after he’s fired at the end of the season, or “consult” like our resident groundhog, Arians, who only pops his head out of his hole after a win to bask in the glory.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:51 am
First. Michael Lombardi, STFU. Second, Bill Belidunce is NFL history. Third, the only team in the NFC that’s been in the playoffs the last four years isn’t looking for a new coach. Lastly, if Bowles coaches until Belidunces retirement age (or the age Kraftdunce fired him) that means at least 100 more wins (10 more years) and probably a few more Super Bowls. Funny how everyone looks at things differently.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:52 am
The thought of promising Liam Coen the HC gig makes me very uncomfortable. That is exactly how we ended up with Bowels…and Dirk…and Morris…etc.
To the people saying BB couldn’t win without Brady? I point out that no coach wins without a great QB.
My thought on Bowles are that he has kept the lockerroom, even when struggling. Must be a reason for that.
December 11th, 2024 at 8:58 am
Bowles has done a good job coaching a Defense with no real outside pass rusher and with mediocre DBs and thin ranks at LB. The tackling has been atrocious. Now mix in the injuries.
And yet they are still fighting for the playoffs.
Licht has work to do for next year. And the draft will not be enough.
This team needs to “retire” a few, but not the Head Coach. The players play for him. Even the bad ones.
December 11th, 2024 at 9:30 am
Bill B was winning with Drew Bledsoe before Brady, and Jason only hires Bill B on Jason’s terms.
December 11th, 2024 at 9:42 am
3 words for you. . . . .
KEEP
HOPE
ALIVE ! ! !
December 11th, 2024 at 10:02 am
I was so excited while reading this article only for Joe
to imitate Lucy by pulling that football away from Charlie Brown with that 5:35AM update.
December 11th, 2024 at 10:27 am
Buccaneer Bonzai
Ummmm
Trent Dilfer?
December 11th, 2024 at 11:10 am
Morale will not improve until the Bucs close out with another W against the Chargers in and on Prime time! Mark Plant City
December 11th, 2024 at 11:19 am
@HeyJude
Thanks. I just decided to take a little break, the negativity was just too overwhelming. I thought a win streak MIGHT mellow that a bit. Right eh?
I’ve still been reading and I always read you because you’re sane and rational.
Perhap not a giant compliment but here it stands out!
@gp Trent Dilfer…exactly! And I LOVE Brad Johnson and absolutely consider him a Super Bowl level QB because he’s won one, but “great” not so sure.
Rich Gannon…great? really.
Someone posted that BB is desperate to get back for the major reason of catching and surpassing Shula. That would be heresy for me! After railing against hyperbole I’m going to dive in myself…BB is not a pimple on Don Shula’s coaching arse! He won with Johnny Unitas and Dan Marino two all time greats bolstering Bonzai’s point…BUT…he also won with guys like Earl Morrall and survived with Tom Matte a running back converted to QB due to emergency.
December 11th, 2024 at 11:31 am
That update would be a great way to start this column.
December 11th, 2024 at 11:39 am
Just saw the update too. Good to hear! Let Coach finish out his contract, and then retire. Unsure if the Glazers would want to hire someone to help him with Defense. It looked pretty good last game. Maybe an outside person looking in could consult, Saleh?
Thank you for compliment, stpetebucsfan!
December 11th, 2024 at 12:09 pm
thats how the bucs pushed arians out by him saying hes retiring . save face thanks for your contributions
December 11th, 2024 at 12:18 pm
If the Glazers want him out a year early, or next season there’s a way to go about it. Promote him to a phoney title like Bruce, add a couple of years to a new contract with a pay boost.
December 11th, 2024 at 12:24 pm
Hugh Culverhouse almost hired Bill Bellichick after Parcels backed out of the job. I think Wyche was hired.
Wonder how things would have progressed if that had happened.
December 11th, 2024 at 12:25 pm
Leave Bowles alone.
December 11th, 2024 at 12:54 pm
And the politician said; ” I absolutely have no intention of running for office. ”
The Bucs are firmly entrenched in mediocrity. They have no real identity. On one hand they look like a pretty good team. On the other hand they don’t. There are few that are now or have been top flight NFL head coaches. Bowles is a mediocre head coach. His history proves it. There is no shame in that but the team will likely stay mediocre with him as coach. It seems to me that Bowles’ retirement is both predictable and likely. The NFL South is in a state of flux and this is the opportunity for the Glazers to make the move and try to assert dominance. The Bucs are poised for real success. The front office is proven and stable even if a piece is lost. The salary cap situation will be much better next year. The talent on the offense is very good. There is a franchise QB in place. An emphasis needs to be placed on defensive talent and coaching but there some good pieces in place.
Coen has proven that he works well with Baker. It’s time to find out if Coen has “IT” or not.
December 11th, 2024 at 1:37 pm
It may be worth noting, for those that are unaware, that many of the coaches you guys think are geniuses have “mediocre” records that hover around . 500-.600
McVay, Shenahan, Campbell are just a couple of examples. There are plenty more.
December 11th, 2024 at 1:55 pm
Maybe he doesn’t know he is retiring.
December 11th, 2024 at 2:20 pm
“ Bucs losing to the Dixie Chicks in Atlanta was an accident” I definitely agree with that.
“ A lot of people think he may retire at the end of the season” I don’t think so.
“Definitely not retiring” agree ! The only way Coach Bowles leaves is if he is relieved of his duties. If the Bucs make a run in the playoffs, he will be back next year with a stronger defense, and maybe a DC, to combine with an already explosive offense!!
Go Bucs !! Beat the Chargers!!
December 11th, 2024 at 2:25 pm
There are a lot of things that have gone wrong this season and Bowles is hardly free from blame, but the intensity of the calls for his job are a bit ridiculous given the circumstances. It would be one thing if the defense was underperforming with everyone healthy, but Bowles isn’t playing with a full deck and still has the highest scoring defense in the last three games.
Criticism of Bowles is warranted in areas like failing to coach mistakes out of players and some of his bizarre clock management, but using a depleted defense against him is a bit flimsy. We’ll see how the final four weeks of the season go, as that will likely determine what happens as far as Bowles being back, but holding injuries that are out of his control against him and ignoring the patchwork job he’s done is a little unfair.
December 11th, 2024 at 2:31 pm
@El HEFE
I do agree with your comment “Bowles isn’t playing with a full deck”
His insistence on playing soft zone and getting roasted by Kirk Cousins is definitely a coach not playing with a full deck.
December 11th, 2024 at 2:44 pm
Bowles is not a good coach. He’d do his legacy a favor by retiring.
December 11th, 2024 at 3:19 pm
I’ve actually wondered if he might retire soon. I don’t think it would be after this season, but I could easily see it happening in another one to two years (if he stays the head coach for that long).
December 11th, 2024 at 3:46 pm
@HeyJude
You deserve it! Your posts are accurate and free of all the whining around here.
December 11th, 2024 at 4:21 pm
Lombardi…who Joe describes aptly as “coffee fetcher” for BB & The Pats, has traded off his last name and closeness to BB for years. His takes are often “hot” but rarely right ultimately. Few if any coaches just up and retire ( unless it’s a walk off championship…and even then ). Tomlin tried to retire Arians once upon a time…and his offense has been lacking ever since.
December 11th, 2024 at 4:32 pm
Scenario 1). Bowles gives up defense and hires a DC. Coen gets no offers to be a HC or agrees to stay with or without guarantees for HC job in the future.
Scenario 2). Status quo Coen’s future with Bucs uncertain. Defense needs overhaul.
Scenario 3). Bowles “retires” and Coen becomes HC and hires a new DC.
Scenario 4). Bowles stays and Coen leaves. This would mean that the defense would still need an overhaul and the offense would be on it’s 3rd OC in as many years.
Which scenario seems most likely ?