Todd Bowles Hires Full-Time Clock/Game Management Guru
March 26th, 2025
“Zach, baby, it’s 4th-and-3 with 1:49 remaining.”
Not one, not two, but three voices have been in Todd Bowles’ ear on gamedays as trusted consultants for game-management decisions.
That was the case last season, and the way Bowles described it to Joe, man, it sounded like chaos.
That’s one reason why Bowles set out this offseason to hire a full-time clock/game management guru. The goal was to streamline the process and improve results.
Bowles got his man.
The head coach confirmed to Joe yesterday that recently hired Zach Beistline, officially titled the Bucs’ new “director of football research,” will be Bowles’ go-to gameday consultant when it comes to guidance on clock management and situational decisions.
Joe appreciates that Bowles recognized the need to streamline and improve the operation, and that he attacked it head-on.
Beistline spent several years with the Jaguars, some in a very similar capacity that he’ll have with Bowles. Joe found a quote from former Jags head coach Urban Meyer calling Beistline “tremendous” on a decision to challenge a fumble in 2021.
A healthy handful of NFL teams have game/clock management gurus working full-time. Now the Bucs are in that group.
March 26th, 2025 at 4:50 am
so happy i could cry. decision forced upon him perhaps?
March 26th, 2025 at 5:41 am
He needs the help.
The 2023 season ending playoff loss to the Lions still hurts.
Truthfully, we had little chance to win that game, but Todd did something that some of us still hold against him to this day.
He Quit!
Despite his history of clock mismanagement through the years, let’s relive the one that shocked many in the football world.
From MSN (January 22, 2024):
Baker Mayfield threw an interception that left 1:33 on the clock for the Lions with Tampa Bay holding one timeout. The Lions could not run out the clock unless the Bucs didn’t take a timeout. They didn’t.
The Lions were lucky the Bucs didn’t since Detroit failed to take the full 40 seconds off the clock between kneel downs. That prevented Dan Campbell from having to make a decision about whether to try a 49-yard field goal on fourth down with 36 seconds left or punt.
Bowles defended his strange decision after the game.
“They already had a field goal lined up and there would’ve been about 12 seconds left on the clock to end the ball game, and we weren’t going to come back from that,” Bowles told reporters postgame. “No sense in prolonging the obvious.”
There would have been more than 12 seconds since the Lions botched the clock management, but who’s counting? Apparently not the Bucs.
Bowles doubled down at his day-after news conference Monday, apparently still not realizing the Lions mismanaged the clock.
“They were in field-goal range, would have had 12 seconds calculated after using that timeout to come back from it, then we would’ve been down 11 points,” Bowles told beat reporters. “It’s kind of pointless. You kind of know when the game is over, and the game was over.”
A 49-yard field goal is not a chip-shot, and a miss would have given the Bucs the ball at their own 39-yard line with about 30 seconds left and in need of a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to force overtime. It probably wasn’t going to happen, but for Bowles to say we “fought to the end” was erroneous. The Bucs fought to the final 36 seconds.
March 26th, 2025 at 5:52 am
A head coach who can’t make sound in game decisions? Hmm…
(It aint just clock mangement folks)
Sounds like a Defensive Coordinator to me. Just saying.
Go Bucs!
March 26th, 2025 at 6:37 am
Outside of sticking with bad players that obviously do not have what it takes (Britt/JTS/pick a corner) too long – this is Todd’s worst area of performance
He has made brutal mistakes in clock management and time out usage repeatedly
Hope this helps!
March 26th, 2025 at 6:40 am
As long it keeps the haters at bay, I really don’t care. This is a billion-dollar franchise, and no one here thinks that if this was a serious problem this would have been fixed in year two of Bowles HC tenure?
I think this whole thing is blown waaay out of proportion. I think almost every coach suffers through some level of clock management challenges throughout the season. Because we watch ALL Bucs games, the fanbase and all the other corresponding Bucs produced articles like JBF scrutinizes it way more than ANY national headline would ever consider picking it up on whether the Bucs truly have a problem in this department.
I don’t think Bowles is horrible. If you hate him, you’ll scrutinize every single damn thing this guy does, if you like him, you’ll say spit happens. Too many armchair QBs that love to reflect after the fact for the sake of wanting him fired.
March 26th, 2025 at 6:43 am
Not surprising, but slight issue in failing to mention that this same issue has occured over & over again in every prior season with this guy. Also, not expecting that he’s suddenly gonna start listening to good advice that he’s likely already been gettting elsewhere & ignoring. Let’s also add that he’s going into his 9th yr as a HC, hard to consider that attacking the problem “head-on”…. Kills me how so many seem to act like he’s just a new HC learning on the job lol
March 26th, 2025 at 7:13 am
I don’t give a hoot what Todd Bowles did as HC of the Jets. I care greatly how he performs as HC of the Bucs. And yes, as our DC. I haven’t liked the dual-hatting from the git-go in 2022, but that’s what we’ve got & apparently that’s not gonna change.
One position in a dual-hatting situation often gets short-changed because there are only so many hours in a day, and human nature is human nature (the squeeky wheel gets the oil?). In Todd’s case, I’m convinced that his ‘passion’ has always been DEFENSE, and so HC got somewhat short-changed (timewise). Adding a highly-experienced ‘Director of Football Research’ to help him with decision-making (especially on game-days) is a positive development IMO. Who knows, maybe hiring a DC isn’t out of the question.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:17 am
I’m sick and tired of seeing you people knocking Todd Bowles every chance you get. He’s one of the best coaches in the league. Sorry to have to inform you non believers that his team keeps getting better and he keeps improving. And we’re gonna win at least 11 games this year. And if we keep improving our head coach ain’t going anywhere. When he does retire he’ll always be known as the most successful coach in the history of the franchise. Watching this franchise since they drafted LeRoy Selmon 50 years ago. Hasn’t really been a franchise worth watching except the defense about 25 years ago. And of course Brady. Licht has changed the trajectory of this team and it’s been best since Bowles has been at the helm. In the history of this franchise, which has mostly been a train wreck, you would think some of these fans would have a clue. Good thing Licht and Bowles have a clue. Bowles is comfortable enough in his position that you negative nellies don’t even dent his armor. But fire away. Bowles will continue leading this team to the best reputation for consistency they’ve had in 50 years. And it’s not even close.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:18 am
Joe, it’d be interesting to see how many HC’s that call the plays on one side of the ball use this type of game-management setup. I think it’s a great move.
You read between the lines what TB said about game day voices in his ear. You’re probably right about the chaos but I doubt that changes and I doubt that Todd would want that changed. Goes with the territory but now there will be a dedicated voice with a specific responsibility for clock management and perhaps replay challenge responsibility. Again, all for it.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:39 am
What coach has survived the Jets? Todd has. Who has coached the Jets better than Todd? Todd has coached this team to the playoffs every year since Brady and Gronk. How did the Pats make out post Brady and Gronk?
This new hire is a “Football data analyst” . These guys are usually data scientists. The real good ones are critical thinkers who use statistical data analysis to help improve individual player, coach, and team decision making and performance. It’s way more than clock management and definitely not a coordinator. This guy spent his entire career until.now at Jacksonville. I believe in this case, zeroing in on just one of a data analyst responsibility is symptomatic of Bowles derangement syndrome.
Todd is a good coach. I think he continues to get better. I am sure Andy Reid is not available.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:56 am
This should have been done years ago and may have resulted in 2 or 3 additional W’s.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:59 am
A man’s got to know his limitations……finally, Todd realized his.
Get him all the coach help he needs……doesn’t count against the cap.
March 26th, 2025 at 8:06 am
So the GREAT BOWLES doesn’t hire a DC he hires a Clock Watcher??? Joe Really even you should call this out. Bucs Organization is doing very well to hire a guy to watch the clock
March 26th, 2025 at 8:12 am
He is lucky to be in a organization that has his back…. there was obvious decisions errors…. most coaches just get fired…. upper management is building a winning team ….
Lets hope in the future other voids can be addressed much quicker.
March 26th, 2025 at 8:12 am
Todd said he was going to do this – and he did. Good move.
March 26th, 2025 at 8:22 am
@kenton smith
I’m with you man.
The whole league admires Todd Bowles.
We don’t have one hole on offense or defense heading into the draft. That’s unreal!
Todd Bowles was an NFL DB.
Since he came to Tampa, look at the DBs he has drafted and developed.
Carlton Davis: 3rd round pick. One of the best in the NFL.
Jamel Dean: 3rs round pick. Absolute freak in terms of size and speed
Sean Murphy Bunting: 2nd round pick: still an NFL starter.
Mike Edwards: 3rd round pick. Great NFL career
Jordan Whitehead: 4th round pick: long NFL career for a 4th rounder
Winfield: 2nd round: All- Pro
MJ Stewart: 3rd round pick: the Texans just extended him
Tykes Smith: 3rd round pick. 1st round talent
Izien: undrafted FA. Started as a rookie!
Merriweather: UFA: a solid starter last year!
Do u guys realize how amazing this is?
Not one DB bust since Vernon “the model” Hargreaves.
Our pass defense was bad last year, but that’s because teams can’t run against us
I bet teams pass against 75% of the play calls.
But we finished 7th in sacks and you all still complain?
Bowles and Licht have done an amazing job.
I honestly think 90% of the Bowles haters are just closet racists. Or blatant racists.
Or they have forgotten “the lost decade” and how bad we were with Raheem, Koetter, Schiano and Lovie Smith.
We are building a dynasty. If we draft well this year. We could have the deepest squad in Bucs history.
Returning 22 starters?
That’s nuts!
And you guys are still nagging? You’re like spoiled women. For real
March 26th, 2025 at 8:23 am
Good gig to take a job and split it into parts and outsource it. They treat football like it’s a major product assembly now. Imagine telling Shula or Landry or Lombardi they need a run game coordinator or a clock manager. Unreal.
March 26th, 2025 at 8:51 am
Looks like Todd has finally reached the self awareness stage. This is a great things and hopefully it will help him to find some attention to detail and cut down on penalties. So looking forward to this coming season with all the steps forward that have been made.
March 26th, 2025 at 9:08 am
Wow. Color me impressed. Perhaps an old day can learn new tricks.
March 26th, 2025 at 9:09 am
old dog*
March 26th, 2025 at 9:11 am
Nobody finds it interesting that Bowles now has two Urban Meyer Jags rejects on his staff? Things worked out so well in Jacksonville.
March 26th, 2025 at 9:13 am
Much of the real work here is done before the season. Bowles should spend a solid portion of the next 5 months learning what he needs to know about modern clock management. Really all the coaches need to. This guy needs to have some classroom material ready to show the scenarios and the possible choices and outcomes and drill the coaches ahead of time. He will build trust that way and won’t have to explain things during the game.
March 26th, 2025 at 9:23 am
If Licht likes Todd Bowles, that’s good enough for me. It is obvious that he is a players coach. Look at the mutiny in Las Vegas against Josh McDaniels who tried the tough guy bit. There are only a few like Sean Payton who can get away with the tough guy routine. Have a feeling with improved defensive talent, Todd Bowles will look a lot better to most this year. Have said it before, the Bucs will have 4-5 new starters this year versus the group that started against Washington in the playoffs.
March 26th, 2025 at 9:49 am
FINALLY, I HAVE BEEN SAYING THIS FOR 2 YEARS!!! Definitely needed since there was no clear progress and too many questions on rhis very topic week to week.
March 26th, 2025 at 10:17 am
How sad is it that the HC making millions to lead the team has to farm out the ability to think critically in the moment of truth?
You either have it or you do not.
This is not the type of HC that will be able to make the Superbowl.
A defensive guru that can’t scheme a defense properly.
Yeah, that’s what we need…….
March 26th, 2025 at 10:25 am
Idk if Bowles is even a good DC at this point. Our has been mediocre af the past few seasons.
Bowles is a good HC in regard to culture and how he handles the team and organization off the field.
But yeah, his in-game decision making sucks a majority of the time.
This is why we seemingly get ‘outcoached’ more often than not.
-That being said, I still think we can win despite his shortcomings.
(Hopefully)
March 26th, 2025 at 10:29 am
JA Says
“The 2023 season ending playoff loss to the Lions still hurts.”
That was on Baker Mayfield and his picks.
March 26th, 2025 at 10:32 am
A winning head coach a division winning head coach a head coach that is getting better year by year a head coach willing to recognize and reconcile his mistakes in order to get the team and himself better. I have no issues with head coach Bowles and appreciate the work him and Licht have done together to keep us from entering back into the dark days. Or would the lot of you rather fire him and go back to that coaching carousel and become a laughing stock team again
March 26th, 2025 at 10:35 am
My little addition that doesn’t mean much…
Bowles gets knocked for game management and the state of the defense a lot on here. Looks like they’re fixing the game management part and hopefully more of the defense in this draft, but I still feel a lot of our problems last year were injury-based.
Now does he get credit for building a culture that keeps stars here and brings good players into the fold? I’m pretty sure he has a heavy say on who gets drafted as well… the scouts find those players out there but Licht works with Bowles to build the the Bucs war room draft board, which has been pretty solid the last couple years based on how many of our drafted players contribute. Got to give out credit where it’s due along with the blame… that’s just being fair. He’s always been known as a defensive guru, he just didn’t suddenly forget how to coach the defense. Shaq injury + JTS/White not working out + secondary injuries + dead money cap issues (can’t bring in the big FA names) = current defensive woes.
March 26th, 2025 at 10:47 am
He’s 53-65 as head coach what’s the Parcels saying you are what your record says you are top head coach please
March 26th, 2025 at 10:59 am
Smh he is aiming to get better that’s all us as fans can ask for ….. y’all act like half y’all never eff up ever as far as I’m concerned if he is trying to be better why do we not encourage instead of shooting them down this is our team right do better bucc fans
March 26th, 2025 at 11:03 am
DR hit the nail on the head. We can only wish Todd would hire a full time DC to enable him to be a full time HC. If it hasn’t happened by now, it probably never will.
In 2025, it’s just not sensible to take the most important full time coaching job and divide it in half with a coordinator’s role.
March 26th, 2025 at 11:12 am
This could reduce Bowles Blunders….I hope.
March 26th, 2025 at 11:19 am
Hopefully this helps.
It’s not just clock management that gets me riled up. It’s pairing that with his conservative, D will save us style. Taking the ball away from his best players and best unit.
WHEN HE HAS A TERRIBLE PASS D! …. Texans, Falcons, Chiefs, like 3 other games I forget in the last 2 years when a game winning drive has been marched down our throats after not going for 2 or going for it on 4th down or calling 3 straight runs up the gut before a punt to give them a chance.
It’s chicken ball. It’s not calling TO before the half and tossing a bomb to try to get a PI flag or position for FG. You know, stuff that matters in close matters. The guy took the ball away from Tom for fear of an INT vs a second string secondary!
March 26th, 2025 at 11:25 am
Admire Coach Bowles so much and am happy he brought in more help. It’s going to be a great season!
March 26th, 2025 at 12:02 pm
“Pickgrin Says:
March 26th, 2025 at 8:12 am
Todd said he was going to do this – and he did. Good move.”
Verily, I agree Pickgrin. Promises made, promises kept. At the least, one can hope this new hire will free up Bowles to focus on the big picture during games.
I do wonder though – why did Jax let this guy go if he was that good?
March 26th, 2025 at 12:17 pm
Garro, a lot of head coaches in the NFL have game and clock manager. What would have been stupid of Bowles is not to recognize his weakness in that facet of the game and continued on without seeking help, just saying.
March 26th, 2025 at 1:12 pm
Thank you!
March 26th, 2025 at 1:41 pm
I am glad they got someone to do this because for what ever reason Bowles can’t. Its hard to think someone in his position that can’t do coaching 101.
March 26th, 2025 at 2:44 pm
hopefully it gets taken out of bowles paycheck. with all this assistance when bowels retires snoop dog will be the next bucs coach
March 26th, 2025 at 3:24 pm
It’s about time…
March 26th, 2025 at 3:52 pm
Gotta give credit where credit is due. Nice job by the HC to adapt.
I’m hoping that this person will also be responsible for analytics as it relates to advising when the offense should go for it on fourth downs. If he can get over that old school defensive HC mindset of always punting or kicking a FG, I would think that could allow for a few more preferable game situations in the fourth quarter and thus maybe an extra W or 2.
March 26th, 2025 at 5:41 pm
We can only wish Todd would hire a full time DC to enable him to be a full time HC.
—–
Not sure why anyone would want a HC that has shown over and over again the inability to have his team prepared to play. That’s not the type of HC most fans want to lead their team. The good news is this will give CTB .500, less things to do. The bad news is he is still the HC.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:09 pm
He did what he said he would do. he did a self evaluation. He found a significant problem. He worked with Jason Licht to find a solution. Good for Todd.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:15 pm
Dan Lanning the head coach at Oregon said in a presser that “coaches need to be coachable.” Bowles is showing that he is with this hire and how candid he has been in interviews regarding the nauseating state of the Bucs pass defense. I never call for coaches’ heads but I did squawk about Bowles game management losing multiple games. It was like watching the worst of Trent Dilfer’s beyond stupid and awful interceptions lose games for the Bucs on the regular way back when. I’m thrilled with this hire.
March 26th, 2025 at 7:51 pm
Had to be done. Worst game manager in the NFL.
March 26th, 2025 at 10:25 pm
So what does Toilet Bowles do? Strangle chances to win. Plays not to lose
..couch potatoes are smarter. He is not a good coch. Lòok at his record with Jets/Buc. Period gis defensive mindset is pathetic.⅘
March 27th, 2025 at 7:52 am
I’m happy he hired someone to manage this because his decisions have left a lot to be desired, but I feel game management and situational football decisions are what separates a head coach from a position coach or coordinator.
It gives me the vibe that he’s a DC playing dress up as a Head Coach.