“At Least You Know You’re Picking The Right Guy”
January 19th, 2025
Wanted.
On Monday, when Bucs coach Todd Bowles had his last news conference for the 2024 season to wrap up the year that was, he seemed like he was bracing for offensive coordinator Liam Coen to leave the team.
And based on what Bowles told Joe back at the combine two years ago, Bowles did not relish yet another round of interviewing prospective offensive coordinators.
The first offensive coordinator Bowles selected for the Bucs, Dave Canales, left a year ago to take the head coach gig with the Stinking Panthers.
In 2024, Bowles hit a home run with Coen. The only known interview Coen has had this month has been with the Jags.
Bowles was trying to look at the bright side of teams considering Coen for a head coach opening.
“Me and Liam are very close – we have these types of conversations, what to expect from an interview and everything else,” Bowles said. “At least you know you’re picking the right guy. We’ll see what happens going forward from there.”
Bowles noted that if your assistants are not interviewing for jobs, then maybe something is wrong.
“If they’re not talking about your guys for interviews, then you’re probably not doing it right,” Bowles added.
Joe is not aware of any Bucs defensive assistants who have interviewed for the various head coaching openings in the NFL.
That’s not to say none have. But if a Bucs defensive assistant has interviewed for a job, the team or teams are doing a good job keeping that under wraps.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:09 am
If we are fortunate enough to get the news Coen is staying, the staff moves the following two weeks will be very interesting.
And if there aren’t any, plenty of column fodder.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:16 am
Liam leaves, we simply continue to pluck from the McVay tree… Mike LaFleur.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:30 am
Good point. The one positive is we have gone from begging people to coach the offense to being a destination for up and coming coordinators.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:34 am
I’ve written before and I’ll hammer it again … NFL owners should pass “The Bowles Rule” (especially if Liam bolts) declaring:
“NFL offensive and defensive coordinators must serve a minimum of two years prior to taking a lateral or head coach position with any other NFL team.”
That’s fair. Make their “current contracts” a mandatory 2-year guaranteed contract if that helps.
All I know is that this business of musical chairs is entirely DISRUPTIVE to an organization.
The solution is just “not that hard” and for the life of me, I don’t know why media influencers such as Joe+ aren’t challenging this issue and writing about it to get the attention of league owners.
Please do.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:39 am
Speaking of LaFleur, I find it curious that nobody ever questions the job security of the GB HC.
Not saying Bowles shouldn’t have his hot/warm seat classification, but Green Bay doesn’t seem to be accomplishing much more than we have the last few years.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:43 am
I respect Coen enormously and so do not misinterpret this. He’s a huge advantage and that’s for sure, but he does not walk on water.
As DC’s started figuring him out late in the season the Bucs Offense had some notable stumbles most importantly and particularly in the Playoff game. I have confidence that Coen knows this and he’ll be working hard this off season to counter that.
One of the major reasons the D couldn’t get off the field according to some here is the fact that Coen’s O went flat! They got off the field in record time leaving the D hung out to dry. This is not an indictment just an observation.
Now since I’ve chided Rod about simply admitting when he’s wrong I’ll go first with two examples both of which came to light in the entire JW fiasco.
First-The JJJoes have pounded the drum loudly over the CRITICAL need for a QB. An entire franchise depends on the performance of that one position. So we hard the incessant drum beat for Johnny Football and then JW. While I agreed that QB is obviously the most important I never realized just how much the JJoes were correct until this season. Jayden Daniels has been a true revelation. Quinn turned the franchise around but it was Jayden Daniels who made it possible. Going for it on 4th down etc.
So mistake #1 The JJoes were right I was wrong it all STARTS with a “franchise QB”. I think Baker is a “franchise QB”. So the Bucs are ready to roll with a good defensive draft.
Mistake #2 And Rod feel free in joining me in admitting this mistake. I bought all the FSU guys BS about JW’s not being a “head case” with questionable character, he was just “immature”. Nope he really is a cement head with amazing talent but not the character nor decision making skills to be a great QB.
I’ve also come to realize he has very questionable leadership skills. In college with a bunch of immature kids still developing their character a wild and crazy guy with talent is FUN to play with. In the NFL JW’s immature schtick went nowhere with mature men who are PROFESSIONALS.
So there are just two of my many mistakes. Confession is good for the soul Rod. I direct this to you out of respect for your football passion and knowledge.
No matter how hard you work, how smart you are, everybody makes mistakes.
Sadly your’s tend to overshadow your otherwise excellent observations. Just sayin’. I don’t bother with the true idiots who wish to expose their racism daily.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:58 am
Again, I think Coen with stick around and also get a healthy raise from the Bucs.
January 19th, 2025 at 9:14 am
As Brian Johnson of AC/DC once said, “Money Talks.” Lookin at you Glazers.
January 19th, 2025 at 9:20 am
Coen had some shine taken off after the disastrous , ill fated, poorly though out jet sweep call that changed our playoff game.Everybody saw that and no bueno.
Defensive coaching looks a lot better after Washington put up double the points against Lions.
January 19th, 2025 at 9:28 am
Dan Quinn learned from being too conservative in the 28-3 debacle. I love how aggressive he is with this commanders team. I hope Todd is taking notes!!
January 19th, 2025 at 9:31 am
When Lions ran the similar play it was the Jet Pass which is the absolute correct call as the risk is minimized by the fact that it is simply a pass , if it falls to the ground, it is just an incomplete pass.
I illuminated this after the game in 5 things and I am absolutely correct that it was the WRONG CALL by Coen.
What I also find really amazing is that no one mentions that during the regular season Bucky and Tucker handled almost all of the kick off return duties. Bucky was pretty effective at this as was Tucker. So why has no one in the media asked Todd why Rachaad White was returning kickoffs in a playoff game when he had not returned even ONE during the regular season??
January 19th, 2025 at 9:32 am
The O-Coordinator is the only one/has been the only one getting any HC interviews. 2 guys who spent 1 year each under Bowles. Bowles says he is hands off on the offense, so would the interest really have anything to do with Bowels influence? It doesnt seem like it… This would be much more believeable if it were on the defensive side… Seems like he’s just riding the coat tails of his O-Coordinator from what im seeing.
January 19th, 2025 at 9:39 am
Thanks Bucsfan, you are a ABSOLUTE genius. Which team do you OC for?! I’d love to watch so I can learn more from one of the leagues top OCs….
January 19th, 2025 at 9:45 am
Your savant like comments do not address the fundamental question as to why the Lions run Jet Pass and we do not-but you already know that you bag of Camel pi$$
January 19th, 2025 at 9:51 am
The Bucs have had more outside linebacker coaches than Spinal Tap had drummers.
January 19th, 2025 at 9:56 am
I just wanted to clearly state that Jayden Daniels is legit.
I had to eat a little crow last night.
That performance makes Todd Bowles look a bit better, though he still had numerous failures, particularly with timeout usage and overall clock/game management. Those remain his main shortcomings in my clearly uninformed opinion, lol. However, I can’t deny that he looks much better after last nights game. Bowles would benefit from hiring a personal assistant or coach to help manage the speed of the game.
I believe Joe mentioned he has someone upstairs in his ear, but in my opinion, she might need to walk the plank, to put it in Buccaneers terms.
Moving forward, Bowles should prioritize finding a legitimate pass rusher, as some fans have suggested—perhaps someone like Myles Garrett. I’ve also questioned Bowles’ ability to develop a pass rusher, as Joe and other fans have, and it remains a significant concern. Additionally, the team could benefit from adding a legitimate cornerback to push McCollum and possibly let Dean go.
All defense in the draft, I hope, and I’m just going to fish and watch with my mouth shut going forward because clearly, I don’t know Jack right now…
Humble pie has kind of already been served, honestly. I expected the Lions to destroy the Redskins… just here to say you gotta give Bowles credit where it’s due apparently that’s a better team than I thought happened a few times this year…
January 19th, 2025 at 9:59 am
Let him walk. If Coen had not called that stupid trick play we would have beaten DC and the Lions who are a shell of their former self. Bring on Alex Van Pelt
January 19th, 2025 at 10:04 am
Hey Couch Fan, Do you not think it is a great plan for any new Buccaneer OC to practice daily against Bowles’s defense? The Defense that held KC to 9 points in the Super Bowl. Yes, he has had some bad calls as a coach, name one HC who has not had their own bad calls…
I hope Coen stays here keeps working on his OC skills, continues learning to be our OC, and then works on his HC skills as he grows our offense, until the date Bowles retires, he takes over as Arians’ special consultant position. Continuity of our team.
GO!!!!!BUCS!!!!!
January 19th, 2025 at 10:05 am
Any of the top Browns players that Baker played with such as Chubb, Garret, and that smurf DB would come down to Tampa at a discount to escape the wind, snow and dysfunctional front office to rejoin Baker down here in Pirate land.
January 19th, 2025 at 10:27 am
“Bowles should prioritize finding a legitimate pass rusher,”
That’s actually already the strength of the D!!!
The Bucs tied the Chargers for SIXTH spot in the league just two sacks behind 3rd.
So a question. If the Bucs fundamentally in the top FIVE for sacks is that where the attention needs to go. Calijah and YaYa definitely improved this season and if they simply improve by half as much year the Bucs don’t have to sweat getting to the passer.
Having said that think how many MORE sacks the Bucs would have if they had two solid cover corners and another ILB to pair with LVD, preferably one with DW45’s speed and range.
Getting to the passer is NOT the Bucs problem. Constant zone due to the lack of “cover guys” does leave opening for a QB to methodically pick a D apart.
Zyon is coming on strong! He’s a freakish athlete with 4.33 speed and is a HARD hitter! Dean has formidable cover skills and that’s it. He’d be great in flag football. But he does have value. Imagine the flexibility to play man if the Bucs get a true #1 CB to pair with McCollom and Dean off the bench when needed. THAT would free Todd to play more man D.
January 19th, 2025 at 10:35 am
We need to swing for the fences if the NFL is going to allow us to gain access to the second round of the playoffs and beyond.
The draft needs to be centered around play makers with flair and excitement.
Free agency should be focused around proven veterans that also catch people’s attention. And most importantly a new head coach with a personality more engaging than a house plant.
See Jon Gruden and Tom Brady. If you’re going to win the WWE football league, you have to have a great story.
This way we can enjoy the Vegas controlled scripted soap opera.
January 19th, 2025 at 10:46 am
I’m posting today cos I am really disappointed in the Lions’ loss. I was born in DC so know about Washington. I became a NFL fan listening to their games. Man, they were the 1980s Bucs: stunk up the planet losing. Now that loser Snyder is gone (Commanders-what a crummy name), they’ve got competent people in the front office and on the field. I sensed Jayden Daniels would be a bugger when the Bucs beat him and the team at the start of the season. If Coen splits, fine, but he is not ready to be a NFL HC. Between Licht and Bowles, they will find competent replacements.
January 19th, 2025 at 10:56 am
“If they’re not talking about your guys for interviews, then you’re probably not doing it right,” will that’s out of his mouth. Has any of his defensive assistants been promoted? Ever? I wonder if he can see that? Go Bowles
January 19th, 2025 at 10:59 am
I’m so sick of the jet-sweep naysayers. If that play works, Coen is a God to you people. Sometimes plays don’t work but you have to rely on your system. Bowles, on the other hand, has a system that doesn’t work but is too stubborn to change.
January 19th, 2025 at 11:03 am
@Marky Mark If we had beaten D.C. we would have been playing in Philly not Detroit.
January 19th, 2025 at 11:18 am
So dumb lol because of one play let him walk? This team would have been doomed without Coen because the defense is trash. People keep saying things like go get somebody else from the mcvay tree e as if that always works out you know sort of like the falcons zombie offense. Then again it was more than enough to beat Bowles defense
January 19th, 2025 at 11:24 am
What Ballhawk said though it’s the perfect NFL storyline: Buccaneers trade for Myles Garrett and Greg Newsome. Buccaneers aka Browns South next year win it all, and Browns fans live in misery forever! Sorry, I had to say it. If the Buccaneers bring in a few more ex-Browns players, it could be the perfect NFL narrative, with the Browns winning the Super Bowl… but in reality, it was the Buccaneers with several former Browns players. LOL IT WOULD BE TOO FUNNY!!! Sorry it’s cold as crap here in Colorado someone go outside for me today….
January 19th, 2025 at 11:42 am
@Bucsfan Ray Charles could’ve seen it wasn’t the play call, it was the EXECUTION.
Also, any pass to include your “jet pass” is a higher risk play than any handoff. But I guess you already know that, get back to the film you have a game to prepare for next weekend
January 19th, 2025 at 11:43 am
We need to keep Coen could you imagine what next year will bring
January 19th, 2025 at 11:44 am
The play was the right call because it would have went for a big gain…if he called a say flea flicker and our receiver is wide open by 15 yds and we miss, it’s the right call etc. All Coen can do is call plays that according to defense and situation should work, rest is on players. Lastly that man cannot leave the building, Baker and crew are humming around his schemes and don’t need a third O.C.in as many years! Hopefully the Glazers know that, next guy can be a set back and then u lost several years of the infinitesimal window of time u get to win it all before setting the clock back and reloading. Pay dat man, pay dat man his monies
January 19th, 2025 at 11:48 am
I respectfully disagree, stpetebucsfan. From what I’ve seen so far, I don’t believe we currently have four players who can consistently get to the quarterback with proven success. Imagine YaYa in a role with Braswell rotating in. With Kancey and Garrett rushing off the edge and Vea still anchoring the middle, I’m honestly excited about the possibilities.
In my humble opinion, exotic blitz packages alone won’t necessarily lead to an effective pass rush. That said, I recognize that adding one or two more legitimate man-coverage corners could make those blitzes more effective. Ultimately, my focus is on winning a Super Bowl, and I believe addressing these areas is critical to achieving that goal. The inside linebacker position is clearly an issue — only a blind man would deny that the middle of our defense was porous and a glaring weak point throughout the season.
January 19th, 2025 at 11:56 am
If he leaves, his replacement will be the 3rd offensive coordinator in 3 years.. Not a recipe for success.
January 19th, 2025 at 12:01 pm
I agree about the minimum 2 year contracts for new coordinators. That makes a lot of sense. Or if a team plucks your OC or DC they should have to give up a draft pick somewhere 2-4th round depending on his tenure at present team. If you pluck a 1 year coordinator because of the disruption it causes, you give up a first round pick to the previous team. If your team just won a Super Bowl then no compensation is given. Count your blessings and shut up. 🤐 😂
January 19th, 2025 at 12:09 pm
Coen is definitely the biggest reason that Bowles still has his jobs. Also, Coen showed us that he’s not ready for prime time in the last two games and has a long way to go, along with his boss, to correct the slop. In 6 of the 8 losses, Bucs beat Bucs. All three phases of the game. Arians must have hated it.
January 19th, 2025 at 12:12 pm
This coaching crap just causes an endless cycle of BS disruptions for teams in general. Head Coaches get kicked to the curbs far too fast and far too often. Few really get enough time to build a team or culture. Then a good coach just ends up with another team. And a Coach like Canales was no more ready to be a head coach than the man in the moon. He’s still not ready. When he flops again this year, he will be fired when he was set up to fail from the beginning. There’s also a lot to be said for stability for a family and raising children. Once kids get about 9-10 years old, it’s time to let them establish lasting friendships and put down roots. The Greater Tampa Bay Area is a great place to live overall. Detroit, Chicago, NY City, Bawston, LA???? You couldn’t pay me enough to live there. The NFL coaching tree is ate up by the Peter Principle and full of overachieving idiots.
January 19th, 2025 at 12:18 pm
I understand why some people protest so much in the face of reality.
The normalcy bias prevents weak minds from seeing past the ingrained mind control implanted from years of government ran propaganda in schools and the media.
Few people want to find out that everything they believe is a complete farce.
My eyes are wide open to the reality we find ourselves in today.
In the empire of lies, truth is a revolutionary act.
January 19th, 2025 at 12:27 pm
This division is a joke. If Coen was to leave Atlanta and Carolina oc’s would only be in their second seasons. This division is weak and unstable so even if Bowles was fired and we hired Coen we’d still be the most stable franchise
January 19th, 2025 at 12:29 pm
Drunk bucs fan you know why they are not calling for his job he fits the narrative of media he has the complexion for collection lol
January 19th, 2025 at 12:43 pm
We all know the REAL issues with the bucs on game day. Bowles defense is a weak one.. poor clock management at critical moments, leaving 1st team on field in a landslide win and the result is a playmaker gets IR for the season, predictable Defense calls and then always happy to settle for a wildcard appearance. Bowles is good 👍 but not good enough. Walk the plank, and get someone else to take the wheel. He’s had his chances
January 19th, 2025 at 1:53 pm
@ballhawk
Your definition =
The normalcy bias prevents weak minds from seeing past the ingrained mind control implanted from years of government ran propaganda in schools and the media.
The ACTUAL definition
Normality bias (or normalcy bias) is the tendency to underestimate the likelihood or impact of a potential hazard, based on the belief that things will continue as they have in the past
Another one you should know =
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, focus on and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preconceptions. *Sound like anybody you know?
Have a good day!
January 19th, 2025 at 2:44 pm
@Josh
I do not disagree with your moves so much as in the need to make them.
You’ve made some great points! Those guys would certainly be an upgrade but I’m a guy who really believes in the old saying, “They don’t ask how, just how many?
The Bucs are ALREADY in the top five for NFL team sacks. I think they could get even better but not from a better pass rush. The back end of the D sucks! I do NOT blame anybody for this. The total sell out to get the SB was well worth it but when you bet the farm it takes awhile to recover enough assets to get a new farm. IMHO the Bucs have been amazing at this when you consider the mess left after year three of Brady. Yeah I love Tommy Boy for that SB but I agree with Giselle he should have retired during the “Boat Ride”. His reputation would have remained unsoiled. TB was great for the Bucs but he clearly played at least one if not two years too long.
Oops apologies Josh for going off on that SB hangover tangent. You make valid points we can simply respectfully disagree on the needs of the Bucs.
January 19th, 2025 at 2:56 pm
Pewter Power, are you really a Bucs fan? Criticism is one thing, but you go way beyond it. You sure you’re not a Chiefs or better yet, a Ravens fan?
———————
“This division is a joke.” Well, like, duh! Divisions cycle up and down. Look at the NFC East. For years, they were called the NFC LEAST. Not now cos of Philly, and now Washington. Same thing with the AFC East. Buffalo is about it in that one. I’m reading that the NFC West isn’t what it used to be either. Plus, the constant ranting about Bowles. Do you actually know what it’s like to be a fan of a truly bad team? Well, several of us on here do.
January 19th, 2025 at 5:54 pm
St Pete … ‘Getting to the passer is NOT the Bucs problem. Constant zone due to the lack of “cover guys” does leave opening for a QB to methodically pick a D apart.’
I think our problem is the incessant blitzing (Todd blitzes way too much). It’s actually not all that effective. Bucs blitzed 461 times last year, the most (by far) since 2021 … when BA was Jefe & Todd was DC only. LVD was the leading blitzer with 80 (most he’s had, but those records only go back to 2018). Most sacks (5.5) he’s had since his 2013 sophomore year (7.0). But if you look at LVD’s other stats, those were the worst he’s had. He allowed 84.6% completions, giving up 608 yards. His Yards/Target (7.8) was the highest he’s had, as was his Yards/Completion (9.2). His 14 Missed Tackles was his highest also.
Some folks will probably say that his age had something to do with that, but I think a much bigger factor was his role in the blitzing game (80 actual blitzes but I’m sure there were also a bunch of fake blitzes). I would think that has to take away from your coverage ‘readiness’. Sure seemed to for Devin White.
Oh and BTW, the Vikings blitzed the most last year (38.9% of the time). The Lions were 2nd at 34.6% and the Bucs were 3rd with 34.2%. Interestingly the Vikings had the #28 Pass Defense (Yards Allowed); the Lions had the #30 Pass Defense; and the Bucs had the #29 Pass Defense. So do YOU think there’s any relationship between blitzing A BUNCH and how well your Pass Defense performs?
January 19th, 2025 at 5:55 pm
St Pete … ‘Getting to the passer is NOT the Bucs problem. Constant zone due to the lack of “cover guys” does leave opening for a QB to methodically pick a D apart.’
I think our problem is the incessant blitzing (Todd blitzes way too much). It’s actually not all that effective. Bucs blitzed 461 times last year, the most (by far) since 2021.
Oh and BTW, the Vikings blitzed the most last year (38.9% of the time). The Lions were 2nd at 34.6% and the Bucs were 3rd with 34.2%. Interestingly the Vikings had the #28 Pass Defense (Yards Allowed); the Lions had the #30 Pass Defense; and the Bucs had the #29 Pass Defense. So do YOU think there’s any relationship between blitzing A BUNCH and how well your Pass Defense performs?
January 19th, 2025 at 6:51 pm
Sounds like Coen might be the favorite to land the job in Jacksonville now that Ben Johnson seems a lock for Vegas.
January 19th, 2025 at 6:53 pm
Have any of you watched these playoffs? The NFL is 25 or so mediocre teams that can win 6 games or a Super Bowl with a play here or there turning. 6 teams are hopelessly bad or rebuilding. And one gets every call from the refs.
Coach X, Coach Y… whatever. You either have a global fan base backed by a pop star and an anointed next GOAT and get every call OR you are hoping to be one of the 25 to play challenger in January.
The Bucs are in the 25. They could win 6 games next year, or the NFC. Just like a bunch of others, and just like this season.
January 19th, 2025 at 8:09 pm
Crap only happens to the Bucs. Even when we dominate in all categories somehow we get the short end of the stick. All that being said I’m thankful for both Super Bowls, and I’ll be just as happy to accept some more in the not so distant future. 😉. Oh and with WINS! Go Bucs!
January 19th, 2025 at 9:12 pm
Another way to say some of the above – if you’re gonna rely on the blitz to pressure and sack the QB, those blitzes better get home regularly.
Against Minnesota, the Lions almost couldn’t miss with their blitzes. Some of that is Darnold. When Detroit tried it against Jayden Daniels, different result and they lost. Daniels is in the discussion for MVP not just ROTY.
Returning to the days where DL and edge are capable of pressuring and sacking the QB is preferred.