Sitting on a Throne of Flames

The palm trees might be swaying, but things are far from breezy in Tampa Bay. After a 2025 season that saw a promising 6-2 start dissolve into an 8-9 finish and a missed postseason, the "hot seat" talk has shifted from a low simmer to a rolling boil.

Despite General Manager Jason Licht publicly backing Head Coach Todd Bowles at the 2026 NFL Combine, the fan base and local media aren't buying the "vote of confidence" just yet. Here is why the three biggest pillars of the Buccaneers organization find themselves under the microscope heading into the 2026 season.

Todd Bowles: The "Alleged" Defensive Mastermind

For Todd Bowles, the numbers are becoming harder to defend than a 3rd-and-long. After the late-season collapse in 2025—which included a crushing home loss to Atlanta and a stagnant defense that finished 27th against the pass—patience is wearing thin.

• The Criticism: Fans point to a lack of second-half adjustments and a perceived "soft" mentality during the mid-season slide. "3rd and 28"

• The "New Look": Bowles has already cleaned house on his staff, bringing in Zac Robinson as Offensive Coordinator and Danny Smith for Special Teams.

• The Bottom Line: Bowles is 35-33 as the Bucs' head coach. In Tampa, where the shadow of a Super Bowl victory still looms large, "barely .500" is no longer the standard. If the new staff doesn't produce immediate results, the Glazers may finally look for a fresh voice.

Jason Licht: The Architect at a Crossroads

Jason Licht is widely credited with building the roster that won Super Bowl LV, but his "all-in" moves are starting to face scrutiny. With franchise icon Mike Evans departing for San Fransico, and the team holding the 15th overall pick in the 2026 Draft, Licht is under immense pressure to prove his "retooling" isn't actually a "rebuilding." Licht has been able to work with no pressure after being lucky enough to land Brady and win a Superbowl. If that had not happened - Licht may have faced scrutiny much sooner.

• The Draft Pressure: Being considered a draft guru by many, others see through the smoke and mirrors. From trading up into the 2nd round for a kicker, and missing on multiple edge rushers (JTS-Braswell-and botched signing of Reddick). Logan Hall has been underwhelming and Licht ultimately ignoring the linebacking core proved detrimental last season. If this draft doesn't provide immediate impact, Licht may be forced to walk the plank.

• The Verdict: Licht is tied to Bowles. If the 2026 roster can’t reclaim the NFC South, the seat under the GM’s desk will get just as hot as the coach’s.

Baker Mayfield: The "Everything is on the Table" Extension

Baker Mayfield’s 2025 was a rollercoaster. He threw for nearly 3,700 yards, but the offense's inability to close out games led to a disappointing second-place finish in the division. Now, the Buccaneers face a massive financial crossroads.

• The Contract Situation: Licht recently stated that "everything is on the table" regarding a Mayfield extension. However, with rumors of other teams being willing to offer $45M-$50M per year, the Bucs have to decide if Baker is a franchise savior or a high-end bridge.

• Performance vs. Pedigree: While Baker has the "dawg" mentality the city loves, his efficiency dropped during the 2025 skid. He is now entering a year where he must prove he can win without the safety net of elite veteran weapons like a departed Mike Evans and declining Chris Godwin.

***The Outlook***

The 2026 season feels like a "last stand" for this iteration of the Buccaneers. Only names like Vita Vea and Winfield Jr. (possibly Lavonte David) maintain the bridge between the most recent SB era of the Tampa Bay Bucs. The organization has chosen to double down on the current regime rather than blow it up, but in the NFL, loyalty only lasts as long as the win column allows.