The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired Todd Bowles as their new head coach, replacing Bruce Arians. Previously, Bowles became the Bucs’ defensive coordinator in 2019 when he moved in with Arians, replacing Mike Smith.
The Bucs reportedly have also named Tom Brady starting quarterback. Brady was spotted on training camp practicing with the Bucs’ most recent signing from the Atlanta Falcons, Russell Gage.
About Bowles
According to Bucsreport.com, the former defensive coordinator will implement his defensive-minded coaching style for the team.
Bowles was named the 2014 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year Award when he coached the Arizona Cardinals. In that season, Bowles became the team defensive coordinator and led the Cardinals to the playoff with an 11-5 regular season record. Unfortunately, they were defeated in the first round by the Carolina Panthers with Cam Newton playing as a quarterback.
Bowles helped to improve the Buccaneers’ defense in points allowed. In 2018, Bucs ranked 31st, but when Bowles took over the defense tactics, the team leaped to 29th in 2019, eighth in 2020, and fifth last season. It is expected that the Buccaneers will maintain their strong defensive play under Bowles.
Bowles was named New York Jets head coach from 2015 to 2018 when he recorded a 24-40 win-loss. It was reported that within the period, there were problems from the franchise between the GM, the coaching staff, and Bowles himself. The 58-year-old coach was not given the freedom to choose what he wanted in trading and drafting players.
In defense, Bowles could not maintain his strategy because the franchise would not give him the chance to improve the squad with younger player additions. At the end of 2018, he was fired.
Bowles will work with Kacy Rodgers and Larry Foote to manage the team’s defense. He also named Byron Leftwich offensive coordinator.
Buccaneers’ upcoming season
Bowles said that Gage’s addition to the squad introduced a “natural vibe”. Bowles insisted that Gage and Brady of them needed to develop their chemistry.
“They must continue to develop their chemistry,” Bowles said. “We have a few new offensive players, so they will need to develop a working relationship.”
“But Russell is a veteran. Tom is aware that he can open doors and that he does. They give off a natural vibe, it seems. They’re off to a good start, but I’m sure there’s still a long way to go and a lot more to discover before they truly get to know one another.” he said.
In the upcоming seasоn, the Buccaneers plan to use Mike Evans and Chris Gоdwin as their tоp twо wide receiver оptiоns. Gage, who joined the Buccaneers in free agency after spending four years with the Falcons, is the first addition to the offense. He joined the team training camp with other Bucs wide receivers such as Evans, Chris Gоdwin, and Julio Jones. With the three names on the WR side, Gage is predicted to be the third choice.
As the reigning NFC champions, the Buccaneers’ will start the NFL preseason against the Miami Dоlphins on Saturday, August 11.