Last offseason, few pundits anticipated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would retain their NFC South crown. With the departure of Tom Brady due to retirement, the team signed Baker Mayfield to a one-year deal as his replacement. Many discussions about potential division winners revolved around teams like the Saints, who acquired Derek Carr, or the Falcons, who bolstered their roster with Bijan Robinson.
However, the Bucs defied expectations and clinched the division title once again. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, Mayfield showcased significant improvement. Yet, as the current offseason unfolds, the Bucs find themselves once more overlooked in NFC South discussions.
The Falcons, with additions like Kirk Cousins and Darnell Mooney, and a new coaching staff replacing Arthur Smith, have drawn attention. Nevertheless, Tampa’s head coach, Todd Bowles, remains unfazed by the chatter.
“We’re not focused on winning the offseason; our goal is to win the season,” Bowles remarked, according to the Tampa Bay Times. “The talk fuels many of us, including the players. We’re preparing to defend our title and advance further in the playoffs. That’s our sole focus at this time of the year.”
The Buccaneers underwent some changes this offseason with Canales being hired as head coach of the division rival Panthers. To replace him, they brought in former Rams and University of Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles expressed optimism about the progress the offensive coaching staff is making under Coen’s leadership.
“It’s just the offensive coaching staff jelling so quickly with the guys we kept and the guys that [G.M. Jason Licht] has brought in,” Bowles said. “It’s been a real joy to see. Those guys, when they go in and lock the door, I’ve got to get on Liam to give them a bathroom break because he doesn’t let them out of the meeting room. But they have a real good feel for each other and the chemistry is coming together how you want.”
If Coen can help Mayfield build on the success he found under Canales, with the Bucs having retained Mike Evans, the offense could again exceed expectations. However, Tampa Bay has also made some changes on defense, and Bowles will need to coach that unit up to maintain their performance if the Buccaneers are to reclaim the division title.