According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Bucs defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is slated to interview with the Jaguars this week. Bowles is a candidate to become a head coach for a second time this year. Jacksonville requested permission to interview the Bucs defensive mastermind days ago. Of course, the Bucs granted the request. Bowles should Zoom interview with Jaguars’ brass this week.
Examining the NFL's coaching questions with two weeks left in regular season, including the likelihood that the #Bears move on from coach Matt Nagy.
My story: https://t.co/6NskdjtAak
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 2, 2022
Jacksonville has been in turmoil for years, and are currently the NFL’s worst team. A year after selecting Trevor Lawrence first overall, the organization and the rookie quarterback are struggling. Jacksonville fired head coach Urban Meyer weeks ago, the second in-season head coach to be fired this year. The NFC South cellar-dwellers are currently slated to have the first overall pick for the second straight year.
The Jaguars are expected to interview Bucs offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich as well. Leftwich played quarterback in Jacksonville from 2003-2006. Leftwich, 41, has only been an offensive coordinator for three years. Meanwhile, Bowles is 58 and was a candidate for several head coach jobs last year. Bowles went 26-41 as head coach of the Jets for four years.
Bowles was asked about his head coaching candidacy this week.
“I’m just focused on the team right now,” Bowles said.
The Bucs travel to New Jersey to take on the Jets in Week 17.
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About the Author: Jon Ledyard
If BA is going to retire after this year I hope he informs the Bucs brass about it so they can attemppt to keep Bowles as head coach. If Lefto wants to go I would hold the door open for him so it wouldn’t hit him in the ass on the way out but I would love to keep Bowles.
So, you’d “open the door” for the O.C.of a 2020 Super Bowl champion, a 2021 Division champion, who is leading a top 5 offense with a 12 dash 4 record because he doesn’t run enough play action passes to suit you? Guess I missed those mean tweets from “Lefto”. So, who do you have in mind to replace him?
I doubt Arians retires until Brady says he’s done. Don’t see that this year. Love to keep Bowles he’s done a good job but I have no doubt we could replace him and be fine too. Lot top notch guys would want this job and chance for a quick ring. Leftwhich I think is very replaceable and we might even fare better with fresh ideas and a seasoned play caller.
Either Leftwich or Bowles would be an upgrade after the Meyer debacle.
“Jacksonville fired head coach Urban Meyer weeks ago, the second in-season head coach to be fired this year. The NFC South cellar-dwellers are currently slated to have the first overall pick for the second straight year.” I know we have had some odd events the past few years, but did I miss something? When did the AFC Jacksonville Jaguars move divisions? I get it, a slip of the keyboard. Hate to see Bowles move on to HC opportunities, he has earned other opportunities though. Good job. Byron Leftwich has been an OC for 3.5 seasons. Yes with two 5000 yard… Read more »
The NFL head coach process is stupid. There should be a freeze on the interview process until after the superbowl. That would put all the coaches on an even footing and not leave teams in the position of deciding whether to let their assistant’s interview while they are still trying to win a championship.
If the Jacksonville brass are watching the Bucs verses the Jets they may think twice about bringing Bowles in for an interview. Defense looks pathetic in first quarter.