I’m finally grasping the realization that Coach Todd Bowles will remain in Tampa as the Bucs’ head coach in 2026. Now I’m left hoping for the best. Yet, we all know that hope isn’t a strategy. With the head coaching decision decided, I’ve put together the following (early) offseason plan to get us back to the top of the NFC South—and beyond.
Hire an OC PREFERABLY from the McVay/Shanahan Coaching Tree
The first crucial step is hiring a new offensive coordinator. We have a range of candidates to consider, but we must choose wisely.
1. Mike McDaniel: My top choice is the former Dolphins head coach. He’s a run game wizard who can implement a scheme that helps mask Bowles’ defensive deficiencies. McDaniel has a knack for utilizing offensive lines effectively, just as Liam Coen did.
Bucs’ OC Candidate Mike McDaniel
This Bucs line is not made up of road graders, but they have athleticism and cohesiveness. In 2025, the Dolphins averaged over 120 rushing yards per game, and I can only imagine how much Bucky Irving would thrive under his guidance.
2. Todd Monken: The ex-Falcons OC and former Bucs OC is another strong candidate. Although Monken is not from the McVay or Shanahan coaching trees, he can run a versatile offensive system that excels in both the run and pass games. He has experience with various coaching philosophies and demands precision from his players, ensuring they’re well-prepared.
Monken is also familiar with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin from his days as the OC in Tampa. He also has familiarity with Baker Mayfield from his coaching days in Cleveland.
3. Zac Robinson: The former Falcons offensive coordinator and Rams passing game coordinator has absorbed plenty of McVay’s insights. I don’t feel he was handed a great opportunity in Atlanta, as he dealt with a lose/lose quarterback situation.
At the bare minimum, if we the Bucs hired Robinson he could share with Bowles how he exploited the Bucs defense in the 4 contests his offense met Bowles defense. Robinson’s offense made him look like a genius in those games.
Resign these Free Agents
– Sign Mike Evans to a 1 year, $19M contract
– Re-sign Cade Otton and Greg Gaines for depth
Free Agency (or Trade) Acquisitions
One early free-agent pickup must include the pursuit of a proven pass rusher. My top target is Raiders edge rusher, Maxx Crosby. Although acquiring him would probably require a trade of at least a first-round pick in 2026 and possibly a third-rounder, hopefully pushed off to 2027.
Edge Rusher Maxx Crosby
I understand the reluctance to part with a first-rounder, but it’s time to take a calculated risk. When was the last time we truly hit a home run in the first round? It was probably Tristan Wirfs in 2020. While Calijah Kancey has great potential, he needs to prove he can stay healthy. Graham Barton is solid but not exceptional at center, and Emeka Egbuka had a promising rookie start but declined significantly over the last nine games.
Securing Crosby for even three or four years would be the home run we’ve been hoping for the last 5 years. He would be a leader by example and demand excellence from his defensive teammates. We haven’t had that since we had JPP and Ndamukong Suh.
If the trade for Crosby doesn’t materialize, I suggest pursuing Trey Hendrickson in free agency. Even at 31, he still has productive years ahead. He’s worth a shot in free agency.
Sorry Bucs fans, don’t give me the “build through the draft” strategy. Even most first round edge players often struggle to produce at a high level during their rookie seasons. While James Pearce Jr. had a standout season for the Falcons, such cases are rare. If we don’t take a swing and bring in a solidified veteran pass rusher, we will again be asking “why can’t we get any pressure with our front four,” by week 3.
After securing a veteran edge rusher, I’d propose trading a fourth-round pick for Jordyn Brooks, the Miami Dolphins’ middle linebacker. He’s a dynamic player who excels in both run defense and coverage, making plays all over the field. Pairing him with Sir Vocea Dennis, or even a rookie MLB, would greatly enhance our defense.
MLB Jordyn Brooks
I know this involves giving up a first and a fourth-round pick this year. However, we have numerous holes to fill, and after missing on premium picks and free agents in recent years, we need to bring in proven talent.
Lastly, I suggest adding a defensive tackle and a tight end in free agency to round out our acquisitions.
Draft Strategy
In the draft, we need to focus on the trenches. If my plan with Crosby works, we’ll be out a 1st round pick and be left with second, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh-round picks. I’d prioritize interior offensive linemen, defensive linemen, middle linebackers, and tight ends. I’ll delve into specifics in my draft articles come February and March.
Moves to Consider?
To create some salary cap space for our acquisitions, I’d consider the following difficult decisions:
– Trade Antoine Winfield for a fourth-round pick. His value is at its peak, and while he made the Pro-bowl in 2025, much of that was due to name recognition rather than overall performance. As he enters his seventh season, he may no longer possess the range needed to make a significant impact. There are many young safeties in the draft and free agency who could replace his abilities.
– Trade Chris Godwin for a fourth-round pick. This is a tough decision, as he’s one of my all-time favorite Bucs players. However, sometimes tough calls must be made. Godwin has a cap hit exceeding a staggering $33 million in 2026, and his trade value has diminished. If the opportunity arises, it may be time to move on.
Final Thoughts
This early offseason plan is subject to change as events unfold, but I believe it would set the Bucs on a promising trajectory. By adding more talent to our defense and smart offensive strategies, we can position ourselves for a return to the playoffs. If Bowles can maximize his defense and McDaniel can replicate Coen’s offensive success, we could see a significant turnaround next season. If Bowles’ defense continues to underperform despite these additions, then McDaniel may be in line to take over the team in 2027.
If McDaniel interviews at One Buc Place on Friday, we cannot let him leave the building without a deal in hand.
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