When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers square off against the New York Jets, the headlines are writing themselves — Todd Bowles, now the head coach of the Bucs, is facing the franchise that once let him go. But is this a revenge game for Bowles or just another Sunday on the NFL calendar?
For those who know Bowles, the answer likely leans toward the latter. Bowles has never been one for theatrics. He’s stoic on the sideline, rarely showing much emotion. But beneath that calm exterior is a fiercely intelligent football mind, one who’s quietly built an impressive résumé, especially in his second go-round as an NFL head coach.
Todd Bowles Faces His Old Team on Sunday
Bowles first rose through the ranks as a highly respected defensive coordinator, making his mark in Arizona under Bruce Arians. Arians often spoke glowingly of Bowles, not just as a tactician, but as a leader. That trust eventually led Bowles to his first head coaching opportunity with the Jets in 2015.
His time in New York didn’t produce the results fans hoped for, and Bowles was let go after four seasons. But even in that stretch, his defenses rarely lacked effort or structure. Players respected him, and his system remained fundamentally sound, even when the win-loss record didn’t.
Almost immediately after his departure from the Jets, Bowles reunited with Arians in Tampa Bay — back to familiar territory. He resumed his role as defensive coordinator, helping build the aggressive, championship-caliber defense that helped the Bucs win Super Bowl LV. When Arians stepped down, Bowles was the clear successor. Still, many questioned the move, citing his prior head coaching record.
But since taking the reins in Tampa, Bowles has steadily silenced the doubters.
In three seasons as head coach of the Buccaneers, he’s led the team to three consecutive NFC South division titles and playoff berths, a feat that’s flown under the radar in the larger NFL discourse. His overall record of 29–24 during that span reflects consistent, above-average performance in a league known for parity and volatility. His coaching tree is beginning to grow as well, with assistants under him now finding opportunities of their own. This is a testament to the culture and structure he’s established in Tampa.
Now, in 2025, Bowles has this Bucs team off to a red-hot 2–0 start. They’re playing fast, physical, and hungry — the type of identity that mirrors their head coach. It’s clear Bowles has taken full command of this team, and they’re rallying behind him.
So, is this week’s matchup against the Jets a “revenge game”? Maybe not in the way fans and media often like to frame it. For Bowles, it’s probably just another chapter not a grudge match. But make no mistake: this game does mean something.
It’s a reminder of where he came from, what he’s overcome, and how far he’s brought himself — and the Buccaneers — since then.
The league may not talk about it enough, but Bowles is quietly proving he’s one of the most underrated coaches in football. And whether it’s revenge or just business, don’t be surprised if he makes another statement on Sunday.
Main Image: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
