The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a middling 2025/26 season in their quest for a fifth straight NFC South title. The season started out very strong going 6-2 in the opening eight games. However inconsistency saw them drop off in the second half of the season, going 2-7 in their final games. That eventually cost them the NFC title and any postseason action, losing the division title to the Carolina Panthers.
So far the Buccaneers’ postseason has been relatively quiet, where the Falcons have fired their head coach and general manager. Although there was uncertainty around Todd Bowles’ future for a minute, sources have now all but confirmed he will be sticking around for next season. But what moves have been made at the team, and elsewhere in the division?
Atlanta Falcons’ Forcing Change and Raising the Stakes
After missing out on the playoffs for an eighth straight season, in a recently low wins division, the Falcons have already made the big change. Raheem Morris is now out after two seasons, and former long-term Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has been brought in to replace him.
Stefanski did well at the Browns in 2020, taking them to playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades and their first play-off win since 1994. He followed that up with another Playoff appearance. However, the Browns 24/25 season saw them finish with the joint worst record in the league. Overall, Stefanski’s career NFL head coach win rate is actually slightly lower than Bucs head coach Bowles.
The Falcons also fired their GM Terry Fontenot. They have yet to hire anyone new in the role, but they did take on former quarterback and CBS analyst Matt Ryan as their president of football – making him the main decision maker.
Buccaneers Make Offensive Changes – But It’s a Gamble
Tampa go into the offseason looking for their fifth offensive co-ordinator in four years after firing Josh Grizzard. With some big names possibility passing their last games for the franchise, this could be a season of flux for the team. So, keeping the faith with Bowles is a big move in itself.
Franchise receiver Mike Evans has been rumored to be considering retirement and twice All Pro line-backer Lavonte David has also questioned whether he will be returning next season. Bowles and Buccaneers GM Jason Licht will also be considering the future of Baker Mayfield.
With just one year on his contract, the QB will be looking for a good deal after a good three years. But towards the end of 2025 he dropped off hard, and management might be reconsidering a new $100 million offer.
Regardless of the changes made this season, Tampa might not be favorites for the division title for the first time in a few years.
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Panthers Could Be Rejuvenated Even After Playoff Loss
While the Bucs have been dominant in a rather weak division for the last few years, the Carolina Panthers have had some torrid seasons at the bottom of the whole NFL standings. So, for them to make the playoffs (even with a losing record) only take the much-fancied LA Rams down to the wire…
The expectations are a little different. Having not won an NFC South title since 2015, and only making playoffs once as a Wild Card in 2017, Carolina may feel vindicated coming into 2025/26. The fanbase is certainly revitalized after years with nothing much to cheer about.
With the inconsistent QB Bryce Young pulling out some truly heroic games going into the end of the season, and potential rookie of the year in wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers have a potentially long-term pairing that could see them resurgent in 2026.
Saints Stuck in the Middle?
While Atlanta have gone all out on the change, Carolina appear to be on the rise and the Bucs are trying to navigate the storm – the New Orleans Saints are a team on the rebuild too.
With a young manager, fresh off of winning Super Bowl LIX as Eagles head coach, in Kellen Moore, and a rookie quarterback who looks very promising in Tyler Shough, the Saints had a middling season in 25/26.
Having the worst losing record in a division of all losing record teams is never a good spot, even if it wasn’t the worst in the league. The tight NFC South was decided ultimately by just a few wins, and it’s all to play for next year.
The Bucs will need to sort out replacements for some potential departing veterans, settle in their new offensive coordinator and either get some QB cover from the draft or hope that Mayfield can return to his known high ceiling of form. If not, they could be in for a rough 26/27 season.
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