Anderson shared that a league source described an ownership family in the NFC as being very fond of Tomlin and willing to explore bringing him in to guide their franchise if things don’t turn around this season. She added that the current head coach would likely need to secure a playoff berth to retain his job, according to the same source. This context has led to discussion about whether the Buccaneers could be a fit, given Bowles’ precarious position as the season progresses.
The Buccaneers’ ownership group has historical ties to Tomlin: the Glazer family purchased the team in 1995, and Tomlin began his NFL career with Tampa Bay, joining the organization in 2001. He served as the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator from 2001 through 2005 and helped secure a Super Bowl title. Tomlin later moved on to coach the Minnesota Vikings briefly before becoming the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a position he held from 2007 to 2025, capturing a Super Bowl and multiple AFC Championship appearances. Notably, he never posted a losing season with Pittsburgh.
With Tomlin enjoying a period on television, discussions have arisen about a potential return to coaching if the right opportunity presents itself, including considerations about the level of control and compensation required. Some league insiders believe Tomlin could be drawn to a situation offering stability and a path to sustained success, should the right opportunity arise.
Tomlin’s history in Tampa Bay and his proven track record of success under pressure contribute to ongoing intrigue about whether the Buccaneers could become a future landing spot for him. While nothing is confirmed, the possibility remains a topic of conversation among observers monitoring coaching movements across the league.
