One of the Bucs' biggest strengths over the last several years just took a major hit thanks to a strange decision by Todd Bowles
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored a huge win on Wednesday when it was announced that offensive Liam Coen is returning for the 2025 season, but subsequently turned around and took a big hit with Kacy Rodgers' departure on Thursday.It was only a matter of time before the now-former run defense coordinator and defensive line coach […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored a huge win on Wednesday when it was announced that offensive Liam Coen is returning for the 2025 season, but subsequently turned around and took a big hit with Kacy Rodgers' departure on Thursday.
It was only a matter of time before the now-former run defense coordinator and defensive line coach found work elsewhere. The Bucs didn't renew his contract for whatever reason and he's widely considered as one of the NFL's best defensive assistants. He interviewed with the Green Bay Packers earlier in the week before taking the Detroit Lions' offer for the basically the same position he held in Tampa: defensive line coach.
The departure comes after a very successful six-season run that saw Rodgers help make the Bucs run defense one of the best units in the league and certain defensive linemen have some of the best, if not the best, years of their career. Right now, no one knows who Rodgers' replacement is, but you can certainly bet his absence will be felt and there's zero guarantee the next person can do what he did.
The whole situation is just strange to begin with. Sure, the Bucs' run defense got off to a really rough start, but it got back on track in a big way from Week 10-on. The Bucs defensive line also led the team in sacks as a whole with 24, buoyed by career years from Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and even Logan Hall. Hell, even Greg Gaines had a really strong year as a reserve/depth guy.
Rodgers was not part of the Bucs' problems on defense in 2024, yet he's the only defensive assistant no longer part of the pewter and red picture. Instead of guys like Kevin Ross and George Edwards, two guys who oversaw very disappointing position groups that either stagnated or took a step back last year, it's the guy who kept his side of the ship afloat while things around him either submerged or sunk altogether.
One would think Bowles already has someone in mind if he's willing to let Rodgers walk, so we'll see what the next move is. If it doesn't work, then people will easily point back to this decision and lament over it even more. Rightfully so, as well. Like they say, if it ain't broke, don't try to fix it.
Liam Coen may have interviewed with the Jaguars, but it was clear he was never going to leave the Bucs in 2025
Finally, Bucs fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. That's because Liam Coen is officially back for 2025. After interviewing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he's pulled his name out of the race and will remain the Bucs offensive coordinator for at least another year. The anxiety surrounding Coen's potential departure was warranted. The first-year […]
