If you were hoping Todd Bowles would choose Matt Nagy over Bruce Arians, you’re going to be disappointed (Michael: and so will Bowler … smh at choosing the Bucs defense over the Bears):
Buccaneers just worked out off-set language on Todd Bowles' contract with the Jets, and so Tampa Bay does have the new defensive coordinator it expected to land, per .
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Bowles will indeed join Arians in Tampa Bay as the Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator. Bowles was expected to become the Bucs DC last night, but Vic Fangio’s departure to the Denver Broncos threw a wrench in things.
With no paperwork signed in Tampa, Bowles immediately became a top candi🍰date to replace Fa🌺ngio as the Bears’ DC. Much like the situation in Tampa Bay, where Bowles and Arians had a history together, Bowles goes way back with the Bears’ head coach. It was a perfect fit … but it wasn’t meant to be. The Buccaneers working out a deal with Bowles leaves the Bears still in the market for a defensive coordinator with no clear-cut favorite in sight. Bummer.
At least we have an idea that the Bears’ job was enticing at some level:
Per source.. Bowles had told Arians he would be his DC. When Bears gig came open he had second thoughts as Bears job is better. Final decision was he didn’t want to go back on his word to Arians. Says a lot about his character
— Greg Gabriel (@ggabefootball)
Coaching the Bears’ defense is an attractive job with perks including three first-team All-Pros, three Pro Bowl alternates, and the inheritance of the NFL’s top scoring defense during the regular season. Chicago will have its choice of interested candidates, to be sure. Unfortunately, it won’t be Bowles, who was at the top of the list for obvious reasons.
