Ex Buccaneers Coach Give Reason for 2025 Optimism

For some Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans, 2020 might seem like an eternity ago.

Since NFL legend Tom Brady led the Bucs to their second franchise Super Bowl, the roster has largely turned over. But that doesn't mean Tampa Bay isn't competitive.

Since that 31-9 Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Buccaneers have rattled off four straight NFC South wins. And a former coach thinks there's reason to stay optimistic about a fifth consecutive division win in 2025.

"I think Tampa Bay's already proven they can win the South," former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden said on the Fitz & Whit podcast. "I think they can be a Super Bowl contender, and I know Todd Bowles is a pain in the ass to go against. He can do a great job with multiple blitzes and fronts and coverages... if they can get a few defensive players, I think Tampa Bay could be really good."

Gruden's desire for the Bucs to "get a few defensive players" started with the signing of edge rusher Haason Reddick, and continued with Tuesday's announcement of Bryce Hall in the secondary.

General manager Jason Licht also added cornerback Kindle Vildor and re-signed some of his own on defense like Lavonte David and Anthony Nelson, just to name a few.

While Bowles has received criticism over the past couple of years for poor clock management and personnel decisions, the results cannot be argued. Yes, it's a weak division, for sure.

But division championships continue to stack up.