Buccaneers

According to Dan Graziano of ESPN, some around the NFL are wondering if the Buccaneers could move on from HC Todd Bowles if they lose Week 18 against the Panthers.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that Bowles’ buyout would be significant after signing him to an extension through 2028.
In the end, Fowler writes that “someone will have to pay” if Tampa Bay loses to Carolina, and staff changes are on the table regardless of how Saturday’s game plays out.
According to Fowler, there’s hot-seat buzz about Buccaneers OC Josh Grizzard since the results have been iffy at times this year, especially in the slide over the second half of the season.

Commanders

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says it’s viewed as likely that the Commanders fire DC Joe Whitt Jr., who already was stripped of play-calling by HC Dan Quinn earlier this season. Quinn retaining those duties in 2026 is an option that remains on the table.
While there’s less shine around Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury this year compared to last, Fowler thinks he could still draw interest from teams interested in a candidate with an offensive background. He mentioned the Titans and Raiders specifically.

Regarding potential head coaching vacancies this offseason, Dan Graziano of ESPN writes that the Falcons seem like a spot to watch after falling short of expectations under HC Raheem Morris.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler points out that Atlanta could look for a new general manager, given that Terry Fontenot has not produced a winning season in his five years with the organization.
Graziano reiterates that Atlanta hasn’t come close to meeting its “high expectations” over the past two years.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes the people he talks to with other teams think Falcons owner Arthur Blank is preparing to do a clean sweep of his football leadership, citing Breer’s report about Blank having hired a consulting firm to evaluate the entire organization. Breer is doubtful Blank runs it back with no changes for Fontenot, Morris and their respective staffs, despite the 4-2 record in recent weeks.
Regarding the report of former Falcons QB Matt Ryan being considered for a senior front office role, Breer has heard it would be similar to what Lions exec Chris Spielman does in a support role for GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adds Morris would likely need to make staff changes as a contingency if he remained for 2026, especially on special teams.

When examining the head coaching market this offseason, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports Packers DC Jeff Hafley has “some traction” for the Giants’ vacancy.
Fowler reports that he’s heard “a few times” that Hafley is being linked to New York and expects him to be on their shortlist.
Regarding GM Joe Schoen, ESPN’s Dan Graziano writes that people around the league are still watching to see if his job will become available despite owner John Mara declaring that Schoen will lead their head coaching search.
Graziano mentions that people wonder if New York’s situation could play out similarly to the Jaguars’ last offseason, when Jacksonville said former GM Trent Baalke would lead their search before firing him in an effort to lure HC Liam Coen.