As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were knee-deep in a losing streak that saw them drop seven of eight games, the future of head coach Todd Bowles was a major topic of discussion.
And now that the Bucs have missed the playoffs, it is an even bigger discussion point.
There are some sections of Buccaneers fans who want Bowles to be moved on, despite still having three years left on his contract.
But what is his message to those who think he should be relieved of his duties?
"All I can do is coach and be myself," Bowles said. "I've earned the chance. I won three straight division titles, so that says a lot as far as I'm concerned. But I don't really have a message for fans other than true fans are true fans.
"We're going to try to do our best to go out there and win for them. They're going to feel how they feel, but that's not a coach's problem. A coach's problem is to make the team better. That's all I'm looking forward to."
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Bucs understand 2025 frustration
This is the first time in five years the Buccaneers won't be in the playoffs and aren't division champs.
That is quite a wake-up call, and after starting 5-1, it certainly isn't a position fans thought the team would be in at the end of the season. Because of that, the frustration from the fan base is loud and clear.
And don't worry, Bowles hears it.
"I understand their frustrations, and I understand our own frustrations as well," Bowles added. "It's well warranted, and it's well warranted within the building as well."
So, Tampa Bay turns for the offseason, with a lot of players and coaches' futures up in the air, including Bowles.
The next few months will be a fascinating watch to see how the organization handles this failed 2025 season.
More Buccaneers news:
- Buccaneers get what they deserve after Week 18 disaster
- Buccaneers 'break that spell' in Week 18, but too little, too late?
- No Week 18 pity party for Buccaneers' Todd Bowles
- Why Buccaneers' 'main focus' is an odd aspect of Week 18