News - Buccaneers Revamp 2026 Coaching Lineup with New Faces

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering their coaching prowess, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced key updates to their 2026 coaching staff, introducing fresh faces equipped with both familial ties and fresh insights. Notably, the team has enlisted three new assistant coaches, promising a mixture of heritage and innovation. Todd Bowles Jr., the new defensive assistant and son of the current head coach, Todd Bowles, is set to bring his recent experiences as a defensive back from Rutgers and Long Island to Tampa Bay’s secondary. This addition is poised to strengthen their defensive backfield as Bowles Jr. transitions from collegiate play to NFL advisory roles. Joining him is Luke Smith in the capacity of assistant special teams coach. As the nephew of the team’s newly appointed special teams coordinator, Danny Smith, Luke carries forward the family legacy within the coaching realm. Previously, he honed his skills as a quality control coach in Pittsburgh, supplementing his nine-year tenure at Duquesne as a wide receivers coach. His recent collaboration with his uncle in Pittsburgh sparks optimism for a fortified special teams unit. Another key addition is Andrew Mitchell, stepping in as the assistant offensive line coach. With a solid history as an offensive line coach at New Mexico State and Oklahoma State, Mitchell's entry into the NFL represents a significant career milestone. His reunion with Zac Robinson, Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator and his former teammate from their Oklahoma State days, adds an intriguing dynamic to the coaching synergy. While some may view these hires through the lens of nepotism, the Buccaneers seem to be banking on the successful legacy of familial coaching ties seen across the league. Other football scions like Kyle Shanahan and Klint Kubiak stand testament to such success stories. With these changes largely setting the stage for 2026, the Buccaneers aim to revitalize their strategy with new coaching blood, gearing up for a formidable comeback in the NFC South.