Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Todd Bowles

Discover the career path of Todd Bowles, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Todd Bowles is an American football coach and former NFL player, currently the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before coaching, he played college football at Temple and then professionally for teams including the Washington Redskins, with whom he won Super Bowl XXII. His career spans both playing and coaching in the NFL.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 7, 1986: Bowles Signed by the Washington Redskins

On May 7, 1986, Todd Bowles was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Washington Redskins after choosing them over six other NFL teams. His contract included a signing bonus between $8,000 and $10,000.

September 8, 1987: Bowles Earns Starting Free Safety Position

On September 8, 1987, Todd Bowles beat out Curtis Jordan for the starting free safety job after Jordan was released during final roster cuts.

February 1, 1989: Bowles Left Unprotected by Redskins During Free Agency

On February 1, 1989, after his contract expired, Todd Bowles was left unprotected by the Redskins during "Plan B" free agency, despite being a regular starter at free safety the previous two seasons.

September 1, 1992: Bowles Waived by the San Francisco 49ers

On September 1, 1992, Todd Bowles was waived during final roster cuts by the San Francisco 49ers.

August 31, 1993: Bowles Waived by the Redskins

On August 31, 1993, Todd Bowles was waived by the Redskins during final roster cuts.

January 23, 2008: Bowles Hired by the Miami Dolphins

On January 23, 2008, Todd Bowles was hired by the Miami Dolphins as the team's secondary coach and assistant head coach.

December 12, 2011: Bowles Named Interim Head Coach of the Dolphins

On December 12, 2011, Todd Bowles was named the interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins following the firing of head coach Tony Sparano.

January 30, 2012: Bowles Hired as Eagles' Secondary Coach

On January 30, 2012, Todd Bowles was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles as the team's secondary coach.

January 18, 2013: Bowles Hired as Defensive Coordinator for Arizona Cardinals

On January 18, 2013, Todd Bowles was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals.

January 14, 2015: Bowles Named Head Coach of the New York Jets

On January 14, 2015, the New York Jets named Todd Bowles their new head coach and signed him to a four-year deal.

December 29, 2017: Jets Retain Bowles and Sign Extension

On December 29, 2017, the Jets announced that Todd Bowles had been retained for the 2018 season and that he signed an extension through 2020.

January 8, 2019: Bowles Hired as Defensive Coordinator of the Buccaneers

On January 8, 2019, Todd Bowles was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, rejoining Bruce Arians' staff.

August 4, 2021: Bowles Agrees to Contract Extension with the Buccaneers

On August 4, 2021, Todd Bowles agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

March 30, 2022: Bowles Named Head Coach of the Buccaneers

On March 30, 2022, Todd Bowles was named the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a five-year deal after Bruce Arians shifted to a senior football consultant role.