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 the current head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL. Prior to coaching, he played college football at Temple and then professionally in the NFL, notably winning Super Bowl XXII as a member of the Washington Redskins. Bowles has had a lengthy career in professional football, both as a player and a coach.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

May 7, 1986: Signed by Washington Redskins

On May 7, 1986, Todd Bowles was signed by the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent.

1986: Signed with Washington Redskins

In 1986, Todd Bowles signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent.

September 8, 1987: Earned Starting Free Safety Job

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

1988: Left Unprotected by the Redskins

In 1988, Todd Bowles' poor catching abilities and lack of playmaking ability led to him being left unprotected by the Redskins during Plan B free agency.

February 1, 1989: Left Unprotected by Redskins

On February 1, 1989, after his contract expired, Todd Bowles was left unprotected by the Redskins during "Plan B" free agency.

1990: Started 18 games for the Redskins

In 1990, Todd Bowles started 18 games (including playoffs) and received a salary of $300,000 with the Washington Redskins.

1991: Signed with 49ers

In 1991, Todd Bowles signed with the San Francisco 49ers to start for the team, playing in all 16 games and starting in 14.

September 1, 1992: Waived by the 49ers

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

August 31, 1993: Waived by the Redskins

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

1995: Joined Green Bay Packers Personnel Staff

In 1995, Todd Bowles joined the Green Bay Packers' player personnel staff under Ron Wolf.

1996: Member of Green Bay Packers Personnel Staff

In 1996, Todd Bowles was a member of the Green Bay Packers' player personnel staff under Ron Wolf.

1997: Defensive Coordinator at Morehouse College

In 1997, Todd Bowles became the defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Morehouse College.

1998: Defensive Coordinator at Grambling State

In 1998, Todd Bowles became the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Grambling State.

1999: Defensive Coordinator at Grambling State

In 1999, Todd Bowles was the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach at Grambling State.

2000: Defensive Backs Coach for the New York Jets

In 2000, Todd Bowles served as the defensive backs coach for the New York Jets.

2001: Defensive Nickel Package Coach for the Cleveland Browns

In 2001, Todd Bowles became the Browns' defensive nickel package coach.

2003: Defensive Nickel Package Coach for the Cleveland Browns

In 2003, Todd Bowles was the Browns' defensive nickel package coach.

2004: Defensive Backs Coach for the Cleveland Browns

In 2004, Todd Bowles served as the defensive backs coach for the Cleveland Browns.

2005: Defensive Backs Coach for the Dallas Cowboys

In 2005, Todd Bowles served as the defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

2007: Defensive Backs Coach for the Dallas Cowboys

In 2007, Todd Bowles served as the defensive backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys.

January 23, 2008: 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: Named Interim Head Coach of the Miami Dolphins

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

January 30, 2012: Hired as Secondary Coach for the Philadelphia Eagles

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

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

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

January 14, 2015: Named Head Coach of 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.

2016: Jets Season

In the 2016 season, Todd Bowles' New York Jets finished near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories, but 11th in rushing yards.

December 29, 2017: Retained as Jets Head Coach

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

2018: Jets Finished the Season with 4-12

In 2018, the Jets finished the season with a 4–12 record, leading to Todd Bowles being fired as head coach.

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

On January 8, 2019, Todd Bowles was hired as the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

2020: Jets Contract Extension Through 2020

In 2020, Todd Bowles' contract extension with the New York Jets was set to expire, but he was fired at the end of the 2018 season.

2020: Won Super Bowl LV

In 2020, Todd Bowles' defense was key in the Buccaneers' playoff wins, culminating in a Super Bowl LV victory against the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9, where he was credited with a game plan that pressured Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This marked his third Super Bowl win, his first as a coach.