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Just 12 Hours After Being Fired, NFL Legend Pete Carroll Sends Shockwaves Through Tampa Bay With Buccaneers Praise — Todd Bowles’ Cold Response Leaves Fans Stunned

Just 12 hours after being dismissed by the Raiders, Pete Carroll immediately became the center of the NFL spotlight after offering public praise for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Analysts quickly delivered a blunt assessment: “He wants to go to Tampa Bay — and replace Todd Bowles.” In a league where every word carries strategic weight, Carroll’s move was not viewed as accidental.

Pete Carroll is widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in American football history. He won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seahawks, crushing the Broncos 43–8 and delivering the first and only Super Bowl title in franchise history. Carroll also won back-to-back NFC championships in 2013 and 2014, and at the college level captured two National Championships with USC. While some titles were later vacated, his coaching legacy has never been questioned.

Las Vegas Raiders' Pete Carroll To Teach Class For USC Trojans While  Coaching in NFL

When asked about the Buccaneers, Carroll avoided mentioning a coaching position — but his words spoke volumes. “I’ve always had great respect for organizations with a clear identity, where the locker room still has hunger and the potential to break through,” Carroll said. “Tampa Bay is one of them.” Just a few short sentences, yet enough to turn the Buccaneers into the epicenter of swirling head-coach rumors.

What truly left Tampa Bay fans frozen in disbelief came from Todd Bowles’ reaction. Facing growing calls for his firing after a disappointing 2025 season — a 6–2 start followed by a 2–7 collapse and the loss of the NFC South to the Falcons — Bowles did not dodge the moment. “I don’t really have a message to fans other than true fans are true fans,” he said coldly. “How they feel isn’t my problem. My job is to make the team better.”

Bowles also pointed to three consecutive NFC South titles since taking over from Bruce Arians in 2022 as a firm defense of his résumé. But with Pete Carroll suddenly available, the clash of leadership philosophies has only intensified the tension in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have made no decision yet. Still, when a legend begins offering public praise — and the sitting head coach responds with icy defiance — the NFL understands that a seismic shift may be only a matter of time.

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A Legendary Eagles Reporter, Who Has Covered Philadelphia for Decades, Diagnosed With Stage 4 Cancer — Eagles Nation Unites in Prayer
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – January 7, 2026 A legendary NFL journalist who has covered the Philadelphia Eagles for decades has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, sending a wave of sorrow through the Eagles community. Known for chronicling the franchise’s greatest triumphs and most painful defeats, his decades of dedication have made him a trusted and respected voice among fans, players, and coaches alike. News of his health battle has deeply shaken Eagles Nation, prompting an outpouring of prayers and support from across the country. For those wondering where I’ve been: I have been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, commonly referred to as a “death sentence” and had two other serious ailments which put me in ICU for several days. It was sudden. I’ve literally been on my back for weeks. Bless you all. — Pat Caputo (@patcaputo98) January 5, 2026 Over the years, this reporter became far more than a journalist. He evolved into a living part of Eagles history — documenting iconic moments, turbulent seasons, and the emotional heartbeat of the city. Through wins and losses, regime changes and championship dreams, his work helped connect generations of fans to what it truly means to be part of Philadelphia football culture. Even now, that lifelong passion continues to give him strength and purpose during an unimaginably difficult fight. The veteran journalist is Pat Caputo, a longtime NFL writer whose name has become synonymous with Eagles coverage. Caputo recently shared his perspective on facing this challenge, emphasizing how deeply intertwined his life has been with the team he has covered for so long: “Every Eagles game gives me strength. Watching the team play, feeling the energy inside Lincoln Financial Field — it reminds me why I keep fighting every single day. More than anything, I hope I get to see the Eagles lift the championship trophy one more time.” Following his announcement, fans and colleagues responded with an overwhelming show of love. Social media quickly filled with messages of encouragement, gratitude, and prayers, many thanking Caputo for decades of honest storytelling and unwavering commitment to the Eagles. The organization itself also acknowledged his impact, making it clear that his legacy and contributions to the franchise and the city will never be forgotten. As Caputo faces the toughest battle of his life, Eagles Nation stands together — united in hope, faith, and respect. Hope for his strength, hope for healing, and hope that the man who faithfully documented the Eagles’ storied journey will be there to witness one more unforgettable championship moment alongside the team he has always loved.