NFL

While Todd Bowles will remain, he gutted his staff. The firings include offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and defensive line coach Charlie Strong.

Bowles has three years remaining on his contract and is operating as if he’ll return for a fifth season. He will meet with the Glazer family on Wednesday for a typical end-of-season conversation.

The Bucs needed a win or tie by New Orleans at Atlanta to win the NFC South. Instead, the Falcons' 19-17 victory means the Panthers are the division champs, eliminating Tampa Bay after a late-season collapse.

Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals as the Bucs avoided elimination in a 16-14 win at rain-soaked Raymond James Stadium. They now need a win or tie by the Saints against the Falcons on Sunday to secure a playoff spot.

Keith Kunzig, whose fanaticism has been recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame, hung up his horn a few years ago. He discussed his place in Bucs' lore on "Florida Matters: Live and Local."

The team announced that Deckerhoff, 80, will retire after this season — which could end Saturday unless the Bucs earn a playoff spot.

The Bucs have been wretched down the stretch, but Saturday's showdown with the Panthers was still expected to be winner-take-all. Then the Falcons threw a wrench into Tampa Bay's narrow playoff hopes.

Tampa Bay has lost four straight, seven of its last eight, and has barely looked like a playoff team. Yet it will host the Panthers this Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in what will likely be a winner-take-all for the NFC South.

Carolina moves into first place in the NFC South and can clinch the title next weekend with a win over Seattle and Tampa Bay loss at Miami. If both win or lose, a Week 18 rematch will decide the division.

Tampa Bay led by 14 in the fourth, and Atlanta converted a third-and-28 on the game-winning drive. The Bucs lost for the fifth time in six games to fall a half-game behind Carolina in the NFC South.

Tyler Shough ran for two touchdowns as the Saints held off a Bucs comeback attempt and dealt Tampa Bay its fourth loss in five games.

In response to a public records request, the department argued the ex-Buc's death did not happen during a “critical incident” and is therefore not subject to California laws governing body cam video release.