What's next for the Bucs after season's heartbreaking end

Catch up quick: The Bucs won their final game Saturday against the Carolina Panthers, only to watch from home as they were eliminated from the postseason the next day.

State of play: Four NFL teams have since fired their head coaches. But despite speculation about his future, Tampa Bay's Todd Bowles wasn't among them.

• Having survived the NFL's annual "Black Monday" pink slips this week, Bowles told reporters he had "earned the chance" to stay on.
• In his favor, he cited the Bucs' recent run of division titles. But he also acknowledged fans' frustrations are "well-warranted."

Friction point: Even if Bowles remains, major changes could be ahead for the roster and coaching staff.

• It's unclear if offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard will get a second season. If he goes, the Bucs would need a fifth new OC in as many years.
• Star receiver Mike Evans — a fan favorite and future Ring of Honor member — is a free agent and is mulling his future.

• Lead cornerback Jamel Dean is also a free agent. And other defensive mainstays, including linebacker Lavonte David, had down years.

What we're watching: Bowles on Monday promised "changes," but didn't name them. He said meetings with the teams' owners, coaches and players would come first.

• For general manager Jason Licht, another offseason begins with a familiar question: Has this version of the team already hit its ceiling?
• If he decides it has, the changes could be major.