With the start of training camp just about a month away, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed two key pieces of the team’s success over the last decade to new multi-year contracts.
GM Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles signed multi-year contracts and will be in Tampa for the foreseeable future.
The Buccaneers have had great success under this leadership duo, as the Buccaneers have made the playoffs five years in a row, the longest run of any team in the NFC, the highlight being a Super Bowl Championship in 2020.
Since Jason Licht’s arrival as GM in 2014, every player on the Buccaneers roster has been drafted or acquired by him.
The only exception is future HOF linebacker Lavonte David, who will begin his 14th season with the Buccaneers.
Mike Evans, Vita Vea, Tristan Wirfs, Chris Godwin, Antoine Winfield Jr., Bucky Irving, Cody Mauch, and Luke Goedeke have all come to Tampa under Licht and his leadership in the front office.
He also signed Tom Brady in the 2020 off-season, propelling the Buccaneers to win the second Super Bowl in franchise history.
The Buccaneers also lead in starts by homegrown players taken in the first five draft rounds since 2014.
The 54-year-old Licht is entering his 12th season as the Bucs’ GM. Despite all the success Licht and the organization have had, the national media have shut him out of being named the GM of the year.
“I am very grateful to the Glazer Family for the trust and belief they have shown in what we are doing here,” Licht said. “I am also very excited to continue working alongside Toddwell into the future as we continue our mission of finding and developing talented players and chasing additional championships for our fans.”
Bowles, 61, has led the Bucs to three straight NFC South titles and was the defensive coordinator when the Buccaneers dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 to win Super Bowl 55.
Bowles’ 27 regular-season wins are the second most in club history over three seasons.
Bowles was the defensive coordinator for three seasons before becoming the head coach in 2022 after the retirement of Bruce Arians.
Overall, since his arrival with the Buccaneers in 2019, the Bucs rank first in rushing yards per game, allowing just 93 yards per game.
The Bucs’ defense also has ranked first in fumble recoveries during those six years, with 68.
Tampa is also second in sacks with 281 and has held opponents to 20 points or less in 45 games since 2019.
“I am extremely appreciative of the confidence that the Glazer Family has shown in my abilities to lead this football team. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly and am honored to have,” said Bowles. I am equally excited to continue working with Jason for years to come as we build on the success we’ve enjoyed and keep reaching for even bigger and better goals.”
Buccaneers Owner/Co-Chairman Joel Glazer is excited about the future with this leadership duo at the top.
“Jason and Todd’s excellent leadership and vision have been critical to our organizational success, and the winning culture they have established has us well positioned into the future. Jason has evolved into one of the top talent evaluators and general managers in the NFL, while Todd has led us to three consecutive division titles and is one of the league’s leading defensive minds. Under their guidance, we will continue building towards another championship.”
Under Jason Licht’s leadership, the Buccaneers have become consistent winners with 57 wins since 2020.