Nov 17, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders wear boots from their original team logo for a halftime display as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Atlanta Falcons 41-28 at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Bucs have had an interesting 12 months, from MRSA outbreaks to 4-12 records to head coach firings, but now, they reportedly have firmed up their “new face” in the front office.
The Bucs have tabbed Jason Licht as their new General Manager. The two sides are still working out the contract.
— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) January 21, 2014
FOX’s Jay Glazer reports that the Bucs have agreed to name Jason Licht as their GM, and this doesn’t exactly come out of left field. Less than a week ago, it was reported that the Bucs had narrowed their search two candidates (including Licht), and with his pedigree including the fact that he was the vice president of player personnel for the Arizona Cardinals last season, it seemed like a logical choice.
In addition to Glazer’s report, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the length of his first contract isn’t exactly a coincidence.
New Buccaneers GM Jason Licht is signing a four-year deal with a team option that puts his tenure right in line with Lovie Smith’s.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 21, 2014
Licht’s reported agreement has him in Tampa Bay for 4 years, which is the exact amount of time that Lovie Smith was given as the team’s new head coach, and it appears as if Licht and Smith will be handcuffed together for better or worse. There is a lot of talent on the Tampa Bay roster, but both men will be charged with overhauling a culture in one of the most competitive divisions of the NFL.
