Buccaneers Secure Future: Bowles, Licht Extended
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are locking in the leadership that has guided them through their most successful era in franchise history. Head Coach Todd Bowles and General Manager Jason Licht have both signed multi-year contract extensions, ensuring their continued partnership well into the future. The team officially announced the extensions Thursday, June 26, solidifying the foundation built over the past five seasons.
This move underscores the organization’s confidence in the duo responsible for transforming the Buccaneers into a perennial contender and NFC South powerhouse. Under their combined oversight, Tampa Bay has achieved remarkable consistency, including five consecutive playoff appearances – the longest streak in team history and placing them among an elite group of just three NFL teams (alongside Buffalo and Kansas City) to accomplish this feat over the past five years.
Owner/Co-Chairman Joel Glazer lauded Bowles and Licht, stating, “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.” He emphasized that their “continuity and stability will play a large role” in the team’s pursuit of additional championships.
Architecting a Winning Roster: Jason Licht
Now entering his 12th season with the Buccaneers, making him the fifth longest-tenured general manager in the NFL, Jason Licht has earned widespread recognition as a top talent evaluator. His tenure, particularly since 2020, is marked by transformative roster decisions that culminated in the Super Bowl LV victory and sustained competitiveness.
Licht masterminded one of the most impactful free-agent signings in NFL history by bringing Tom Brady to Tampa Bay in 2020. This seismic move instantly elevated the team to championship contention. Even after Brady’s retirement, Licht demonstrated his keen eye for talent and calculated risk-taking by signing Baker Mayfield, a former first-overall pick looking to revitalize his career. Mayfield has since delivered consecutive career-best seasons, leading the Bucs back to the playoffs and even seeing his last two offensive coordinators hired as head coaches elsewhere – a testament to the offensive success under his direction.
Beyond splashy free agency moves, Licht’s drafting record is exceptional. From 2019 through 2024, a remarkable 100% of the 38 players drafted by the Buccaneers in the first six rounds were on NFL rosters during the 2024 season. Furthermore, 40 of the 50 players who started a game for the Buccaneers in the past two division-winning seasons were players either drafted by Licht or signed as undrafted free agents. This strong drafting and development pipeline has been crucial to maintaining a competitive roster through transitions.
Leading the Charge: Todd Bowles
Todd Bowles was promoted to head coach in 2022 after three seasons as the team’s defensive coordinator, building on the momentum of the Super Bowl-winning squad. In his three seasons at the helm, he has guided the team to 27 regular-season victories, the second-best start for a head coach in franchise history.
Bowles is the first head coach in Buccaneers history to win three consecutive NFC South division titles (2022-2024). This impressive streak is part of the team’s larger run of four straight division championships dating back to 2021. While the NFC South has presented varying levels of challenge, Bowles has consistently navigated offseason changes and competitive pressures to keep the Buccaneers at the top.
Known as one of the league’s leading defensive minds, Bowles has maintained a high level of play on that side of the ball. Since 2019, the Buccaneers’ defense ranks first in rushing yards allowed per game (93.8), first in yards per carry allowed (4.0), and first in fumble recoveries (68). They also rank second in sacks (281) and fifth in opponent red zone touchdown percentage allowed (53.8%). Bowles’ teams have also shown remarkable resilience late in the season, posting a dominant 10-2 record in December and January over the past two years, critical for securing those division crowns.
Bowles expressed his gratitude to the Glazer family, stating their commitment “allows us to perform at our best and compete for championships.” He added his excitement to continue working with Licht “as we build on the success we’ve enjoyed and keep reaching for even bigger and better goals,” noting his family’s love for Tampa and desire to deliver more great moments for the fans.
Licht echoed the sentiment, thanking the Glazer family for their “trust and belief” and highlighting their role in fostering the winning culture. He affirmed his eagerness to collaborate with Bowles on their shared mission of “finding and developing talented players and chasing additional championships for our great fans.”
With the extensions secured, the Buccaneers are positioned for continued stability and success under the established leadership of Jason Licht and Todd Bowles as they aim to extend their impressive run and compete for another Super Bowl title in 2025 and beyond.
