Not much breaking news happens in the NFL between the end of mandatory mini-camp and training camp, but the Bucs made a move on Thursday morning that quickly sent shockwaves across the league. It was reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Tampa Bay has agreed to multi-year contract extensions with head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht.

Bucs Put Faith In Todd Bowles As The Head Coach

With the Bucs having made five consecutive postseason appearances, with Todd Bowles and Jason Licht apart of the organization, it is not surprising to see the Glazer family extend them. Bowles is entering his fourth year as head coach, having shown signs of improvement each season in the win-loss column.

Bucs HC Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Despite being eliminated in the Wild Card round to the Commanders, the 61-year-old was viewed highly enough by ownership to keep him in his post and let offensive coordinator Liam Coen leave to be the Jaguars head coach. In his three seasons leading the team, he has a 27-24 regular-season record and is 1-3 in the playoffs.

Here was Bowles’ statement following the move being announced.

“I am 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,” Bowles said. “My family loves Tampa and we’re looking forward to delivering more great moments for our fans in the coming seasons. “I also appreciate 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.”

Despite the defense not playing at the high level it did in 2020 and 2021 like it did when Bowles was defensive coordinator, there is renewed optimism that it will get back on track in 2025 — thanks in part to the moves Licht has made this offseason.

Jason Licht Will Have Chance To Continue Building Up Bucs

When it comes to general managers, only a handful in the NFL are in the conversations as some of the best.

The Eagles’ Howie Roseman and the Chiefs’ Brett Veach come to mind, but Jason Licht is right there with them.

Bucs GM Jason Licht – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Since becoming the Bucs’ lead decision-maker in 2014, Licht has overseen the franchise drafting wide receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, defensive tackle Vita Vea, left tackle Tristan Wirfs, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., each of whom were key pieces of the 2020 Super Bowl-winning team.

Needing to then replace much of the veteran core, Tampa Bay has done it on the fly by drafting young cornerstones such as right tackle Luke Goedeke, cornerback Zyon McCollum, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, right guard Cody Mauch, running back Bucky Irving, and several others.

More than just being a great evaluator of college talent, Licht and the rest of his front office often identify young players who do not make headlines off the field. He also has no problem going out and acquiring veteran free agents to supplement the roster when the Super Bowl window was open, like it was after getting legendary quarterback Tom Brady to sign on the dotted line in the 2020 offseason.

Licht expressed gratitude for the chance to continue building something special.

“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 Todd well into the future as we continue our mission of finding and developing talented players and chasing additional championships for our fans.”

Being one of the top-drafting teams this decade, the organization has decided to bet on the stability and foundation put in place.

Under Todd Bowles and Jason Licht, the franchise is one of the league’s youngest rosters that has the chance to continue growing together for years to come. Bowles and Licht have full backing to do whatever it takes to get Tampa Bay back to the Super Bowl, and they have assembled a tight-knit cast of players that has them projected to once again be right in the thick of the playoff race this season.