Bucs Sign GM Jason Licht and HC Todd Bowles to Multi-Year Contract Extensions
There is a palpable energy around the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa as the Buccaneers made a pivotal move, keeping General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles locked in for the foreseeable future. Licht and Bowles signed multi-year contract extensions, securing the tandem beyond the most successful five-year stretch in franchise history.
Since 2020, the Bucs have totaled 57 wins (including postseason), 51 regular-season victories, five playoff appearances, and four division titles – all matching or exceeding any other five-year span in club annals. Tampa Bay is one of just three NFL teams – and the only NFC team – to reach the postseason in each of the previous five years.
"Jason and Todd's leadership has been critical to our organization's success. The winning culture they have established has us well positioned for the future," said Bucs' Owner/Co-Chairman Joel Glazer. "The continuity and stability they provide will play a large role in our ability to compete for additional championships."
Since his arrival in 2014, Licht has built a roster that produced a Super Bowl championship, multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections and one of the NFL's consistent postseason contenders. Licht's squads lead the NFL in total snaps played (132,091) and games started (1,873) by players drafted in rounds 1-5 of the NFL Draft. Of Tampa Bay's 50 different starters across the 2023–2024 seasons, 40 were originally acquired by Licht through the draft or free agency. Tampa Bay's 2024 rookie class produced four first-year starters – tied for the most in the NFL – and featured PFWA All-Rookie selection Bucky Irving.
Bowles assumed the head coaching duties in 2022 and became the first coach in team history to guide the Buccaneers to three consecutive NFC South titles and playoff appearances. His 27 regular-season victories rank second among Tampa Bay head coaches through three seasons, trailing only Bruce Arians (31).
"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. My family loves Tampa and we're looking forward to delivering more great moments for our fans in the coming seasons," said Bowles. "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."
Dating back to 2019, Bowles' defenses have ranked among the NFL's best, leading the league in rush defense (93.8 yards per game), opponent yards per carry (4.0), and fumble recoveries (68), while placing second in sacks (281.0) and fifth in red zone efficiency (53.8%). His units have held opponents to 20 points or fewer in 45 games since 2019 – top-ten in the NFL over that span.
Tristan Wirfs Likely to Start 2025 Season on PUP List
Bucs' left tackle Tristan Wirfs will likely be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start the 2025 campaign. The stalwart blocker recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee and is expected to miss training camp and the team's preseason slate. Players who are on the PUP list are permitted to participate in team activities other than practice. Additionally, those on PUP are still considered a part of the active roster. Wirfs made history in 2024, becoming the first offensive lineman to earn First-team All-Pro honors at both tackle positions during a career. He finished the 2024 regular season with the 2nd-lowest pressure rate allowed (4.7%) among left tackles with at least 200 pass block snaps. When he returns to action, Wirfs will play a vital role in anchoring the offensive line as the unit chases their fifth-straight NFC South crown.
