Mark Dominik On The Hot Seat?
March 12th, 2010
Joe understands many Bucs fans are frustrated. Some are so frustrated they are beginning to become hysterical.
One Bucs fan has the gall to e-mail eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune to suggest Bucs general manager Mark Dominik’s days are numbered.
Q: Is it safe to start the “hot seat” talks for GM Mark Dominik? Last year he spent money on Angello Crowell and Derrick Ward. This year he lets Bryant go because of his knees, his age, and to avoid the big contract. Then he brings in Reggie Brown. A 29-year-old with injuries in the past. Not to mention the Bengals signed Bryant to a $28 million contract. That’s too expensive? Didn’t Michael Clayton get a similar contract a year ago?
D.J. Smith, Tampa
A: There’s little doubt Dominik is battling for his professional life in 2010. He made a flurry of mistakes in his first season calling the shots, costing ownership significant money, but he has an opportunity to right the ship with a dynamic draft. If he nails it and adds 3 or 4 new starters who can play, all will be forgiven. Any way you look at it, that’s a lot of pressure on any NFL executive.
— Ira Kaufman
Even if the Bucs only win three games this year, Joe would be shocked if Dominik was shown the door. Rarely do general managers only get two years to succeed, especially a general manager who by all indications was directed by the owners to tear a team apart and rebuild.
Has Dominik made mistakes? Of course. And Joe is confident even Dominik would admit it. Blocking icon Michael Clayton’s re-signing springs to mind. Angelo Crowell is another mistake. Perhaps not bringing back Antonio Bryant may be another.
However, in Dominik’s first year, it appears he did well in the draft. Just the fact alone he was able to thieve a second round pick from the Bears for a guy who couldn’t start for one of the NFL’s worst defenses should at least give Dominik some political capital.
Joe is told that the Illinois state police have issued an arrest warrant for Dominik on grand theft charges as a result of the Gaines Adams trade.
Joe believes how the Bucs (read: Dominik) select players in next month’s draft will go a long way to answering his long-term job security as the Bucs’ head honcho.
March 12th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
The Crowell signing was a bad idea, that guy is way too frail to be a starting caliber linebacker. He has had a season ending triceps injury and a season ending knee injury in Buffalo.
March 12th, 2010 at 5:21 pm
At least he is pacing himself.
March 12th, 2010 at 5:25 pm
Hey Joe… Lets not start chest bumping Dominick just yet…. Bruce Allen was able to finagle a second rounder for an under achieving first round defensive linemen, too… Booger MacFarland…. and we got Sabby “the goat” Piscitelli in return… thanks for nothing…
March 12th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Two things Dominik needs to survive.
1. Josh Freeman continuing to progress – If Freeman stagnates or, worse, regresses, Dominik’s signature move last year will go into the “questionable” category – 40% chance of that happening IMO.
2. Kellen Winslow continues to be productive – K2 needs to avoid a slump this year or, worse, another knee injury. If he doesn’t come close to last years production making him the highest paid TE in the league, and Dominik’s second best transaction last year will also be in doubt – 50% chance of that happening IMO.
Dominik made a number of poor decisions last year that included his vetting of the coordinators. Even if the rookies this year show promise, he’s not going to get bailed out by free agency so Dom will need a heck of a record to avoid the can if his two rays of hope from last year fail to keep with expectations.
I think it’s fair to say Dom’s on a tight rope and the Glazers need to sell tickets. They aren’t going to do it if fans get the feeling Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are running the show after next season.
March 12th, 2010 at 5:38 pm
thedeej3000:
LOL!
March 12th, 2010 at 6:06 pm
I don’t think Dominik will be fired after this season, unless he makes another Clayton deal. However, I think his control could be greatly reduced. IF the Glazers decide they want to win again, Morris will get the axe (there’s no way he’s going to show enough progress next season). They’ll likely hire a big name coach and that coach (Cowher?) will insist on control of personnel decisions. The only way I see Dominik getting fired in that scenario is if the new coach wants to bring in his own GM and front office staff, which is entirely possible.
March 12th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
He makes Matt Millen look like a genius….
March 13th, 2010 at 11:18 am
I think Dominik’s tenure is directly related to Morri’s success. I think if the Glazer’s fire Morris, Dominik will also get the axe.
So far, as a GM he’s not done anything to solidify his position. It appears he has a penchant for getting players that are one play away from a disability check.
March 13th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Mark will not get the ax after 2 years. He was hand picked by the owners from inside the organization to do this job and they seem to like his style. From all you read he is very well thought of inside the NFL and with agents.
No way he goes nor should he.