Jason Licht Was Rattled
January 7th, 2016
If Bucs fans think running off people at the NFL level is as painless as making moves in their weekly fantasy football leagues, they are sadly mistake.
Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht was proof of that today. In his press conference to discuss the firing of former Bucs coach Lovie Smith, Licht was rattled, ashen-faced.
Both Lovie and Licht are friends. Licht likely would not be the Bucs general manager, or maybe a general manager at all, if not for Lovie. It was Lovie who brought Licht into the fold.
At times, Joe thought Licht was going to break down. He took several deep breathes. His voice was close to cracking. It looked like he was just told someone ran over his dog, if not worse.
The nonsense about Lovie being fired by phone, Licht explained, is a lie (never mind, Lovie has a $10 million parachute, so stop with the unprofessional talk).
Licht explained Team Glazer told him last night by phone of their decision to run Lovie and they planned on meeting with him at One Buc Palace Thursday (today). Shortly thereafter, Licht said, Lovie called him and Licht, as he explained wit his deep respect for Lovie, informed Lovie that the meeting would likely not go well for him.
Lovie quickly put 2-and-2 together and told Licht to have the Glazers just call him instead. Lovie had no interest in meeting with Team Glazer today. Lovie then arrived at One Buc Palace Wednesday night to clean out his office.
And so the search for a new Bucs coach begins. Licht said there is no timetable. The only objective is to find the best candidate.
From today's presser:
GM Jason Licht clarifies last night's phone call with Lovie Smith.
https://t.co/ZidOxpdZAs
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@TBBuccaneers) January 7, 2016
January 7th, 2016 at 2:33 pm
Interesting presser…and I think I heard Joe ask a question or two. It’s going to be interesting….hope Coughlin is one of the people that reached out about the opening.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Hopefully he’s shaken up so much that he builds a winner out of fear of being fired
January 7th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
sounds like Lovie was pissed…What did he expect after the team tanked in a playoff run, set records for penalties, had countless in game coaching mistakes and bullsh*tting his way along with promises and we’re getting better crap…no remorse hear, he earned his exit. A “flat” team with a playoff chance on the line. COACHING, COACHING, COACHING
January 7th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
My favorite part of the PC was when he said, “You can still compete while building a team.” Thats what crippled Lovies chances to come back. His team was uncompetitive down the stretch against bad teams and thats an indictment on Lovie. So much for all that hot garbage excuses of lacking talent and needing more time to “compete”.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
And in the end Lovie’s a millionaire.
I heard Koetter’s wife likes shopping. I bet she’s seeing $$$$ signs right now.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:37 pm
I am the best candidate. I will just preach winning and working hard at being the best football players that each player can develop into. I’ll leave all personnel decisions to Licht, and all offense to the OC, all defense to the DC, and all Special team to the STC. I don’t know crap about football, but all I ever think about is winning.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:38 pm
I thought Licht looked like he had the flu when he was speaking. Guy looked like he would pass out or toss his cookies, or both, the whole time. He was very uncomfortable.
Will be a very interesting next 3-7 days (I expect we’ll have a coach a week from now.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:39 pm
I told my wife earlier. I’ll bet everything I own meager bank account included that Dirk’s the man..
January 7th, 2016 at 2:39 pm
The best candidate is already in the building….Koetter. Unless maybe the Glazers want to see if they can find an experienced, Super Bowl winning coach, who has a knack for developing quarterbacks and already resides in the Bay Area…..hmmmmm?
The return of Chucky would be fun to watch, but my gut feeling is that Koetter is the guy. Keep developing Jameis into an elite passer, and bring in a solid defensive coordinator to bring this unit back to respectability!
January 7th, 2016 at 2:45 pm
In the end we know Lovie got Lovie fired. The Glazer’s saw the same garbage we saw. And must have gotten word Lovie would not change .
January 7th, 2016 at 2:46 pm
I’ve yet to see anything that leads me to believe this isn’t Koetter’s job to lose. Then again, this is the Glazers, and you never know what they are going to do. I personally wouldn’t be upset with Koetter as coach and Smith as DC.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:48 pm
I really like Jason Licht a lot. But has anyone ever noticed some of his facial expressions when he is getting ready to answer uncomfortable questions ?
He was clearly uncomfortable at this press conference.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:53 pm
Man was Licht sweating bullets or what? He looked pretty uncomfortable up there at that podium… However, I feel that he is taking us in the right direction…
January 7th, 2016 at 2:56 pm
It was interesting to hear Jason make statements like he was part of the decision to run Lovie. Looks like Jason was done and man enough to run his friend because of the slew of crap that we all were seeing. Agree with Coach Fan – the “competitive” part was telling. Getting manhandled 4 weeks in a row, coming out “Flat” when they’re in the playoff hunt, Lovie verbally accepting zero responsibility – that got the man run out of the building. Good luck Lovie – you’re a good guy. Now let’s get some fire and excitement in that office!!!
January 7th, 2016 at 2:56 pm
Like most, I’m hoping for Koetter to get the promotion; but, knowing the Glazers’ history, I’m bracing myself for disappointment.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
Like the peeps on channel 47 said. The Glazers SHOULD have been there with him.
January 7th, 2016 at 2:57 pm
I’m glad he was uncomfortable. He should have been. No matter what we think about Lovie, Lovie hand picked him. By all accounts Lovie is a great guy. Imagine how you would feel if you had to fire your friend, the same one that got you your big job. What makes it more difficult is you have to try to answer tough questions from the media, who is doing their job trying to make you as uncomfortable as possible. Not an easy situation, but I think he handled it well considering the situation.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:00 pm
He said they’re looking for the “best football coach”. Also said he was in charge of football operations “for now”. That the coach can pick his own staff. They don’t care if they have to tweak what they do (don’t remember the exact words). That he doesn’t care about who has the “power”. Dirk is a strong candidate, but nothing further. They’re going to look at many different places.
The fans deserve a winner. The Glazier’s willingness to spend $ should help get the coach along with the 22 year old franchise QB.
Like I’ve been saying since before Lovie was hired, look for them to try to make a strong play for Nick Saban.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:02 pm
Jeagan1999 Says: bring in a solid defensive coordinator to bring this unit back to respectability!
MIKE “FRIGGIN” SMITH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 7th, 2016 at 3:03 pm
Hardy Nickerson was fired too????
January 7th, 2016 at 3:05 pm
The team needs a coach to not only bring winning but discipline. Is Koetter that kind of coach? Remember ME and his crap? Will he control him? Or leave it up to Jameis.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:06 pm
Stop it with the Nick Saban talk. It gets me to excited. Someone mentioned David Shaw earlier. Would love that also.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
“Hardy Nickerson was fired too????”
———
Nope. Nickerson and Cullen have not been fired.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:07 pm
Hopefully, this will shake up the players too. They get paid to play a game, but it’s a very serious business and they can lose their jobs just like Lovie lost his job. Sure, many of them are set for life financially, but the fame and adoration of fans is fleeting.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:08 pm
No to Nick Satan.
Hire Koetter unless you can convince him to stay OC.
If not, you have to make him HC.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:08 pm
We should all have a bit of empathy…..not sympathy……Even if people have millions….it still hurts to fail. Lovie probably thought he had another year (many were surprised by the firing)….Lovie was probably among them..
I’m not saying it wasn’t deserved….but no one should rejoice in another’s misery…I feel that way when players get cut…it crushes their dreams.
Lovie had visions of building a team that he would be with for a long time…..he failed…and that’s a shame. Lovie has money…health…his family, friends and his faith…..who knows, he might join the very long list of ex Bucs in the Broadcast Booth…
January 7th, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Nick Saban and Jameis Winston together is a boom or bust scenario. I could see them being a great tandem, or I could see them butting heads. I know one thing, you better be damn dedicated to winning some football games and working hard with those two! Downside is that could get old really quick. These aren’t 19 year old boys.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:09 pm
Last I heard Cullen and Nickerson are still here. That was on Fox 13 this AM unless that changed.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:10 pm
Hawaiian Buc Says
“Nope. Nickerson and Cullen have not been fired.”
WDAE reported during the transition to the dog show that he was, that’s why I asked.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:12 pm
Rattled? His bizarre mouth twitch was going crazy!
January 7th, 2016 at 3:12 pm
As a new Alabama resident (relocated from Pinellas last year) and married to a University of Alabama alum, I’d be okay with rolling the dice that Saban would do well at the NFL level. I’d still prefer Koetter, though. He’s already proven that he’s an excellent coach at this level. Why roll the dice with anyone else?
January 7th, 2016 at 3:12 pm
If it Koetter, he has no room for error, This team must play better next year. We will need at least 5 new defensive starters,2 more receivers, and 1 to 2 offensive lineman. That’s a lot of turnover. No Excuses we must improve.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Licht said that if the new coach is not Koetter, the new coach would choose his own OC.
So if Koetter is not made HC we have a good chance of losing him.
But I think he will be HC.
My concern is a new DC and OC.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:15 pm
Like I guessed the cowardly Glazers didn’t face the media as they should have. Very unprofessional of them. I shouldn’t expect anything less from one of the most dysfunctional franchises in professional sports.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:16 pm
Listen Bucs fans I liked Lovie a lot but he did fail in almost areas of a H.C…..didn’t motive these guys…didn’t get the best out of his players…no disipline …several free agents on the defensive side of the ball that did nothing….iam a little frustrated because we are changing H.C every 2 years and iam afraid that’s what’s gonna happen is what happened when the Culverhouses own the team ..no decent coach or players are gonna want to come here…we will become the southern Cleveland Browns and 1 last thing to remember. …be careful about wishing for the big name coaches….B. Parcells J Johnson M Shanahan J Gibbs wasn’t so great in their second or third stint as H.C
January 7th, 2016 at 3:16 pm
softastussieMcCoy93 Says
“If it Koetter, he has no room for error, This team must play better next year. “
And so it begins. I hate Tampa fans. No coach gets time to build anything. If you hold Koetter to that standard, we’ll be right back in this situation in 2 years.
Come on, people. Don’t make the same mistake 4 coaches in a row!!!!!!!
January 7th, 2016 at 3:17 pm
Nick Saban ???
I could win at Alabama, with all the nations top talent they have basically lining up to play there.
He was revealed to be a mere mortal once in the NFL, why would it be any different this time around ?
I think they have already pre decided on Koetter being head coach, and are merely going through the motions to satisfy the Rooney Rule, and not hurt feelings, etc, etc.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:19 pm
DallasBuc:
The video is worse than it looked in person. On video, thought Jason was going to have a panic attack.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:20 pm
Look to David Shaw, Jason. He’s an excellent coach. Clearly Jason is a class act. He didn’t let Lovie walk into the meeting cold. Kudos for that. I’m not sure if Lovie’s camp leaked the whole fired by phone angle to generate sympathy or spin that 6-10 was a positive trend- that some in the media are defending him with. For his buy-out $$$ Lovie could’ve take it like a man and met with ownership. Please someone tell me Joel used the term, “it’s as simple as that,” just after delivering the news!!!
January 7th, 2016 at 3:27 pm
BuccaneerBonzai Says:
January 7th, 2016 at 3:16 pm
softastussieMcCoy93 Says
“If it Koetter, he has no room for error, This team must play better next year. “
And so it begins. I hate Tampa fans.
____________
I hate fans like you who are OK with mediocre and your mantra is “It Takes Time”. This is the NFL, men are paid handsomely, and the average shelf life of a player is around 3-4 years. These guys aren’t finding a cure for cancer or developing a way to live on Mars – it’s a stupid game. Score more points than the other team, and win dammit.
January 7th, 2016 at 3:40 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
My point is that we need better players on the field. There will be a lot of turnover next year, but yes, I am out of patience. Call me irrational. I just want to see the culture change. Promoting Koeter and keeping Licht is a continuation of the process that was started 2 years ago. So I expect no steps back.
January 7th, 2016 at 4:33 pm
PARTY TIME IS OVER FOR ALL PLAYERS AND PERSONAL , IT WILL BE BUSSINESS ONLY FROM NOW ON , AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT OR IT WILL TURN IN TO ANOTHER LOVIE TEAM AGAIN !!!
January 7th, 2016 at 4:36 pm
Don’t people think that if Dirk Koetter was the next HC they would have announced it by now?
January 7th, 2016 at 4:56 pm
godzilla13…not if they want to give the impression that they are leaving no stone unturned. Could be why Licht was so nervous. He didn’t want to let the cat out of the bag.
For all we know they’ve already told Koetter…
January 7th, 2016 at 5:00 pm
Stunning response from the former Bear Jennings.
“No surprise to me!!
January 7th, 2016 at 9:46 pm
Hawaiian and TBBF…great posts but you are talking humanity here and some of our posters are pretty heartless. Yes Lovie…Chucky…even Rah are all millionaires so obviously when we feel their pain it’s not financial. But it’s personal, emotional, and a huge wound in one’s pride and self esteem no matter how freaking wealthy you are!!! I’m not upset in a football sense at all…Lovie lost this gig over those last four games…and with undisciplined teams…and with…well we’ve had enough reason already pointed out but NOBODY has EVER said that Lovie was anything than a class human being. If you can’t at least feel a a little compassion for another human being who is obviously humiliated, depressed, and miserable tonight.
Saban wishers…I get your enthusiasm but give it up!!! I heard a guy on BSPN who rep is based on decades of covering college football especially the SEC which means especially Alambama.
His take…Saban is not going to the pros he’s never leaving Alabama! Mrs. Saban loves it in Alabama…there are now three generations of Sabans living in the Tuscaloosa/Birmingham area. He has a bad taste in his mouth from Miami and so why would he leave one of the top 5-10 college jobs in the land.
I also agree at Chris with Applecleaning…while I believe Saban is one of the greatest college coaches of all time it’s two totally different jobs. Saban didn’t do well at all in a league based on parity. He’s excellent when he gets to recruit the greatest athletes in the land and have an overwhelming talent advantage in all but a few games each year. I do not want Saban as our HC.
January 7th, 2016 at 9:51 pm
I disagree with the notion that we “have to bring back Koetter”. I think Jameis can learn a new system. Just bring in someone you believe can win Licht
January 9th, 2016 at 1:50 am
His mouth twitch made this PC almost impossible to watch. This is a darker situating than I had thought.