“Ira Kaufman Needs To Get His Act Together”
September 24th, 2019
General manager Jason Licht
Bucs general manager Jason Licht wants Ira Kaufman, The Sage of Tampa Bay Sports, to do a better job.
Specifically, Licht would like Kaufman to get better results for his good friend, Buccaneers icon Rondé Barber. Licht called out Kaufman on the Buccaneers Radio Network before Sunday’s colossal meltdown at the Den of Depression.
“He’s one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL,” Licht said of Barber. “Ira Kaufman needs to get his act together and get him in there.”
“There” is the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kaufman, the prized JoeBucsFan.com columnist, is the Tampa Bay area’s lone representative voter on the Hall’s 48-person selection panel.
The group gathers before the Super Bowl annually to debate and vote on the Hall finalists for that year. (Ira also is on the prestigious Seniors Selection Committee.) Barber has yet to become a finalist. He’s been a semifinalist the past two years, which means there have been no Barber votes or presentations prior to the Super Bowl because he didn’t make the cut.
Licht saying Kaufman “needs to get is act together” is misguided. There’s little Kaufman can do if Barber can’t get into the finalists debate, aka “The Room.”
Frankly, Barber and Team Glazer are the guys who need to get their acts together.
Barber is in a different NFL city every football Sunday calling games for FOX. He should be going out of his way to socialize with every Hall of Fame voter at those games. You know, work the room a little. He doesn’t need a cheesy sales pitch, but the reality is that Hall of Fame selection is an extremely political process — and Barber won’t play the game the way it needs to be played. Is he there at the NFL Owners Meetings as a media member hanging out with voters in the media? Nope.
Team Glazer could fund a couple of trips for Kaufman to go schmooze Hall voters where they congregate at offseason events, or at a targeted big game or two in season. But Bucs officials aren’t interested.
So here we are: Barber has Hall of Fame numbers in various areas and is worthy of being a finalist but he hasn’t gotten there. Joe suspects this will be another year of people complaining that Barber didn’t make the cut.
WATCH EVERY Bucs road game this season with Ira Kaufman at Buffalo Wild Wings. The fun continues SUNDAY at 4058 TAMPA ROAD in OLDSMAR! Arrive early for the 4 p.m. kickoff.
Ira will have gift cards for fans (while supplies last).
September 24th, 2019 at 10:44 am
What ? Jason Licht wants someone else to do a better job Hah !
September 24th, 2019 at 10:45 am
OMG!!!! HEY POT YOUR BLACK SAID THE KETTLE!!!! You SUCK Licht!!! Do your own @&$^# JOB!!!! Loser!!!
September 24th, 2019 at 10:47 am
Well isnt the pot calling the kettle black. Keep him out of the draft room for the next 5yrs
September 24th, 2019 at 10:48 am
Here’s a thought, Jason. If you would have done a better job over the past 5 years and turned this franchise into a winner, we would be more relevant and taken more seriously when it comes to considering our Alum for the HOF.
September 24th, 2019 at 10:48 am
Dang someone beat me to it. S/o buc believer
September 24th, 2019 at 10:49 am
#lichtmyb*lls
This guy actually makes Dominik look like a real rockstar.
September 24th, 2019 at 10:50 am
Wait…didnt he start will Lovie? How is he still here…I am astonished
September 24th, 2019 at 10:50 am
With*
September 24th, 2019 at 10:52 am
If Licht was as good a gm as Ira is a journalist, we’d be contending for super bowls every year. Consider the source Ira and ignore this (hopefully) soon to be fired gm.
September 24th, 2019 at 10:54 am
Licht complaining about anyone else’s job performance is laughable
September 24th, 2019 at 10:54 am
Doesn’t matter what Ira does.
Like Joe said, its a political thing before you make the final cut.
Sadly, if Barber played in NY or Philly or in a bigger market, he’d be a LOCK for the HOF.
September 24th, 2019 at 10:56 am
Stfu Jason Licht.
September 24th, 2019 at 10:58 am
Get us a new kicker!
September 24th, 2019 at 10:59 am
Imbecile. Thanks for getting personnel fir a 4 1/2 over/under team.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:02 am
HOW DARE HE?????!!!! Ira is a SAGE and a SAINT. LICHT IS A TRASH MAN!!! BOO THIS MAN!!!! I am LIVID.
I am boycotting this Trash Man jabroni!!!! 🗑️🔥🗑️🔥🗑️🔥 MOVE TO ALASKA LICHT! No team will want your garbage @$$ once you are deservingly fired!
September 24th, 2019 at 11:11 am
how many meaningful wins did barber and 55 have without riding on sapps coattails…. ZERO…. 1 year wonder has beens don’t deserve anything especially those that hung on too long for meaningless personal numbers.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:12 am
Hay Jason, what is the Bucs record since you were handed the GM job?
September 24th, 2019 at 11:14 am
2nd thought.
Don’t get us a new kicker you can’t be trusted.
Can someone dig up how many games this team has lost in the last 4 years due to errant field goals and extra points?
September 24th, 2019 at 11:19 am
LMAO. Clowns are funny. Ringling Bros and Barnum Bailey Circus is alive and well in Tampa. Gump is the ring leader.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:22 am
heard gay was crying like a baby and defensive players were yelling at each other in the locker room…..
hate the lost but if thats true, i love the emotion….shows they care…shows they really wanted to win…..shows that they wont let it happen again….
highly doubt that wouldve happened last year….
GO BUCS!!!!
September 24th, 2019 at 11:22 am
I think the city of Philadelphia would also help Ronde get in the HOF….there is no reason that ronde should not be in the hall of fame. John Lynch and alstott are a big pass but ronde and even simeon rice should be in the HOF, no doubt….only reason they are not is due to this small town loser mentality the bucs portray to the rest of the NFL cities. Its BS but its true…esp in the northeast where everything really counts esp in NYC. But Ronde and Simeon both should be in the HOF
September 24th, 2019 at 11:23 am
Please … Jason you get your act together dude ! Your record sucks , loser !
September 24th, 2019 at 11:25 am
This site is taking a turn after sunday.
Joe I get the frustration, we feel it too. Just make sure you do not place yourself firmly in the ‘enemy’ category with the ORG. ??? Joe never writes worried about the organization. Just like Joe, Bucs officials are happy when the Ws come and they are pissed and sad when the Ls come. The day Joe worries about such things is the day Joe should pack it in.–Joe
I know you are strategic. Just remember angry words are easier to say than to take back. You can be honest and critical without starting a feud. You might want to re-read what’s actually written here. –Joe I imagine more than a little of Licht’s comments may be in light of his association with Joe, and if so; I worry about what that says about the ORG’s current feelings about you.
Anyway said with love, I think you know how long I have been around here.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:31 am
Danr is a shill. Screw the “ORG”. JBF allegiance is to the fans! WE WANT ACCOUNTABILITY! How is Licht even in a position to criticize anyone??? LOOK IN THE MIRROR MR. TRASHMAN. We love the Bucs, we have no allegiance to garbage management!
September 24th, 2019 at 11:34 am
I think he understand that Ira has limited impact. He is just making the point that we need to keep Barber’s accomplishments in front of people. So they truly understand what Barber accomplished in his career. Ronde is HOF worthy…but the story needs to be total so that people outside the Tampa area understand.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:41 am
While I agree about getting Rondé into the hall…
Licht of all people is the last one who should be telling others they need to do a better job.
Is this some kind of troll job from Licht?
Or just a giant “f you” to the fan base that has watched him amass a worse W-L than the pop star?
September 24th, 2019 at 11:42 am
Looks like Licht wants out of Tampa and to get another job lined up he’s going to start putting the blame of his shortcomings on anyone else.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:45 am
Whoa!!! Hello Kettle, this is Jason Licht. You’re black. Are you Fn kidding me?! Licht is the one who needs to get his $hit together. He could take a lesson from Ira about many things, including how to draft in the second round. Just like my Mama said- people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.
September 24th, 2019 at 11:55 am
Well…..what do you know…..Jason Licht has accomplished the nearly impossible task of galvanizing all most JBF posters.
STFU, Jason!!!
September 24th, 2019 at 11:56 am
Jason Licht,
Please hire me to assist with player personnel. You guys are terrible. 6 years in and you still can’t fix DB/Kicker, despite a lot of money and draft capital.
I’m disgusted with your terrible results, and if you have a losing record this year I will be calling for your ass to be fired.
Good day,
Frustrated Bucs fan Steve
Ps. When you are worse than Dominik, you should shut the hell up at all times regarding whine need s to be a better job. Perhaps if the Bucs weren’t a skid mark on the underwear of the NFL, then we’d have something to cheer about.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:00 pm
Ya cant make this stuff up.
What a loser that cant even get 50 percent his draft picks right. Him and the whole scouting dept needs to go bye bye
September 24th, 2019 at 12:00 pm
LMAO here fellow Buc fans. The 1st commentor here hit the nail straight on its head….Jason Licht wants somebody else to do better? Of all people. The GM who should have been fired 2 yrs ago. I mean, I cannot stop laughing. That’s BucLife for yas baby.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:09 pm
You get your act together licht
September 24th, 2019 at 12:12 pm
Ira can and should be better with 47. Ronde will eventually get in with his numbers. Also, less beet salad talk on the pod.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:13 pm
Licht is 100% right. Ira, less personal schtick and more persuasive arguments. The Brooklyn act “over ‘der” is obviously falling on deaf ears.
Nancy Grace nods with approval.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:18 pm
28-55… nuff said!
September 24th, 2019 at 12:21 pm
Please, please, please someone tell me why we extended this guy’s contract. We won’t tolerate this level of ineptitude from players yet, there he is with a new 5 year deal.
Oh wait, that’s right, it’s the Bucs!
September 24th, 2019 at 12:30 pm
Get on the treadmill Licht. That belly fat is creeping up into your brain.
September 24th, 2019 at 12:41 pm
Unfortunately Ira will probably have passed the torch on to another representative before Barber is considered for the HOF.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:21 pm
Hey Joe, i was not referring to angry words written here. more referring to the post game call out, that you thought the org may see as too negative.
It just seems to me that there may be undertone in what Licht said regarding Ira that may have to do with his association with the person who wrote that.
Perhaps I am reading between too many tea leaves.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:24 pm
It’s not just Licht. The Glazers have to go too. It’s like they are content with failing year after year. They must still be making money even though the seats are never full, or are happy with losing money. Either way, the level of incompetence throughout organization is staggering.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:24 pm
Lol a shill. cool story bro. I just am concerned that this site we all love might get shut out, and in getting the cold shoulder lose access to all the behind the scenes insight and content we are used to. Shut out. Shut in. Really doesn’t matter. Joe’s here to stay.–Joe
not a shill, just cautious. But of course, as i said in my first post, Joe probably doesnt need my advice.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:34 pm
Ownership needs to get their act together and get Licht out of there
September 24th, 2019 at 1:38 pm
Great point about Barber working the room, Joe. He seems to be a very charismatic person. If he is, I have to believe working the room to leave a lasting impression could really benefit him.
September 24th, 2019 at 1:57 pm
Licht…….enough said
September 24th, 2019 at 2:53 pm
This article reminds me of an interview that Ira had with Chris’s Russo, on mad dog radio, last Wednesday. Ira stayed that the Bucs have a significant chance of losing to the Giants due to their history of complacency following a win. Well it looks like he was right but it just took a half of football the settling in. Ira is AWESOME.
September 24th, 2019 at 2:55 pm
Oh wow, this is GRRREAT!!!!! Just when I thought Tuesday couldn’t get any better after reading your ‘Jason Licht Needs To Be Fired’ piece this morning (starring Tom Krasniqi as Captain Grumby of SS Minnow fame), along comes JL throwing gas on the fire with his ‘Ira Kaufman Needs to Get His Act Together’. EVERYONE knew this couldn’t possibly end well. Hollywood couldn’t write a better script. Buccaneers & JBF need to get together over a few craft beers and come up with a pilot for a new soap opera along these lines. Y’all could call it ‘As The Stomach Turns’.
BTW Joe, do you think there’s ANY relationship between what Jason Licht said and what you wrote in this morning’s article ‘Fire Licht’ article?
“Krasniqi joins JoeBucsFan.com columnist Ira Kaufman in the fire-Licht club. Ira wrote his fire-Licht column in mid-December.”
Nah, me neither. Purely coincidence. Ya, just like the sun rising in the east each morning. Pure coincidence.
September 24th, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Ira’s been calling for Licht’s head, and rightfully so. This is just tit for tat. Hey Jason, better spend more time scouting college kickers instead of calling out Ira. I’m sure you can find more DB’s, and Kickers to draft, forget the trenches. Dotson has plenty of life in those legs, and JPP is coming back,lol. You’re a joke Licht, the less you say, and the less you’re seen the better.
September 24th, 2019 at 3:23 pm
Licht should get his s t together and then speak.
September 24th, 2019 at 3:41 pm
I Jason 100%! Ira needs to stop sucking up to John Lynch and trying to get a good but not great safety into the hall when you have a true Buccaneer in Ronde awaiting a pitch. He is dosing the same for Ronde that he has basically done for Rice …Nothing!.
Ira should spend about as much time promoting Ronde as he talks about loving his beet salads and perhaps some other than an obvious Buc might get in. I mean think about it, what has he done to get bucs in? Saap, Brooks, Really? Tough job.
Get to work Ira
.
September 24th, 2019 at 3:54 pm
He was just struck by lightning on a clear day
September 24th, 2019 at 5:40 pm
Bud Licht misguided? Surely you just Joe……our totally inept GM misguide….hard to beliwve…..NOT !!!! This is just another example of what a nitwit this guy is….Ira is a finalist presenter!!!!! He can do nothing prior to that Saturday morning meeting….I wish I could say that his statement was unbelievable but coming from him it’s not but it is laughable
September 24th, 2019 at 5:43 pm
What about John Lynch? Why is Dawkins and Bailey in before him? He needs to be in before Barber!
September 24th, 2019 at 6:06 pm
Oh Licht Weight…you’re a funny guy…without even trying. Barber was long gone before the moribund Licht Weight Era began. Talk about trying to deflect any attention off himself and his 1 outta 3 record. That’s only good as a batting average.
September 24th, 2019 at 7:03 pm
Not a HOFer based on his hate towards Famous Jameis Winston. Plus he’s got a twin, so if you put him in, you basically put his brother in. Ronde clearly doesn’t want to be there either with the lack of effort he’s been showing.
September 24th, 2019 at 7:13 pm
I agree with everyone on Licht. He is below average and should not be drawing attention to himself.
However, he is right about Ira. The man has to do all things possible to get Lynch, Barber, Rice and Giles into gold jackets. Last year was unfortunate as Ira did not go to vote due to a family emergency (thanks for that info Joes) and had to send an understudy from the Orlando fish wrap. Of course after that happened no Buc got in. Curious if Ira still got to vote or was it the girl from the Sentinal who got to vote for him????
Anyhow. Ira needs to somehow get votes from somewhere. Lynch should get support from Denver and SF (unless the media there do not like him) and Ronde does have a national platform to garner interest and attention. Good luck Ira, go down swinging when you are dealing with these big market voters who seem to block vote their guys in.
September 24th, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Came for the comments. Was not dissapointed.
September 24th, 2019 at 7:22 pm
^+1
September 24th, 2019 at 8:37 pm
Oh the irony of our kicker draft selection analyst saying that.
September 24th, 2019 at 9:33 pm
I normally love Ira but on one of the podcasts I heard him say something ridiculous. They were talking about all-time great defenses and seemingly dismissed the 2002 Bucs as part of that conversation. The 2002 Bucs defense is literally one of the very very very best defenses in the history of the NFL and tons of stat models show they are the best defense to ever win a SB. The Bucs defense in the playoffs went against all top 10 defenses and held them to a net of 3 points a game. In a year when scoring in the NFL was way up, they held their opponents to 12 points a game – and that doesn’t include all the TDs they scored themselves. That 2002 Bucs defense is, without a doubt, the best passing defense in NFL history.
Also cupcakes I was around and remember the 1985 Bears – and no, they weren’t clearly better than the Bucs, and again looking at the opponent’s the Bucs outperformed them. For any of the dullards who bring up the 2000 Ravens – sure, they outperformed the Bucs when it came to having their players help murder people, but that’s the only place they outperformed the Bucs.
Hearing Ira’s comment, seemingly so disconnected to reality, is very concerning. The way you pitch these defensive guys is by making sure people know how insane this defense was, how good it was, how it shut down top offenses week after week all year. The part about being the best pass defense in the history of the NFL is an easy one to make – and that helps Lynch, Ronde and eventually Rice.
Hopefully Ira’s comment was more of just slipping his mind as they were talking about old teams – hopefully that’s the case.