“Full Decision-Making Power Over Personnel”
June 13th, 2013
“The premium groceries have been purchased, sir, and there’s plenty of change left over.”
Respected NFL scribe Albert Breer, now employed by NFL.com and NFL Network, broke down the power structure of every NFL team and rolled out his look at the Buccaneers yesterday.
In what might shock longtime skeptics of Bucs rockstar general manager Mark Dominik, Breer states unequovically that Dominik has “full decision-making power over personnel.”
Who’s really in charge? The Bucs ran a coach-driven system for seven years under Jon Gruden. The end result — an aging roster in need of an overhaul — led the Glazers to make the move to Mark Dominik, who has full decision-making power over personnel and final say on the 53-man roster. Greg Schiano has control over the 46-man game-day roster and oversees his own staff.
In the end, the idea is for the two sides to work together on building the team. Gruden had a reputation in Tampa for getting upset when the club couldn’t or didn’t get a player he wanted, which, some believe, was a big part of the reason that the Glazers built a division of power into the organization. Dennis Hickey, who is considered a prospective GM candidate in league circles, has become a trusted No. 2 for Dominik, while Butch Davis, for whom Schiano worked at the University of Miami, is the second-year coach’s closest confidant.
You an click through above to read more. The article posted about noon yesterday, and to the best of Joe’s knowledge the Bucs and detail-obsessed Greg Schiano haven’t demanded a correction.
Now Joe’s not surprised that Dominik wields this kind of power. Hell, Joe openly scoffed at the wacky TampaBay.com report last year that proclaimed Schiano to be a more powerful head coach than Tom Coughlin and Mike McCarthy. And Joe knows there are many misguided fans who still believe Dominik is little more than a coffee-fetcher for Schiano.
Joe believes Dominik and Schiano work hand in hand daily and have a very healthy GM-coach relationship, which means Schiano drives his share of decisions while Dominik drives the bus.
It’s an important delineation of the team power structure as the Bucs move into a critical season, one in which the Bucs have eight Pro Bowlers on the roster — none over 30 — and no on-paper excuse for a losing record.
June 13th, 2013 at 7:16 am
This is great news Joe! This means unequivocally, that if the Bucs don’t make the playoffs then the ” Bus Driver ” (pop-star) Must go! Make no mistake, that all those pro-bowlers drafted (by others) and bought and paid for are right at 30. VJ is 30 and will be 31 before the superbowl, The window for the “lasting contender” is very short in the NFL. Unless you have a Franchise QB, which we do not.
June 13th, 2013 at 7:17 am
Dominik is a tale of two GMs. There is the early years with many questionable moves and poor draft records and then there is the GM who has found his stride and has been stellar the past 2 seasons. He’s developed into an excellent GM and is only getting better. He trades more than anyone in the NFL, he works the draft board as good as anyone, and he’s developed an effective free agency model (multiple Pro Bowls and under 28) that works short term and long term. Glad we have him.
June 13th, 2013 at 7:20 am
Dom =. Rock star
June 13th, 2013 at 7:29 am
@the_buc-realist — Actually what this means is the Schiano is the one under the most pressure. He’s been given the motherlode of talent to work with and his rookie season is over
June 13th, 2013 at 7:34 am
@realist,
How old is Doug Martin and who drafted him???
June 13th, 2013 at 7:39 am
If Schiano can’t get it done this season, then the Bucs should pursue Gruden to get the team over the hump. This town would go wild!
June 13th, 2013 at 7:49 am
How old is McCoy and who drafted him? Anyway…I agree with Vic. The pressure is on Schiano not Dom. The talent is there, no one but a delusional idiot questions that, and we actually have a few posting here.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:03 am
@bobby,
I had Martin forgot about GMC. TheBucsRealist is wrong again.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:08 am
Once again, I realize that you cannot talk sense to the senseless. I said “Probowlers drafted by others” and “Prowbowlers that were bought and paid for” are very close too, and are 30 right now. Point being is the window is short to start making the playoffs. But keep going thru coaches sheep. Maybe one day, you will figure it out.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:21 am
I believe this article is accurate in present day but no way do I believe it was the case while Raheem was here. I believe the Glazers gave Dominick a list of things to do when they promoted him.
Such as taking a QB in the first round. Such as letting Morris have more say in drafting secondary (since he was viewed as a great secondary coach).
This is why I believe Mark Dominick was not fired when Raheem was fired. And why he has full power now. Notice the drafts and free agent signings improved then.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:22 am
the_buc_realist says:
” The window for the “lasting contender” is very short in the NFL. Unless you have a Franchise QB, which we do not.”
I hope Freeman establishes himself as a Franchise QB this year. You are right one, a franchise QB changes everything. We are a playoff contender year in and year out with a franchise QB taking the snaps.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:24 am
Bonzai,
No sir, the Glazers hired Dom, and gave Dom power post Gruden.
I believe Dom’s turnaround has a lot to do with picking Schiano and Butch Davis coming on board.
Dom traded up for Freeman, and I do believe our current GM gets all the credit for EVERY PICK in his tenure.
Please don’t write him a pass, it is lame.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:33 am
Realist does bring up a good point about Jackson. He is starting to age. While I believe he has 3-5 good years left in him, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to consider strong depth behind him. Afterall, next year he’ll be in the “injury” years common to nfl players.
Penn is also getting older.
A future test for Dominick is his refreshing of aging positions when the time comes. The Patriots are great at this. That’s why they always have plenty of picks…they trade aging players at the right time.
However, I disagree that it is playoffs or bust for Dominick. It is pretty clear he has brought in the talent to make this team a contender. He’s also managed the cap well. I think he can get by with a winning season.
But I don’t think it matters because this team will get at least 2 games into the playoffs unless there are key injuries on the decensive line.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:39 am
how narrow minded are you, buc-pessimist?? Who drafted Martin, Williams, McCoy, Clayborn, David, Barron? Barring any injuries, these guys are garunteed future pro-bowlers.
but whatever dude. you really need to see a shrink about your obsession with Dom. you must be his untalented red-headed step brother. but seriously, get help.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:45 am
Bonzai said:
“Realist does bring up a good point about Jackson. He is starting to age. ”
The guy finished 5th in the NFL last year. I think it was even his best year as a pro. Certain recievers are built to last. (Remember Galloway?) Jackson has a good 3-4 years left in him.
June 13th, 2013 at 8:46 am
at least
June 13th, 2013 at 8:54 am
“Breer states unequovically that Dominik has “full decision-making power over personnel.”
Apparently he received that power only after Raheem traded up in the first round of the ’09 draft to reach for Freeman. The alleged “rock star” had nothing to do with that!
June 13th, 2013 at 9:26 am
There are no secrets in the organization. Of course Dominik controls the decision making. I’m sure when Schiano was interviewed by Dominik, it was disclosed to him that Dominik makes all personnel decisions. But I can also say without being there and knowing Dom’s personality that he is also flexible, and listens to the coach’s needs. In fact, I’m positive that some of the players were suggested by Schiano.
The point is Schiano knew what the power structure going in would be, and he seems perfectly fine with it. Behind the scenes there maybe some strife, but on the outside it appears like business as usual.
June 13th, 2013 at 9:48 am
lightningbuc said,
“Apparently he received that power only after Raheem traded up in the first round of the ’09 draft to reach for Freeman. The alleged “rock star” had nothing to do with that!”
Dominik had the power then, but like any good GM, he probably asked Morris if there was a particular college QB he was interested in. After Morris’s suggestion Dominik got with his scouts and did a complete workup on him before they decided to draft him. Just like with Glennon, he was probably Schiano’s request.
June 13th, 2013 at 9:59 am
@Buc_Realist…..here is the real point and one that you are apparently too feeble minded to grasp….A GOOD GM DRAFTS TO ASSEMBLE TALENT FOR A COACH TO WIN A SUPERBOWL. Now, most people that post on here recognize that the Bus have that talent and are now ready to make a serious run at that goal. You are one of the few who feel like this team has no talent because Dom has failed miserably or you just feel like it should have happened much sooner than it did. Let’s just overlook the fact that since the Bucs last won a Superbowl New England has won twice, The Giants have won twice and the Steelers have won twice. Other than that it’s been the Colts, Green Bay, Baltimore and the Saints. That leaves 25 other teams just like the Bucs who haven’t had a Superbowl in that time frame. What we are trying to build here is something like the Steelers or New England where we get several rings and build for the long term. I’m sure you’ve never owned your own business or you would realize that it takes time and patience to build something that is going to last.
June 13th, 2013 at 10:00 am
Buc-n-Junkie,
My comment was sarcasm directed at those who feel Dom had little to nothing to do with drafting Freeman, but had everything to do with drafting Doug Martin, Mark Barron, and Lavontae David with little to no input from Schiano, despite video evidence to the contrary.
June 13th, 2013 at 10:08 am
I’m sure Albert Breer was just being modest . . .
June 13th, 2013 at 10:23 am
In 4 drafts, Dominik has found ONE person worth giving a second contract to. He’s also responsible for 24 wins- one less than Scott Pioli and he got fired
June 13th, 2013 at 10:33 am
Yeah, this Breer guy really knows the Bucs. Here’s a Buccaneers insider interview (I know how much WCBF likes proof) with him at the 2013 combine saying the Bucs biggest priority then was re-signing Roy Miller and Michael Bennett.
http://www.buccaneers.com/multimedia/videos/Buccaneers-Insider-Combine-Special-Albert-Breer/92da102a-1fc3-4b7f-97cb-eccd4d234bc6
June 13th, 2013 at 10:34 am
Dom has the final say because it’s his responsibility.
The coaches have significant input, the latest examples being Ogletree and Carmini. Tiquan and Gary Johnson are earlier ones. All had linkages to the coaching staff.
It’s a collective process, each member having a defined role.
To intimate that Dom is operating in a vacuum would be foolish, it’s clear he listens to his staff.
June 13th, 2013 at 10:40 am
@ lightningbuc
Re: Miller and Bennett. Many here felt the same way. I didn’t care about Miller but thought we flubbed the Bennett deal.
Only the Bucs knew the extent of their injuries.
We’ve rolled the dice, only gameday will tell.
June 13th, 2013 at 10:51 am
Evidently Adam has been hiding under a rock. He has no clue the responsibility that Dom took over after the Gruden/Allen regime. He had to from day one, start gutting the team of all the aging veterans, and start anew without the financial backing that Allen/Gruden enjoyed. Just an uninformed hater as always.
June 13th, 2013 at 11:29 am
The Glazers knew they were sacrificing the ’09-’11 seasons to gain quality draft picks and then stack their chips when they were ready for free agency.
Success through Sacrifice.
Raheem was unfortunately a shill. He wasnt too bright, too young for the job, but the perfect candidate while the Glazers and Dom laid out the long term goals.
And if you take a look at Dom’s draft picks since ’09, he’s been getting progressively better. And looking at how he’s put this kind of talent together, with a chunk of money left over, he brings in a coach who brings in TWO former NFL Head Coaches to work under him, I’ll drink to that!
June 13th, 2013 at 11:49 am
Everyone wants to attack the messenger, but is what I’m saying FALSE??
I’m not giving you an OPINION here. I’m tell you the FACTS. I don’t CARE what he took over. It all boils down to the fact that you’re making EXCUSES for this guy. It’s excuse after excuse after excuse. “If he would have had this…” “If the coach did that…” “If the Glazers had only….” or the ENDLESS comparisons to other teams…. “Look at Miami!” “Look at Houston!” “Look here, there….”
It doesn’t change the FACTS. He has TWENTY-FOUR wins. He’s drafted ONE guy who has merited a contract extension. ONE in FOUR drafts.
These. Are. Facts. They are undisputed.
June 13th, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Stupid Facts but Facts. In 2 years from now he will have 15-20 players on their 2nd contract, with about 44 wins. Dom has the same number of wins now as Rich Mckay had after 4 years. They also had a place holder coach while they paid off Gruden’s salary and had to clean house, those aren’t excuses they are facts or as you say FACTS too. Give it a break.
June 13th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
TonyTwoCents,
Should the Glazers have “sacrificed” tickey prices from 2009-2011, as they “sacrificed” the talent on this team (by not spending)?
I am ecstatic to be where we are this year. No excuses, yes, expectations.
June 13th, 2013 at 12:55 pm
Not only is Dominik in charge, but he’s going to get a nice contract extension of at least 4 years after the 2013 season. That will be the final nail in the coffin of the Dom-haters. I can’t wait!
June 13th, 2013 at 1:42 pm
When the Pop-star and Rah took over, the writing was on the wall. I stopped taking friends and family to games. I bought a boat instead of watching the Pop-star’s minor league teams. For that reason I am grateful, to the pop-star for the great times i had, while he collecting high draft picks from losing seasons.
June 13th, 2013 at 1:56 pm
^Another comment that adds absolutely nothing to the discussion. Maybe you should’ve spent your money on furthering your education instead of buying a rowboat. Go back to school, numbskull.
June 13th, 2013 at 2:02 pm
stevek Says:
“Bonzai, No sir, the Glazers hired Dom, and gave Dom power post Gruden.”
Actually, commitments were made to Morris in order to entice him back from coaching in college. The Glazers made the decision to hire him as HC, and they demanded a QB in the first round that year. They also wanted Morris to be surrounded with experienced coaches. None of which worked out.
In addition, it was the Glazers who insisted the Bucs build thru the draft and not spend money (because of the looming lockout).
So I’m not giving Dominick a pass. I’m simply stating that he did not have all the power when he was hired. It was given to him the year before Schiano was hired. That’s when the spending started.
June 13th, 2013 at 2:07 pm
I’ll also add, concerning Dominick, that he has a better record than McKay did at the same point and the Glazers stuck with him.
June 13th, 2013 at 5:42 pm
@BuccaneerBonzai
I certainly like the things you are saying about commitments to Morris and what not but I have never heard these things before. Are you theorizing or is this actually what happened? If so, where did you hear this from? I am not being critical I would just genuinely like to know.
June 13th, 2013 at 6:04 pm
I really don’t care what Dom’s record is or how many contract extensions he has. All I care about is that he has put us in a position to win the NFC south for years to come. I’m not an impatient cry baby who wants his binky because we haven’t extended the contracts of every player drafted. My gosh…there are some children posting on here. What does that have to do with anything???? In 4 yrs of drafts only the first year would be ready for a contract extension. Ever hear the cliches like ‘good things come to those who wait’. Do you think that’s just a cute little saying with no validity?
June 14th, 2013 at 6:04 am
Adam L: Didn’t you pay any attention when Couch Fan pointed out to you that the reason Dominik’s draft choices haven’t been given extensions is because they are still under their original rookie contracts? If you’re looking to find fault you need to look elsewhere than players not worthy of contract extensions.