The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced on Thursday that they have extended the contracts of coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht for multiple years.
Buccaneers owner and co-chairman Joel Glazer stated, “Jason and Todd’s leadership has been key to our success as a team. The winning culture they’ve created puts us in a great place for the future.
Their stability will greatly help us compete for more championships.”
The team did not reveal specific details, but sources informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Bowles’ contract has been extended for three years, lasting until the 2028 season.
At 61 years old, Bowles is starting his fourth season as head coach of the team. He has a record of 27 wins and 24 losses and led the team to three straight NFC South titles from 2022 to 2024. His 27 regular-season wins rank as the second-highest total in franchise history after Bruce Arians, who was his predecessor.
“I am thrilled to continue my work with Jason for many more years as we build on our past achievements and strive for even greater goals,” Bowles stated. “… I also want to thank the Glazer Family for their trust in my ability to lead this football team. I take this responsibility seriously and feel honored by it.”
Jason Licht is now the fifth-longest-serving traditional general manager in the NFL, starting his 12th season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Last season, the Bucs had a record of 10-7 but were eliminated by the Washington Commanders in the NFC wild-card game.
During Licht’s time, the Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV and selected important players like Mike Evans, Tristan Wirfs, Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr., Chris Godwin, Bucky Irving, Calijah Kancey, Cade Otton, Graham Barton, Luke Goedeke, Cody Mauch, and others.
Tampa Bay tops the NFL in total plays and starts by players drafted in Rounds 1-5 since 2014.
“I am very thankful to the Glazer Family for their trust and confidence in what we are achieving here,” Licht said in a statement.
“I am also really looking forward to working with Todd well into the future as we keep our focus on finding and developing skilled players while aiming for more championships for our fans.”
Since Bowles became head coach, after serving as the Bucs’ defensive coordinator, the team’s defense has been among the best in the NFL since 2019.
They have led the league in rushing defense (93.8 yards per game), opponent yards per carry (4.0), and fumble recoveries (68). They also ranked second in sacks (281.0) and fifth in red zone efficiency (53.8%).
Overall, Bowles has a record of 53-65 as a head coach. He coached three games as interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins in 2011 and spent four seasons with the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018, finishing with a record of 24-40.
