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Glazers Make A Statement

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 20, 2009

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owners sent a reassuring message to fans when they fired Jon Gruden: They care about winning. No coach deserves a lifetime pass for capturing a Super Bowl title, as Gruden did in his first season with the Bucs in 2002.

Gruden's dismissal, along with that of his handpicked general manager, Bruce Allen, was justified. The team had become average - at best - and fans' enthusiasm was waning.

The Bucs have not won a playoff game since bringing home the Lombardi Trophy, and Gruden had compiled a losing record of 45-53, including three losing seasons, since that Super Bowl victory in San Diego.

The Bucs' colossal collapse at the end of this past season - losing four straight and what seemed a sure spot in the playoffs - rightly sealed the fate of Gruden and Allen. They had to be held accountable for questionable coaching and personnel moves.

To their credit, the Glazers waited a few weeks, allowing the emotions of that disappointment to subside, before deciding on a new direction.

And that direction is exciting.

Surprising many, the Glazers promoted Raheem Morris, a 32-year-old defensive coach, to his first head-coaching job. Mark Dominik, 37, who has worked in the front office since 1995, takes over for Allen. These moves should furnish the Bucs needed energy and new perspectives.

It may take a season or two to right the pirate ship, but fans need to give these young men a chance. The Glazers also deserve a hand for refusing to be satisfied with the mediocre seasons that followed Gruden's Super Bowl triumph.

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