Licht at the End of the Tunnel?

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The 2018 season seems all but lost, leaving many to abandon all hope. This could lead to the termination of both the HC and the GM. If they get fired, who will replace them? That is a tough question to answer.

Fans pining for the old days seem to suggest that Tony Dungy would be a favorable GM replacement. But is he a suitable candidate? He certainly has the resume. Dungy is a one-time Super Bowl-winning head coach,but one one as players as well, who has worked closely with former Bucs GM Rich McKay. I’m sure he learned a thing or two from McKay.

While an HC, Dungy has had many position coaches move on to become head coaches or GMs themselves. (Lovie Smith HC, Mike Tomlin HC, Jim Caldwell HC, Leslie Frazier GM, Rod Marinelli HC, Herm Edwards HC, Mike Shula HC for Alabama, and let’s not forget a player, John Lynch, who is the current GM of the San Francisco 49ers).

Dungy’s philosophies on life and fatherhood could help guide the Buccaneers in the right direction. His in-depth analysis during games gives us insight into Dungy’s mind and shows us that he has what it takes to be a GM. However, a Tony Dungy return to Tampa in any position is highly unlikely.

I think in the event that Licht is fired that Tampa will do their due diligence in finding a replacement, but I would not be surprised if Tampa promoted from within. Shelton Quarles is one name that comes to mind.

Quarles has held an executive position for the Buccaneers since 2007. Having done pro scouting before becoming the Director of Football Operations, Quarles has worked under three different General Managers, and that experience could translate to the position itself, making him an ideal candidate.

My pal and the most knowledgeable man I know, James Coleman, pointed out that there are GM candidates all over the place, ie. Mike Maycock, Bill Polian, Charley Casserly, Steve Mariucci, and Ray Rhodes. There’s a ton of guys who have been around and know what successful organizations look like. Coleman also stated that the Buccaneers do not need to be in a rush to find a new GM.

If the Buccaneers decide to pull the trigger on house cleaning this offseason, I believe changes need to be made at the very top, starting with Joel Glazer hiring someone to take on the role of team president. Another pal of mine, Scott Bradford, said that Derrick Brooks would be a great solution to that problem. It seems that former Buccaneers DE Chidi Ahanotu and WR Michael Clayton also agree.

I guess we will have to wait and see what happens at the end of the season, but one thing is for sure, the House needs to be cleaned from top to bottom.

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