Tampa Bay Buccaneers extend General Manager Mark Dominik’s contract – NFL Update
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced that they have agreed upon a contract extension valid for four years with their General Manager, Mark Dominik.
"I am appreciative of the confidence the Glazer family has in the direction of the franchise," Dominik stated on the team's website. "I am looking forward to working into my 20th year as a proud part of this community and organization."
Dominik became General Manager for the Bucs just two years ago after having been with the franchise for the past 16 years. He changed the entire team to make it the first squad since modern football was established to start 10 rookies and still have a winning
record, as well as being the youngest team in the National Football League during the 2010 season.
Mark has the responsibility of choosing the team’s draft picks and started with trading up to acquire quarter-back Josh Freeman in the 2009 NFL Draft. Since Dominik became General Manager, the team has drafted 15 players, 12 of which have been starters and
13 of which are still with the team.
"It's been a pleasure working with and getting to know Mark, so it's gratifying to witness his success," said Co-chairman Joel Glazer. "Mark is dedicated to delivering the winner our fans deserve."
In his two years with the Bucs, Dominik has shown that he knows what to look for in an aspiring NFL player, especially in later round picks and even those that finish undrafted. Ted Larsen was undrafted and had a major impact on the team in his rookie year
as a guard. Undrafted running back LeGarrette Blount was also a factor in the Bucs’ winning season this year with 201 carries for 1,007 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
Wide receiver Mike Williams was picked in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft and had 65 receptions for 964 yards and 11 touch-downs while safety Cody Grimm, who was picked in the seventh round last year, had 57 tackles, one forced fumble and two interceptions.
"The mission is to continue building this team into a lasting contender and to bring championships back to the Tampa Bay area," Dominik said.
The four-year contract extension’s financial terms were not disclosed, although the amount is speculated to be quite high since Dominik has done a lot to turn the team around. In January of 2009, when Dominik was promoted to General Manager, he said that
he would be working on making the team a play-off contender and has done so. Dominik graduated from the University of Kansas and replaced Bruce Allen.
In Dominik’s first year as General Manager and Raheem Morris’ first year as head coach, the Bucs had their worst season since 1991, finishing 3-13. However, their turnaround in the 2010 season was the greatest in franchise history, finishing 10-6 due to
the tremendous improvements in Freeman, Williams and Blount.
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