Lions Turn to Buccaneers for Potentially Two Big Hires: A Deep Dive

The Detroit Lions, a franchise that has experienced its fair share of ups and downs over the years, appear to be at a crucial crossroads. After years of rebuilding, there’s a sense that they may finally be on the verge of returning to prominence. However, as any NFL fan knows, building a successful team is not solely about player talent; it’s also about hiring the right people in key positions. That’s why the Detroit Lions’ decision to potentially target two key figures from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers—head coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht—could be the start of something transformative for the franchise.

This article will explore the significance of these potential hires, examine how they would impact the Lions’ organizational structure, and analyze the possible benefits and challenges of bringing in figures from a team that, just a few years ago, was in the midst of a Super Bowl-winning season.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A Winning Culture

Before diving into the potential hires, it’s important to understand what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have built over the past decade. Once seen as one of the league’s more dysfunctional franchises, the Bucs underwent a remarkable turnaround, highlighted by the hiring of head coach Bruce Arians in 2019 and the subsequent acquisition of quarterback Tom Brady. The combination of Arians’ offensive genius and Brady’s leadership quickly propelled Tampa Bay from a perennially underperforming team to Super Bowl champions in the 2020 season.

However, the Bucs’ success wasn’t just about the flashy names at the top. The entire organizational structure—including general manager Jason Licht’s front-office decisions and Todd Bowles’ defensive expertise—played a crucial role in the team’s success. Licht, in particular, has been the architect behind many of the roster moves that have made the Buccaneers competitive year in and year out. Bowles, the defensive coordinator during the 2020 Super Bowl season, earned praise for his ability to develop defensive schemes that shut down potent offenses, including the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

This successful blend of strong management and elite coaching is what the Lions are seemingly hoping to replicate in their own franchise.

Todd Bowles: The Case for a Defensive-Minded Head Coach

Bowles’ Reputation

Todd Bowles is widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in the NFL. As the defensive coordinator for the Buccaneers, he oversaw a unit that not only improved markedly in the 2020 season but also played a key role in Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV victory. His ability to craft defensive schemes that neutralize high-powered offenses was showcased during the Super Bowl, where the Bucs’ defense shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-flying offense.

However, Bowles’ tenure as the head coach of the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018 was somewhat underwhelming. Despite the talent at his disposal, the Jets struggled to compete consistently, and Bowles ultimately found himself on the hot seat after just four seasons. That said, Bowles’ reputation as a defensive mastermind has never wavered, and his defensive coaching record is exemplary.

Why the Lions Need a Defensive Coach

For the Detroit Lions, hiring a head coach with defensive acumen could be a significant step forward. Historically, the Lions have been more known for their offensive firepower—most notably through the arm of Hall of Fame quarterback Matthew Stafford—than their ability to stop opposing offenses. Despite having pieces like defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and cornerback Jeff Okudah, the Lions’ defense has often been a weak point over the years.

In 2022, the Lions were ranked 30th in total defense, and while there were flashes of improvement in 2023, the unit still struggled to find consistency. With the rise of the NFC North, especially teams like the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears, having a defensive-minded head coach could be the key to improving Detroit’s defensive performance and establishing a more balanced team.

Bowles’ expertise could be particularly valuable in helping the Lions develop their defensive line and secondary, areas where they’ve struggled in recent seasons. His understanding of how to adapt to different offensive schemes would allow the Lions to create more flexibility in their defensive playbook and match up better against elite offenses.

Challenges and Concerns

While Bowles would certainly bring defensive expertise to the table, there are concerns about his ability to manage a full team. His time with the Jets was marred by offensive struggles, which raises the question of whether he would be able to create a balanced team capable of competing in an ever-evolving NFL landscape. Furthermore, some critics have questioned his ability to build a high-powered offense, which would be necessary to complement a strong defense.

Despite these concerns, the Lions are already beginning to show signs of offensive prowess under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. With the right leadership and support, Bowles could potentially thrive in Detroit, especially if he has a strong offensive coordinator by his side, much like he did with Arians in Tampa Bay.

Jason Licht: The Architect of a Championship Roster

Licht’s Track Record

Jason Licht has proven himself to be one of the most successful general managers in recent NFL history. His tenure with the Buccaneers has been marked by shrewd draft picks, key free-agent signings, and an ability to manage the salary cap. Perhaps his most notable decision was bringing Tom Brady to Tampa Bay, which turned out to be the final piece of a Super Bowl-winning puzzle. But Licht’s success didn’t start with Brady. His draft selections, such as linebacker Devin White, wide receiver Mike Evans, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr., were all pivotal in building a championship-caliber roster.

Licht’s ability to find and nurture talent has made him an attractive option for the Lions, who have a young and promising roster but still lack the depth and star power needed to truly compete at the highest level.

Why the Lions Need Licht’s Expertise

For the Detroit Lions, bringing in a general manager with the experience and success of Jason Licht could be exactly what they need to take the next step. The Lions have made some solid draft picks in recent years, including Hutchinson, wide receiver Jameson Williams, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. However, they still need a GM who can continue to build depth and fill key gaps on both sides of the ball.

Licht’s experience in navigating the NFL draft, handling trades, and making smart free-agent acquisitions would be invaluable for the Lions. The franchise has long struggled to build consistent depth across the roster, and Licht’s approach of building through both the draft and strategic signings could finally help the Lions achieve that.

Moreover, Licht has shown a remarkable ability to balance long-term and short-term success. While the Bucs made a splash with the acquisition of Brady, Licht didn’t abandon the long-term vision of building a competitive team. This kind of balance would be crucial for the Lions, who are still in a rebuilding phase but could quickly become competitive with the right roster moves.

Challenges and Concerns

One potential concern with bringing in Licht is his reliance on high-profile acquisitions. While bringing in a star like Brady worked for the Buccaneers, it’s unclear if the Lions would have the same luxury. Licht’s success with Tampa Bay was, in part, due to the presence of Brady, who elevated the entire roster. Detroit would need to find its own path to success, and it remains to be seen whether Licht could replicate his success without such a transcendent player.

Additionally, while Licht has been successful in managing the cap and building depth, there have been times when his roster moves have failed to pan out, such as the signing of quarterback Jameis Winston and the selection of tight end O.J. Howard in the first round. The pressure would be on Licht to make the right decisions in a highly competitive NFC North division.

The Synergy of Bowles and Licht in Detroit

If the Lions are successful in hiring both Todd Bowles and Jason Licht, it could create an interesting synergy. A defensive-minded head coach with an experienced general manager would bring balance to the franchise, allowing them to build both a solid defense and an offense capable of competing for championships. Bowles’ defensive schemes could complement the offensive talent the Lions have, while Licht’s strategic moves in free agency and the draft could provide the pieces needed to compete at the highest level.

For the Lions, this could be the dawn of a new era—one in which they build a team that is competitive year in and year out, rather than being mired in mediocrity. The question, however, is whether these hires will be enough to push the team over the top, especially given the challenges inherent in the NFL.