Glazer Says Fans Helped Make Decision On Gruden

Glazer Says Fans Helped Make Decision On Gruden
January 27
Tampa Tribune


"Fan discontent over the direction of the team was a factor in the recent firing of Jon Gruden as head coach of the Buccaneers, executive vice president Bryan Glazer said Monday.

"Our fans are our stockholders. They're what we play for every week. They're the people in our stadium and who watch on TV," Glazer said during an impromptu interview at the media headquarters for the Super Bowl. "This is what it's all about - winning, and how they feel about the team. If they don't feel good at the team, something's wrong."

He added, "Not to speak for the fans, but I think you all know the sense that was out there. It was time for a change."

Gruden was fired on Jan. 16, replaced as head coach by Raheem Morris following a 9-7 season. The Bucs lost four games in December to miss a playoff spot, becoming the first team in NFL history to start 9-3 and miss the post-season.

"It's a mix of a lot of things. We did take our time and talked to a lot of people, not only the players but the community - getting a feel for the team," Glazer said. "We had our opinions and we mixed them all together. We took our time in making the decision.

"I've had players be very, very positive [about the change]. I just ran into Earnest Graham at the NFL Experience [Sunday]. His face just lit up."

The Bucs are an estimated $45 million under the salary cap. Glazer said they're willing to spend what it takes to get the team back into the league's elite."
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