“Fortunately I Didn’t Get Fired”

Stunning admission from the football shot-caller of the Bucs earlier this week.

A man who someday may have his name enshrined in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor, AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht, made a shocking declaration this week.

While appearing on the SiriusXM NFL Radio training camp tour stop at One Buc Palace, speaking with former NFL general manager Rick Spielman, Licht told Spielman it’s a good thing he didn’t get canned by Team Glazer.

Spielman asked Licht about his success of late with late-round draft picks (specifically, José Ramirez) and undrafted free agents (Spielman cited Christian Izien), Licht made his stunning admission.

“We also stick to the type of character that we are looking for,” Licht said about sifting through the weeds late in the draft for guys who can get on the field.

Spielman then asked Licht if that philosophy in finding hidden gems is adhered to by his personnel staff.

“It’s extremely important,” Licht said of everyone in personnel rowing in unison. “Fortunately, I didn’t get fired and we were able to stick together with this staff because the longer you work together, as you know, with your coaching staff and your personnel staff, the better relationships you have and the more trust we have in each other.

“Right now, I would say we are at an all-time high with the trust factor.”

Joe has to wonder when did Licht think he was going to get fired? Did he believe he was going to get launched when lousy Lovie Smith was run? (Remember, it was Lovie who advised Team Glazer to interview Licht.)

Was it when Licht (?) decided to pull the plug on Dirk Koetter?

Joe doesn’t think there is any question that luring Bucco Bruce Arians to Tampa Bay bought Licht time if not saved his career.

We know what happened after that.

Now? The way Licht and his staff are drafting, Licht probably has the most job security he’s ever had.