Glazer: Season Was A Success
Ira Kaufman, The Tampa Tribune, published 7 January 2008

A season that ended in lackluster fashion Sunday was judged an overall success by Bucs executive vice president Joel Glazer. "I'm proud of this team," Glazer said after the 24-14 loss to the Giants in an opening-round NFC playoff matchup. "We think this is something to build on."

In March, Glazer indicated Jon Gruden's future as head coach was linked to a sense by ownership that the franchise was heading in the right direction following a 4-12 season and a last-place finish in the NFC South.

The 2007 Buccaneers won a division title despite a flurry of injuries, but dropped four of their final five games after an 8-4 start. Tampa Bay hasn't won in the postseason since the 2002 club routed Oakland in the Super Bowl, capping Gruden's first year on the Bucs sideline.

"We did a lot of good things this year," Glazer said, referring to the leadership of quarterback Jeff Garcia, the resurrection of Monte Kiffin's defense and the development of several young players in prominent roles. "Naturally, we're all disappointed by Sunday's result, but we're going to build on what we accomplished this season."

Gruden is under contract through the 2008 season and Kiffin isn't signed for next year. Following the game, the veteran defensive coordinator declined to comment on his contract status.