Bruce Arians Says He Wants To Stick Around Bucs After Leaving Coaching
February 26th, 2021
No, Bucco Bruce Arians is not retiring as head coach in 2021.
But nothing is set after that and Arians was firm about what he’d like to see happen after he walks away from the Tampa Bay job.
Regular listeners of The Ira Kaufman Podcast heard all about this several days ago, but now Joe’s typing it up here.
Arians has gone public multiple times to express his frustration about offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich not getting a head coaching interview. And who could forget Tom Moore’s powerful Leftwich endorsement.
Also, Arians has said defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is super-worthy of getting another head-coaching gig. So Arians feels very lucky that Bowles and Leftwich stuck around for 2021. He even said he’d consider quitting if one of them left.
But what about if Leftwich or Bowles were designated as a Buccaneers head-coach-in-waiting? Ready to take over when Arians retires? Arians was asked just that on WDAE radio last week.
“I hope so,” Arians replied. “You know, it’s not going to happen anytime soon, but I really hope it is. That would let me come back and be a part of this for a long, long time.”
That final sentence is very intriguing, the thought of Arians serving as some sort of senior advisor/executive vice president alongside general manager Jason Licht while Leftwich or Bowles coach the team.
Frankly, Leftwich and Bowles are supremely boring personalities when it comes to being the face of a franchise. And Licht, prior to the past two months, was a GM very content to avoid any spotlight (and probably still dreads these interviews, Super Bowl-winning suit or not).
In addition to retaining Arians’ for his football acumen and coaching prowess, Joe suspects Team Glazer would love for Arians to be a club spokesperson and community voice.
Joe hopes Team Glazer starts the interview process of Bowles and Leftwich this spring and doesn’t wait. Spend a full day getting to know each assistant coach. Don’t be left unprepared in October if another team fires its head coach early and requests interviews with the Bucs’ coordinators.
February 26th, 2021 at 10:52 am
Frankly, I am surprised the NFL has not come knocking on Todd Bowles door. It was his brilliant defensive plan that helped us beat the Kansas City Chiefs, and silence Patrick Mahomes. It isn’t widely known but Mahomes has not been help to a no touchdown game since junior high school!
As far as Jason Licht goes, he may avoid the spotlight, but I find him far from boring. I would love to someday drink a Beer with him.
February 26th, 2021 at 11:04 am
“Frankly, Leftwich and Bowles are supremely boring personalities when it comes to being the face of a franchise.”
Joe, I realize you have first hand experience with them and take your word. I would say, however, that this is how coordinators should be. They are not in business for themselves.
Until the turnaround at 7-5, this looked like a middle of the road team. Bowles and Leftwich were having an undistinguished year. Then, they caught fire. It happens. Happened to the NYG in 07 when they came to Tampa and beat Tampa in its last playoff season.
For a lot of last year, the play calling on Offense appeared predictable. Now a year later, I’m rethinking that and wondering if the play calling is any better. The difference may be that Jameis was much worse than he appeared. Tom Brady was masterful with this Offense.
So that said, is Leftwich ready to be a HC? Was Bowles when he went to that graveyard in NY?
Will next year involve Leftwich v. Bowles for replacing BA?????
February 26th, 2021 at 11:07 am
Predicted that when Arians was hired: BA … President of Football Operations.
February 26th, 2021 at 11:19 am
I can see it now……Tom Moore 104 & Bruce Arians 90……co advisers to 10 time SB Champion Buccaneers….
Brady QB til 50…
What better place to retire, or not retire……Florida
February 26th, 2021 at 12:41 pm
“The difference may be that Jameis was much worse than he appeared.”
Ask recently waived Adam Humpries if he thinks that. Or Breshad Permian for that matter.
February 26th, 2021 at 1:21 pm
Team President, Executive VP. I know the Glazers have that role too, but they are not the public faces. Now, would Byron or Todd really want this?
February 26th, 2021 at 1:23 pm
Joe says, ” Joe suspects Team Glazer would love for Arians to be a club spokesperson and community voice.”
Jaymiss says, “I love BA but if is going to be the spokesperson and community voice, he will need to clean up his language…. a lot of bit!” Yeah – not a typo.
February 26th, 2021 at 1:29 pm
I really expect him to stick around one way or another. BA really looks happy at TB, he’s got good thing going and a rare moment to seize it as well as retain it.
February 26th, 2021 at 2:59 pm
So basically just have BA be the figurehead face of the franchise and ride around in a golf cart all day giving his two cents here and there? Doesn’t he already do that? Lol.
I kinda miss Realist and the rest of the trolls.
February 26th, 2021 at 4:37 pm
Lol…people forget how bad Bowles was as a head coach and the D didnt start doing well until some players came back from injury.
February 26th, 2021 at 4:38 pm
I’ve lived all over the country and live in Atlanta now,. Fact is, once you get used to Tampa, you cannot leave it for anything else.
February 26th, 2021 at 7:32 pm
BA will become the cigar chomping, Tampa Bay fishing “offensive consultant” and I’d love it. He is one of the best interviews in the game.
February 27th, 2021 at 12:52 am
Realist, T- Maxipad and Ndog 86’d themselves huh?!?! Na na na na na hey hey hey gooodbyeeeeeee…. 👋🤣🤣🤣