No, Tom Brady Didn’t Force Bruce Arians Out

By
Bucs Report Staff
-
0

Via Sports Talk Florida’s James Williams
Special to Bucs Report

Let me start right now before the crazy media from New England (yes WEEI Radio) start the rumor that Tom Brady got Bruce Arians to step down as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach. I can tell you that both men not only got along but there is a genuine sense of admiration and respect the duo have for each other.

Those who know Bruce Arians are aware of a couple of things. First, he is someone who loves being involved in football and second, he loves his family. Heading into the season only the Seahawks Pete Carroll at 70 was older than Arians.

I am personally a bit surprised not that he retired (again he did that in 2017) but at the timing. I first met BA back in 1982 when he was a position coach at Alabama. He is a man who when he makes up his mind, he follows his decision. But rather than me talking about why he made the move let’s hear Bruce in his own words.

Arians’ Statement

“I have spent most of the last 50 years of my life on the sidelines as a football coach in one form or another. Today, I have made the decision to move from the sidelines into another role with the Buccaneers front office, assisting Jason Licht and his staff.”

“I love football. I love the relationships, the strategy, the competition—everything. It has been one hell of a ride, but I know this is the right time for me to make this transition.”

“So Why Now?”

“The simple answer is that I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed I could during this incredible coaching journey. Winning Super Bowl LV at our home stadium, with my mom and family in attendance, was really the last item I wanted to check off my career bucket list. For me, this is about more than just trying to add more wins to my coaching record.”

“This team is in a much better place than it was three years ago due to Jason’s great work and the Glazer family’s commitment to winning. Before you start thinking this is about my health, don’t. This is the best I have felt in many years and I’m looking forward to helping this team continue winning through my new role.”

“I want to focus on what I can give back to this incredible game that has provided so much for me and my family. I really began thinking about my personal transition plan earlier this offseason. I wanted to ensure when I walked away that Todd Bowles would have the best opportunity to succeed. So many head coaches come into situations where they are set up for failure, and I didn’t want that for Todd. Tom’s decision to come back, along with Jason and his staff doing another great job of keeping the core of this team intact during free agency, confirmed for me that it was the right time to pass the torch to Todd. I began conversations with Jason and the Glazer family a few weeks ago about a possible succession plan. Their understanding and support mean the world to me.”

Arians on Bowles

“Todd is a great football coach and I know he will do excellent things here with the Buccaneers. The coaching staff has been crucial to the success we have enjoyed here the past few seasons. Coaching is about teaching players, and this staff has some of the best teachers in the business.”

“Professionally, I have been blessed to work for many great organizations. I’d like to thank Michael Bidwell for turning my dream of being an NFL head coach into a reality in 2013. I would especially like to acknowledge the entire Glazer family for bringing me to Tampa Bay in 2019 and providing all the support and vision a coach could ask for. None of this success would have been possible without their complete buy-in and backing.”

“Thank You”

“There are too many people who have played a part in my coaching career to mention them all now. To all of them, I say: Thank You. I could not have made it here without your support, hard work and belief in me.”

“I can’t end this announcement without a nod to all of the players I have been fortunate to coach along the way. I have been part of some special teams and those are always composed of exceptional players who put the needs of the team before their own. They made me a better coach and a better leader.”

“Unwavering Support”

“Lastly, I want to thank the fans of Tampa Bay for their unwavering support over these past three years. Chris and I arrived here in 2019 and were blown away by their enthusiasm and passion. I am happy we got to share that Super Bowl season together and I look forward to contributing to even more championship moments with this special organization.”

Go Bucs!
BA

Not enough proof for you? Well let’s take a look at Brady’s statement following the announcement.

Brady’s Statement

“Thank you, BA for all that you have done for me and our team,” Brady wrote. “You are an incredible man and coach, and it was a privilege to play for you. You are a true NFL legend and pioneer for all the work you have done to make the league more diverse and inclusive.”

“Smart, Tough, And Loyal”

“Smart, tough, and loyal are a few of the words to describe your style,” Brady wrote. “I will always remember the conversations we had when you recruited me two years ago and all of the things we discussed came true. We all benefited from your leadership and guidance and I’m so proud of everything we accomplished. You were a huge part of the decision to join the Bucs and I’m forever grateful.”

“I’m so happy you will spend the much-deserved time with your loving and supportive family that has given so much to our communities,” Brady wrote. “Congratulations on an amazing coaching career but more importantly, how you positively impacted me and everyone else in the game of football.”

Neither of those statements would lead anyone not named Florio to think there was friction between the two. But alas we know that the tin foil crowd won’t be able to help themselves.

For more on this and everything Buccaneers check back here hourly at BucsReport.com.

 

 

Facebooktwitterredditpinterestlinkedinmail

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR