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BREAKING: Bruce Arians To Step Down As Buccaneers Head Coach

Kevin Dietsch. Shutterstock Images.

In a BOMBSHELL of a story, Bucs Head Coach Bruce Arians announces he will step down as Buccaneers Head Coach. Now that's a very flashy headline, but the meat of the story makes a ton of success and actually shows what a great guy he is, despite what Kayce Smith might tell you.

The truth is much simpler:

He said he’s relinquishing the Tampa job because “succession has always been huge for me. With the organization in probably the best shape it’s been in its history, with Tom Brady coming back … I’d rather see Todd in position to be successful and not have to take some [crappy] job. I’m probably retiring next year anyway, in February. So, I control the narrative right now. I don’t control it next February because [if] Brady gets hurt, we go 10-7, and it’s an open interview for the job … I got 31 [coaches and their] families that depend on me. My wife is big on not letting all those families down.” - via NBC Sports

But the news is still shocking as Arians had denied any rumors he'd be stepping away as recently as the NFL Combine. But his reasoning shows what a great guy he is, and it all goes back to loyalty. BA has been with a good portion of his staff since he was a Head Coach at Temple University back in the mid-80s. One of his starting Cornerbacks at Temple, was new Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles. They had a great relationship back then and Arians actually was the one that convinced Bowles to get into Coaching. When BA got the Buccaneers job, he lured Bowles to Tampa over an at the time, enticing Bears gig.

The plan all along had been for Bowles to succeed Arians after a failed stint in New York with the Jets where they never could get the Quarterback right. Now, Bowles steps into a gig with the greatest player of all-time at Quarterback and a loaded, young defense. 

As for BA, he'll remain with the organization in a Front Office role as "Senior Consultant for Football" with his first assignment being 2022 Draft prep, which I'm sure he's already deep in the weeds on. As a fan, I'm excited for a new future, but none of this would be possible without BA, who is a tremendous leader, champion, and all-time dude. From myself and Bucs fans everywhere, thank you for everything BA.