TAMPA (SNN-TV) – According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, Bruce Arians, who coached the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl LV victory less than 14 months ago, is stepping aside to take a front-office role with the team effective immediately.
Taking over in Arians stead is Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles. Arians said he has wanted Bowles, the architect of the Bucs’ suffocating defense, to succeed him whenever he chose to step down.
Arians said his new job would be as “senior consultant for football,” and that he’ll begin his new role with Tampa Bay’s 2022 draft prep.
Bucs owner Joel Glazer also announced today that Arians will have his name placed in the Ring of Honor.
The former head coach spoke to the media this afternoon about being content with his decision. “It’s been a great three years. When you know it’s time, it’s time. No better time than right now. Three years ago sitting at this podium we talked about creating a culture, a winning atmosphere, that we were going to do it our way. We were going to be fast, going to be physical, smart. It’s paid off.”
As for Arians replacement, Todd Bowles, he vows that the ideology of the Bucs is still about winning, as that’s still the goal moving forward. “We’re not changing the program, we’re trying to add on. Because when you don’t win a Super Bowl, despite the record, we’re good enough but not great. We got to tweak some things and do better as ourselves, as coaches. As well as trying to teach that to the players so we can go on to do that.”
Former defensive line coach, Kacy Rodgers, & former inside linebackers coach, Larry Foote, will now serve as co-defensive coordinators.
Bucs offseason workout programs will begin April 4th.