Bruce Arians resigns as Buccaneers head coach

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians announced he is stepping down as head coach and moving to a front-office role as a senior football consultant.

Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will replace Arians as head coach and agreed to a new five-year contract with the Buccaneers.

Bowles, 58, was an interim head coach in Miami for three games and went 24-40 in four seasons with the New York Jets. He worked with Arians as defensive coordinator in Arizona when both coached for the Cardinals, and they reunited in 2019 when Bowles arrived in Tampa Bay.

Arians coached the Buccaneers to a 31-18 record over three seasons, including five playoff victories and a Super Bowl LV championship.

“I have spent most of the last 50 years of my life on the sidelines as a football coach in one form or another,” Arians said in a statement released by the team. “Today, I have made the decision to move from the sidelines into another role with the Buccaneers front office, assisting (general manager) 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.”

Tom Brady, in an Instagram post, said Arians was a key factor in his decision to play for Tampa Bay and that he’ll be “forever grateful.”

“You are an incredible man and coach, and it was a privilege to play for you,” Brady wrote. “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 are a few of the words to describe your style. 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."