Bruce Arians: Difference between revisions

| caption = Arians with the [[Tampa Bay Buccaneers]] in 2021

* [[Mississippi State Bulldogs football|Mississippi State]] ([[1978 Mississippi State Bulldogs football|1978]]–[[1980 Mississippi State Bulldogs football|1980]]1978–1980)<br>Wide receivers coach & running backs coach

* [[Alabama Crimson Tide football|Alabama]] ([[1981 Alabama Crimson Tide football|1981]]–[[1982 Alabama Crimson Tide football|1982]]1981–1982)<br>Running backs coach

* [[Mississippi State]] ([[1993 Mississippi State Bulldogs football|1993]]–[[1995 Mississippi State Bulldogs football|1995]]1993–1995)<br>Offensive coordinator

* Alabama ([[1997 Alabama Crimson Tide football|1997]])<br>Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach

* [[Indianapolis Colts]] ({{nfly|2012}})<br>Offensive coordinator & interim head coach

* [[List of Super Bowl champions|Super Bowl]] champion]] ([[Super Bowl LV|LV]])

After initially retiring in 2017, Arians returned in 2019 to coach the Buccaneers. He led the team to their first playoff appearance since 2007 and first playoff win since 2002 during the 2020 season, culminating with a [[Super Bowl]] victory in [[Super Bowl LV]]. At age 68, he was the oldest head coach to win a Super Bowl. Arians retired from coaching a second time after the 2021 season and became a consultant with Tampa Bay.

Arians <!--attended and--> played [[college football]] at [[Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University|Virginia Tech]] in [[Blacksburg, Virginia]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manning |first=Bryan D. |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Virginia Tech legend Bruce Arians retires as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. |url=https://www.gobblercountry.com/2022/3/31/23004208/virginia-tech-icon-bruce-arians-retires-as-head-coach-of-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-hokies-quarterback |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Gobbler Country |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Joey |date=August 9, 2021 |title=A half-century ago, Bruce Arians indirectly helped save Bobby Bowden’sBowden's job |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2021/08/09/a-half-century-ago-bruce-arians-indirectly-helped-save-bobby-bowdens-job/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> As a senior in [[1974 Virginia Tech Gobblers football team|1974]], Arianshe was the starting [[quarterback]] in a [[wishbone offense]] for the [[NCAA Division I FBS independent schools|independent]] [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|Hokies football team]]. That season, heand completed 53 of 118 passes (44.9%<!-- completion pct.-->) for 952 yards with three passing touchdowns and seven interceptions.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bitter |first=Andy |date=February 5, 2021 |title=Bruce Arians at Virginia Tech: Super Bowl coach in college |url=https://theathletic.com/2368148/2021/02/05/bruce-arians-virginia-tech/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref> HeArians rushed for 243 yards and eleven touchdowns.,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Virginia Tech records and history |url=http://www.hokiesports.com/football/2006MG/records.pdf |access-date=May 1, 2007 |website=Virginia Tech Hokies Athletics}}</ref> Arianswhich heldset the Virginia Techa school record for most quarterback rushing touchdowns in a season<!-- with 11.eleven-->;<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruce Arians College Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/bruce-arians-1.html |access-date=September 12, 2021 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Theit&nbsp;stood recordfor has42 sinceyears, beenuntil broken by [[Jerod Evans]], in [[2016 Virginia Tech Hokies football team|2016]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manning |first=Bryan D. |date=January 24, 2021 |title=Former Virginia Tech quarterback Bruce Arians leads Tampa Bay to Super Bowl LV |url=https://www.gobblercountry.com/2021/1/24/22248017/former-virginia-tech-quarterback-bruce-arians-leads-tampa-bay-buccaneers-to-nfl-super-bowl-lv |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Gobbler Country |language=en}}</ref> He &nbsp;was also the first white player to share a dorm room with a black player in school history.; Hishis roommate was James Barber, father of [[Ronde Barber|Ronde]] and [[Tiki Barber]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Keown |first=Tim |date=October 15, 2014 |title=Bruce Arians coaches with nothing to lose |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11704642/bruce-arians-arizona-cardinals-plans-coaching-nothing-lose |access-date=September 12, 2021 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>

Arians began his coaching career in 1975 as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Regal |first=Patrick |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Super Bowl Champ HC Bruce Arians, Virginia Tech Grad, Steps Down |url=https://fightinggobbler.com/2022/03/31/super-bowl-champ-bruce-arians-virginia-tech-grad-steps/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Fighting Gobbler |language=en-US}}</ref> Arians then held an assistant coaching position at [[Mississippi State University]] (running backs and wide receivers) from 1978 to 1980 before heading to the [[University of Alabama]] to coach the running backs from 1981 to 1982 under [[Bear Bryant|Paul "Bear" Bryant]].<ref name="K1">{{Cite webmagazine |last=Keen |first=Elizabeth |date=April 1, 2022 |title=Looking Back on Bruce Arians' Time With the Mississippi State Bulldogs |url=https://www.si.com/college/mississippistate/football/bruce-arians-retirement-mississippi-state-football |access-date=June 23, 2023 |websitemagazine=Sports Illustrated |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Jon |date=May 23, 2018 |title=Bruce Arians tells story of time he stood up to Bear Bryant at Alabama |url=https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/bruce-arians-tells-story-time-stood-bear-bryant-alabama/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Saturday Down South |language=en-US}}</ref>

Arians was also the head coach at [[Temple Owls football|Temple University]] from 1983 to 1988.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 3, 2021 |title=Buccaneers' Bruce Arians, Todd Bowles recall fondest memories at Temple ahead of Super Bowl 55 |url=https://6abc.com/super-bowl-55-temple-university-bruce-arians-todd-bowles/10285316/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=6abc Philadelphia |language=en}}</ref> While head coach for the Owls, he compiled a 27–39 overall record over six seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruce Arians College Coaching Records, Awards and Leaderboards |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/bruce-arians-1.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> He had only onetwo winning recordrecords on the field, in 1984 and 1986 when; the Owls finished 6–5.<ref>{{Cite webboth |title=1986 Temple Owls Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/temple/1986.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Referenceseasons.com |language=en}}</ref> However, all of thosethe 1986 wins were later forfeited after it emerged that running back [[Paul Palmer (American football)|Paul Palmer]], who was the runner-up in the [[Heisman Trophy]] voting in 1986,<ref>{{Cite web |title=1986 Heisman Trophy Voting |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/heisman-1986.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=College Football at Sports-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> had signed with a sports agent before the season.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 26, 1988 |title=TEMPLE FORFEITS 6 GAMES AFTER PALMER ADMITS ACCEPTING MONEY IN '86 |url=https://www.deseret.com/1988/7/26/18773168/temple-forfeits-6-games-after-palmer-admits-accepting-money-in-86 |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Deseret News |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> Besides Palmer, other standout players Arians coached at Temple included cornerback [[Kevin Ross (American football)|Kevin Ross]], safety [[Todd Bowles]], and running back [[Todd McNair]]. Ross, Bowles, and McNair would all later serve as NFL assistant coaches with or under Arians.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Knight |first=Joey |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Roots of Bruce Arians, Bucs coaching staff stretch from Temple to Tampa |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2021/02/02/roots-of-bruce-arians-bucs-coaching-staff-stretch-from-temple-to-tampa/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref>

At the end of the college football season in 1988, Arians was hired in the NFL as a [[running back]]s coach for the [[Kansas City Chiefs]]. It was during this time with the Chiefs that he worked with the coach who brought him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, [[Bill Cowher]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fedotin |first=Jeff |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers’Buccaneers' Bruce Arians Began His NFL Career With The Kansas City Chiefs |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jefffedotin/2021/02/02/bruce-arians-began-his-nfl-career-with-the-kansas-city-chiefs/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> He also spent one season as the [[tight end]]s coach of the [[New Orleans Saints]] in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodbery |first=Evan |date=September 9, 2015 |title=Bruce Arians' lone year with New Orleans Saints was 'tough' 1996 season |url=https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/article_d1d0ae73-b959-5e3d-b12f-defc9c0998a2.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=NOLA.com |language=en}}</ref>

Following this stint was when he made a name for himself when he got the job as the quarterbacks coach of the [[Indianapolis Colts]] in 1998. He was the first [[quarterback]] coach of [[Peyton Manning]] when he arrived in the NFL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hickey |first=Kevin |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Bruce Arians retires from coaching |url=https://coltswire.usatoday.com/2022/03/31/nfl-bruce-arians-retirement-colts-bucs-2022/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Colts Wire|publisher=USA Today |language=en-US}}</ref> Afterward, he was hired as offensive coordinator (2001–2003) for the [[Cleveland Browns]] under [[Butch Davis]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=McManamon |first=Pat |date=October 30, 2015 |title=Browns' 2002 staff included Bruce Arians, Todd Bowles, Chuck Pagano |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/cleveland-browns/post/_/id/16305/browns-2002-staff-included-bruce-arians-todd-bowles-chuck-pagano |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> In 2002, he helped the Browns finish 9–7 (2nd in the newly aligned AFC North) and to a [[2002–03_NFL_playoffs#AFC:_Pittsburgh_Steelers_36,_Cleveland_Browns_33|Wild Card Round]] berth herewhere they lost to the [[2002 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]] (36–33).<ref>{{Cite web |title=2002 Cleveland Browns Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/cle/2002.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> It was during his tenure with the Browns that he first worked with [[Chuck Pagano]] who served as the Browns secondary coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doerschuk |first=Steve |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Arians says Browns only coaching job he would consider, touts Pagano |url=https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2018/11/05/arians-says-browns-only-coaching/9233860007/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref>

On January 28, 2012, Arians agreed to become the offensive coordinator of the [[Indianapolis Colts]], replacing [[Clyde Christensen]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schefter |first=Adam |date=January 28, 2012 |title=Former Steelers OC Bruce Arians has agreed to become the Colts new OC. He's flying to Indianapolis on Monday to review and sign contract. |url=https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/163345698677469184 |access-date=January 28, 2012 |website=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> Arians previously served as the quarterbacks' coach for the Colts from 1998 to 2000, coaching a young [[Peyton Manning]], whom Arians was briefly reunited with until Manning's release 2 months later. On October 1, 2012, Arians was named the interim head coach of the Colts following coach [[Chuck Pagano]]'s leukemia diagnosis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Michael David |date=October 1, 2012 |title=Colts coach Chuck Pagano diagnosed with leukemia |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/10/01/report-chuck-pagano-will-miss-several-games-with-serious-illness/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US}}</ref> Arians led the Colts to a 9–3 record, part of one of the biggest one-season turnarounds in NFL history. The nine wins are the most by an interim head coach in NFL history.<ref name="York Dispatch">{{Cite news |date=January 3, 2013 |title=Bears get permission to talk with Bruce Arians |work=[[The York Dispatch]] |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.yorkdispatch.com/rss/ci_22306277 |url-status=dead |access-date=January 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314030702/http://www.yorkdispatch.com/rss/ci_22306277 |archive-date=March 14, 2014}}</ref> After winning only two games in 2011, the Colts returned to the playoffs. Pagano returned to the Colts as head coach on December 24, 2012, with Arians returning to his role as offensive coordinator.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Jill |date=December 24, 2012 |title=Colts coach Pagano back on the job after leukemia treatment |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/12/24/sport/football/pagano-returns/index.html |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=CNN.com}}</ref> Arians missed the Colts' [[2012–13_NFL_playoffs#AFC:_Baltimore_Ravens_24,_Indianapolis_Colts_9|Wild Card Round]] loss against the [[2012 Baltimore Ravens|Baltimore Ravens]] due to being hospitalized with an illness, which was described by doctors as an [[labyrinthitis|inner ear infection]] or a virus; Arians had missed practice on January 3 due to the flu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=January 6, 2013 |title=Bruce Arians in hospital, misses Indianapolis Colts' loss |url=httphttps://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000122668/article/bruce-arians-in-hospital-willmisses-not-coach-forindianapolis-colts-vsloss-ravens0ap1000000122668 |access-date=January 6, 2013 |website=[[NFL.com]]}}</ref> Arians was named the 2012 [[National Football League Coach of the Year Award#AP NFL Coach of the Year|AP Coach of the Year]], making him the first interim head coach to win the award.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Milner |first=Barry |date=February 2, 2013 |title=Colts interim coach Arians wins top honors |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/colts-interim-coach-arians-wins-004012559--nfl.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130213063754/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/colts-interim-coach-arians-wins-004012559--nfl.html |archive-date=February 13, 2013 |access-date=February 2, 2013 |website=[[Yahoo! Sports]]}}</ref>

In the [[2013 NFL Draftdraft]], Arians took a chance on troubled LSU defensive back [[Tyrann Mathieu]], who had been kicked off the LSU football team as well as arrested for drug possession prior to the draft.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Arizona Cardinals Draftees |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2013_draft.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Arians was the first Cardinals head coach since [[Norm Barry]] in [[1925 Chicago Cardinals season|1925]] to record at least nine wins in his first season, with a record of 10–6 in [[2013 Arizona Cardinals season|2013]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Steve |date=February 21, 2014 |title=Arizona Cardinals in Good Hands with Head Coach Bruce Arians |url=http://www.sportsmedia101.com/arizonacardinals/2014/02/21/arizona-cardinals-in-good-hands-with-head-coach-bruce-arians/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226070719/http://www.sportsmedia101.com/arizonacardinals/2014/02/21/arizona-cardinals-in-good-hands-with-head-coach-bruce-arians/ |archive-date=February 26, 2014 |access-date=February 21, 2014 |website=Sports Media 101}}</ref> Despite the improvement, the Cardinals failed to reach the postseason, finishing third in the NFC West.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 Arizona Cardinals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2013.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/index.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

The Cardinals finished the [[2014 Arizona Cardinals season|2014 season]] with an 11–5 record and were the #5 seed in the NFC.<ref name="2014card">{{Cite web |title=2014 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2014.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name="2014league">{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The 11 wins tied a Cardinals franchise record for most wins in a season.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago/St. Louis/Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals Team Encyclopedia |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/index.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Arians led the Cardinals to a 9–1 start, best in the NFL, but injuries to starting quarterback [[Carson Palmer]] (who was 6–0 as the starter) and backup [[Drew Stanton]], (who was 5–3 as starter) led to the eventual NFC champion [[2014 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]] claiming the divisional title with a 12–4 record.<ref name="2014league" /> Roughly half the team was put on injured reserve between Week 8 and Week 17.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2014 Arizona Cardinals Injuries |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2014_injuries.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The injury plagued Cardinals were eliminated by the [[2014 Carolina Panthers|Carolina Panthers]] in the [[2014–15_NFL_playoffs#NFC:_Carolina_Panthers_27,_Arizona_Cardinals_16|Wild Card Round]], 27–16.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers - January 3rd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501030car.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Following the season, Arians was named Associated Press Head Coach of the Year for the second time in three seasons.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=January 31, 2015 |title=Arizona Cardinals' Bruce Arians wins Coach of the Year |url=httphttps://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000466457/article/arizona-cardinals-bruce-arians-wins-coach-of-the-year-0ap3000000466457 |access-date=September 11, 2021 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

On February 23, 2015, the Cardinals announced a new four-year deal with Arians which would keep him with the Cardinals through the 2018 season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weinfuss |first=Josh |date=February 23, 2015 |title=Bruce Arians, GM get 4-year deals |url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12369743/bruce-arians-steve-keim-given-new-four-year-contracts-arizona-cardinals |access-date=February 23, 2015 |website=[[ESPN.com]]}}</ref> After starting 3–0 for a second consecutive season, Arians led the Cardinals to a 13–3 record in [[2015 Arizona Cardinals season|2015]], setting a new franchise record for regular season wins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2015 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2015.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The Cardinals defeated the [[2015 Green Bay Packers season|Green Bay Packers]] 26–20 in overtime in the [[2015–16_NFL_playoffs#NFC:_Arizona_Cardinals_26,_Green_Bay_Packers_20_(OT)|Divisional Round]], Arians' first playoff win as a head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Green Bay Packers at Arizona Cardinals - January 16th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201601160crd.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> It was also only the thirdfifth home playoff game in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arizona Cardinals Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/playoffs.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

[[File:Bruce Arians by Gage Skidmore.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Arians with the [[Arizona Cardinals]] in 2016.]]

In the [[2016 NFL season|2016 season]], Arians led the [[2016 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]] to a record of 7–8–1. Five of the Cardinals losses wherewere within one possession.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2016 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2016.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Somers |first=Kent |date=January 2, 2017 |title=Close losses doom Arizona Cardinals in 2016 season |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2017/01/02/arians-why-cardinals-lose-close-games/96089480/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=The Arizona Republic |language=en-US}}</ref>

After the [[2017 NFL season|2017 season]], where he led the [[2017 Arizona Cardinals season|Cardinals]] to an 8–8 record, Arians announced his retirement from coaching after five seasons with the Cardinals, despite having a year left inon his contract. Arians' final game with the Cardinals was on [[New Year's Eve]] of 2017, a 26–24 winvictory over the [[2017 Seattle Seahawks season|Seattle Seahawks]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Arizona Cardinals Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2017.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> That same day, he recorded his 50th and final win with the Cardinals and surpassed [[Ken Whisenhunt]] as the franchise's winningest head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Chicago/St. Louis/Arizona Cardinals Coaches |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/coaches.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> Arians finished his tenure in Arizona with a 50-32-150–32–1 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2017 Arizona Cardinals Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/crd/2017.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=January 1, 2018 |title=Bruce Arians retires after five seasons with Cardinals |url=httphttps://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000901594/article/bruce-arians-retires-after-five-seasons-with-cardinals-0ap3000000901594 |access-date=January 1, 2018 |website=NFL.com}}</ref>

Arians stated in the offseason for the Buccaneers that he could win now with the team he had. HeArians also put his faith in [[Jameis Winston]], saying: "I think with (quarterbacks coach) Clyde Christensen and (offensive coordinator) [[Byron Leftwich]], he's in great hands."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=March 9, 2019 |title=Bruce Arians on Jameis Winston: 'No reason he can't be really, really successful' |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2019/03/bruce-arians-on-jameis-winston-no-reason-he-cant-be-really-really-successful.html |access-date=July 14, 2019 |website=AL.com}}</ref>

Arians assembled the largest coaching staff in the NFL for the 2019 NFL season, at a total of 28 assistants.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Zach |date=April 15, 2019 |title=Bruce Arians may have the largest coaching staff in NFL history |url=https://footballscoop.com/news/bruce-arians-may-largest-coaching-staff-nfl-history/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=FootballScoop |language=en-US}}</ref> AriansHe made it known one of his intentions was fixing the defensive secondary. In the 2019 season, the Buccaneers surrendered a league worst passer rating (110.9), yards per attempt (8.2) and completion percentage (72.5).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bergman |first=Jeremy |date=June 1, 2019 |title=Bruce Arians: Buccaneers secondary is 'totally fixed' |url=httphttps://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001032498/article/bruce-arians-buccaneers-secondary-is-totally-fixed-0ap3000001032498 |access-date=July 14, 2019 |website=NFL.com}}</ref> In his first season with the team, Arians led the Buccaneers to a 7–9 record, finishing third in the NFC South.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2019.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2019/index.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

In Arians's second season with the team, the Buccaneers signed longtime [[New England Patriots]] quarterback [[Tom Brady]] to a two-year contract on March 20, 2020. They traded for Brady's former teammate and former Patriots tight end [[Rob Gronkowski]] on April 21, 2020, and he came out of retirement to play for the Buccaneers with Brady.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patra |first=Kevin |date=March 20, 2020 |title=Tom Brady officially signs contract with Buccaneers |url=httphttps://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001107130/article/tom-brady-officially-signs-contract-with-buccaneers-0ap3000001107130 |access-date=March 21, 2020 |website=NFL.com |publisher=NFL Enterprises, LLC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shook |first=Nick |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Patriots trade TE Rob Gronkowski to Buccaneers |url=httphttps://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001110390/article/patriots-totrade-tradete-rob-gronkowski-to-buccaneers-0ap3000001110390 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=NFL.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |lastlast1=Belson |firstfirst1=Ken |last2=Pennington |first2=Bill |date=April 21, 2020 |title=Rob Gronkowski to Reunite With Tom Brady in Tampa Bay |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/21/sports/football/rob-gronkowski-tom-brady-buccaneers-patriots.html |access-date=April 22, 2020 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In [[2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2020]], Arians led the Buccaneers to a 11–5 record, earning a Wild Card spot - their first playoff berth since [[2007 Tampa Bay Buccaneers season|2007]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2020.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> After winning three straight road games against the [[2020 Washington Football Team season|Washington Football Team]], [[2020 New Orleans Saints season|New Orleans Saints]], and [[2020 Green Bay Packers|Green Bay Packers]], the Buccaneers reached their second [[Super Bowl]] appearance in [[Super Bowl LV]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2020 Games and Schedule |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2020/gamelog/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> The playoff victories were the Buccaneers' first since the 2002 season when they won [[Super Bowl XXXVII]], and Arians iswas the first head coach to lead an NFL team to play and win a Super Bowl in their home stadium when they defeated the [[Kansas City Chiefs]] 31–9 in [[the Super Bowl LV]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff History |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/playoffs.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LV - Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs - February 7th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202102070tam.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Buccaneers make history as first team to win Super Bowl at home stadium |url=https://www.fox13news.com/sports/buccaneers-make-history-as-first-team-to-win-super-bowl-at-home-stadium |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=FOX 13 News |language=en-US}}</ref>

In Arians's third season with the team, the Buccaneers finished atop the NFC South with a 13–4 record.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/tam/2021.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> They defeated the [[2021 Philadelphia Eagles season|Philadelphia Eagles]] in the [[2021–22_NFL_playoffs#NFC:_Tampa_Bay_Buccaneers_31,_Philadelphia_Eagles_15|Wild Card Round]], but lost to the eventual [[Super Bowl LVI]] champion [[2021 Los Angeles Rams season|Los Angeles Rams]] induring the [[2021–22_NFL_playoffs#NFC:_Los_Angeles_Rams_30,_Tampa_Bay_Buccaneers_27|Divisional Round]] in what would be Arians' final game as an NFL head coach.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berman |first=Zach |date=January 16, 2022 |title=Bucs 31, Eagles 15: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia offense overmatched in wild-card loss; critical offseason now begins |url=https://theathletic.com/3073669/2022/01/16/bucs-31-eagles-15-jalen-hurts-philadelphia-offense-overmatched-in-wild-card-loss-critical-offseason-now-begins/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=The Athletic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Thames |first=Alanis |date=January 23, 2022 |title=Matthew Stafford, in a reversal, seals a Rams win in the final minutes. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/sports/football/rams-buccaneers-score.html |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=The New York Times |language=en-US}}</ref> Arians finished his tenure in Tampa Bay with a 31–18 record and a 5–1 record in the postseason.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruce Arians Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/AriaBr0.htm |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>

On March 30, 2022, Arians informed his staff that he would be stepping down from the head coach position and would take on a new role for the team as a Senior Football Consultant.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Scott |date=March 30, 2022 |title=Bruce Arians Steps Into New Role, Todd Bowles Taking Over as Bucs' Head Coach |url=https://www.buccaneers.com/news/bucs-bruce-arians-new-role-todd-bowles-named-head-coach |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=Buccaneers.com}}</ref> HeArians was succeeded by Buccaneers defensive coordinator [[Todd Bowles]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=Lorenzo |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Bruce Arians denies rift with Tom Brady, says coaching retirement about 'succession' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/buccaneers/2022/03/31/bruce-arians-retires-tom-brady-tampa-bay-buccaneers/7232696001/ |access-date=June 23, 2023 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref>

Arians and his wife, Christine, run a charity called The Arians Family Foundation, which supports and develops programs to prevent and remedy the abuse and neglect of children.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Arians Family Foundation |url=https://ariansfamilyfoundation.com/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Arians Family Foundation |language=en-US}}</ref> The Arians Family Foundation supports the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2018 |title=Post Retirement, Bruce Arians Aims to Continue Supporting CASA, Children in Need |url=https://voicesforcasachildren.org/2018/02/post-retirement-bruce-arians-aims-continue-supporting-casa-children-need/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Voices for CASA Children |language=en-US}}</ref>

Arians is a [[prostate cancer]] survivor.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=July 6, 2020 |title=How cancer survivor Bruce Arians plans to coach the Bucs during a pandemic |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2020/07/06/how-cancer-survivor-bruce-arians-plans-to-coach-the-bucs-during-a-pandemic/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> He and his wife Christine have a son, [[Jake Arians|Jake]] (born January 26, 1978), who spent part of the 2001 season as the placekicker for the [[Buffalo Bills]], and a daughter, Kristi Anne (born December 15, 1980).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jake Arians Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/A/arianjak01.htm |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Stroud |first=Rick |date=February 13, 2021 |title=Super Bowl marks fulfillment of lifetime of coaching for Bruce Arians |url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/bucs/2021/02/13/super-bowl-marks-fulfillment-of-lifetime-of-coaching-for-bruce-arians/ |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Tampa Bay Times |language=en}}</ref> Arians and his wifeThey currently maintain residences in [[Tampa, Florida]], and on [[Lake Oconee]] in [[Greensboro, Georgia]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruce and Christine Arians |url=https://www.reynoldslakeoconee.com/blog/bruce-and-christine-arians |access-date=March 4, 2021 |website=Reynolds Lake Oconee |language=en-US}}</ref>

[[Category:SportspeoplePlayers of American football from York, Pennsylvania]]