Tampa Bay Buccaneers announce Bruce Arians as next head coach

The Buccaneers’ next head coach will be Bruce Arians, according to a tweet from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  

The former Arizona Cardinals coach is being signed to a four-year deal with a fifth-year option.

Former Jets head coach Todd Bowles is the top candidate to join Arians’ staff as defensive coordinator. Bowles was DC during Arians’ first two seasons in Arizona. 

Arians was in town over the weekend on his interview, which included a doctor’s check-up. The 66-year-old has dealt with various health concerns over the years, which factored into his decision to retire following the 2017 season. 

His reputation is one of a high-flying offensive guru, with a knack for getting the most out of quarterbacks like Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Carson Palmer.

The Bucs fired head coach Dirk Koetter after their season ended. He has since been re-hired by the Falcons as their offensive coordinator.

Arians will become the 12th head coach in team history.  He’ll try to be the first to take the team to the playoffs since Jon Gruden in 2007.