Todd Bowles to take over as head coach of Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Bruce Arians stepping into front-office role
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Bruce Arians is stepping down after three seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' coach and will take on a new role in the team's front office, it was announced Wednesday night.
The Bucs are promoting defensive coordinator Todd Bowles to head coach.
"I am appreciative of the family and Jason Licht for having faith in me to take on this role, and to Coach Arians for his support and guidance over the past four decades," Bowles said in a statement. "Tampa has become home for my family, and we are excited to remain part of this community for years to come. As an organization, we have all the pieces in place to continue the winning standard that has been established here in recent years. I am eager to get started with our players, coaching staff, and front office in preparation for the 2022 season."
According to the team's release, Arians informed his coaching staff and players of the change on Wednesday. He will assume the role of senior football consultant and said in a text to ESPN's Jenna Laine that he doesn't see this as a retirement.
"No, moving to the front office," he said in a text message. "I'm still working."
In a statement, Arians said, "I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed I could during this incredible coaching journey. Winning Super Bowl LV at our home stadium, with my mom and family in attendance, was really the last item I wanted to check off my career bucket list. For me, this is about more than just trying to add more wins to my coaching record.
"This team is in a much better place than it was three years ago due to Jason's great work and the Glazer family's commitment to winning. Before you start thinking this is about my health, don't. This is the best I have felt in many years and I'm looking forward to helping this team continue winning through my new role."
Arians took over as Bucs coach in January 2019 following a brief one-year retirement after serving as the Arizona Cardinals' head coach from 2013-17. In three seasons at the helm, he guided Tampa Bay to a 31-18-0 regular-season record and a win in Super Bowl LV.