The NFL coaching carousel took an unexpected spin on Wednesday and it happened with a team one year removed from winning a Super Bowl.
Bruce Arians is stepping down as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and moving into the front office as a Senior Football Consultant.
Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles will replace Arians, who led the Buccaneers to victory in Super Bowl LV.
Arians exits with a 31-18 record as coach in Tampa Bay.
Congratulations, Coach Bowles! pic.twitter.com/uyU4hHIs8d
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) March 31, 2022
Bowles was the coach of the New York Jets from 2015-18. His record with Gang Green was 24-40. He also served as an interim coach in Miami at the end of 2011, winning two of three games.
“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.”
Bowles is fortunate in Tampa Bay as he has Tom Brady at quarterback as the GOAT unretired after saying he was going to leave the NFL after the end of last season.
Arians released a long statement that can be found here.