Alliance resigns, Bowles new head coach Sports

TAMPA, FL – Bruce Arians has abruptly resigned as Tampa Bay coach Buckeners, a stunning move Wednesday night that, according to the 69-year-old man who led the team to a second Super Cup title, is unrelated to health.

Twice a cancer patient has resigned as Arizona Cardinals coach due to medical issues in 2017, only to be returned to the sidelines two years later.

This time, he said, he is leaving, feeling better than “many years”, and looking forward to moving to the front office, working with general manager Jason Licht.

Defense coordinator Todd Bowles was appointed successor to the Arians.

“This team is in a much better position than it was three years ago, thanks to the excellent work of Jason and the Glaser family’s drive to win,” said a long statement from Arians.

“I want to focus on being able to bring back this incredible game that has given so much to me and my family,” Arians added. “I really started thinking about my personal transition plan earlier this offseason. I wanted to make sure that when he left, Todd Bowles would have the best chance of success. ”

Arians, who will turn 70 next season, coached the Bucks for the Super Cup title in the 2020 season – for the first time Tom Brady of Tampa Bay. For the three seasons the Bucks were there 31-18, and he had 80-48-1 in eight years as head coach overall when he added five seasons with the Cardinals from 2013 to 2017.

NBC Sports and the Los Angeles Times first reported Ariana’s decision and that Bowles would take it.

“I’ve spent most of the last 50 years of my life in one form or another as a football coach,” Arians said. “I love football. I love relationships, strategy, competition – everything. It was a damn trip, but I know it’s the right time for me to make that transition. “

Bowles became the sixth minority head coach in the NFL, joining Mike Tomlin of Pittsburgh, Ron Rivera of Washington, Robert Saleh of the New York Jets, Lowe Smith of Houston and Mike McDaniel of Miami. He is also the fourth black coach in Bucs history, joining Tony Danga, Rahim Morris and Smith.

This is the second serious announcement of the Bucks ’retirement this offseason following Brady’s announcement in February that he is ending his career. Brady, a seven-time Super Cup champion, returned 40 days later, saying he would return for the 23rd season and noted that he had “unfinished business”.

Brady in an Instagram post Wednesday night said that Alliance was an important part of his decision to play for Tampa Bay and that he would be “forever grateful”.

“You’re an incredible person and coach, and playing for you was an honor,” Brady wrote. “You are a true NFL legend and a pioneer for all the work you have done to make the league more diverse and inclusive. Smart, tough and loyal – here are a few words that describe your style. I will always remember the conversations we had when you recruited me two years ago, and everything we discussed came true. “

At the NFL’s annual meetings on the Atlantic side of the state in Palm Beach, Florida, there was no public indication that such a move was being made. Alliance was there briefly and gave an interview to the NFL Network about what the team would have done to replace Brady if the defender had not changed his mind. Licht did not speak to journalists during the meetings, as did team co-owner Joel Glaser.

Arians did not conduct a group interview there, the team said he was leaving for personal reasons. He was also one of four coaches who chose not to be part of the annual group photo of all NFL head coaches at meetings.

The Bowles were interim head coaches in Miami for three games in 2011, and had a score of 24-40 for four seasons with the New York Jets from 2015 to 2018.

“I am grateful to the Glaser family and Jason Licht for believing in me to take on this role, and to Coach Ariana for his support and leadership over the past four decades,” Bowles said. “Tampa has become home to my family and we are excited to remain part of this community for years to come. … I really want to start working with our players, coaching staff and head office in preparation for the 2022 season. “

Bowles was Arizona’s defense coordinator for part of the Arians’ stay in the Cardinals. He reunited with his old boss in Tampa Bay after the Jets fired Bowles after the 2018 season.

Arian said the time of his decision to leave – along with Brady’s return – should serve Bowles well.

“So many head coaches get into a situation where they’re set up for failure, and I didn’t want that for Todd,” Arians said. “Tom’s decision to return with Jason and his staff, who are doing another great job to keep the core of this team intact during free time, confirmed to me that it’s time to hand over the torch.”

Licht said he is very happy to continue working with the former coach.

“Bruce created a culture here that laid the groundwork for the Super Cup championship,” Licht said. “In my opinion, he is the coach of the Hall of Fame, so it is difficult for our football team to lose this type of leader. However, I am very pleased that he will continue to contribute to our franchise in his new capacity. “