According to the statement, Arianes said he “accomplished more than I could ever dream of during this incredible training journey” of 50 years. He was awarded the 2012 AP Coach of the Year as interim head coach for the Indianapolis Colts, then served as head coach for the Arizona Cardinals from 2013-2017. Arians came out of retirement in 2019 to lead the Bucs.
“Winning the Super Bowl LV title on our home court, with my mother and family in attendance, was the last item I wanted to check off my career to-do list. For me, this is more than just trying to add more wins to my training record.”
In his statement, Ariane, 69, denied that his health was a reason to step down.
“Before you start thinking this is about my health, don’t. It’s the best I’ve felt in many years and I’m looking forward to helping this team continue to win through my new league.”
Defensive coordinator Todd Bulls has been named the team’s new head coach and a press conference is scheduled for Thursday afternoon, according to Boss. Arianes praised Bowles and endorsed his promotion in his statement.
“Todd is a great football coach and I know he will do excellent things here with the Buccaneers. The coaching staff have been crucial to the success we have enjoyed here the past few seasons. Coaching is all about educating the players, and this staff has some of the best teachers in the business.”
Bowles will be the sixth major minority coach in the league
Bowles, who has extensive coaching experience and captained the New York Jets from 2015-2018, will be the sixth minority and third black coach of the NFL’s 32 franchises, joining Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin and Houston’s Luffy Smith.
CNN’s Jill Martin and David Close contributed to this report.