Bruce Arians says he’s healthy, has “the itch” to coach again and would consider returning to Tampa Bay if the job opened. His comments put the former Super Bowl-winning coach in the conversation as the Buccaneers face mounting pressure after a 3-6 start under Todd Bowles. For now, Arians’ return is only a possibility—not a decision by the team or the coach.

By the Numbers
  • Tampa Bay is 3-6 this season, with 8 games remaining after its bye.
  • Since its 2020 Super Bowl title, the team has had 2 winning seasons and 1 playoff victory.
  • Arians recorded 31 regular-season wins with the Buccaneers and owns the franchise’s best head-coaching winning percentage: .655.
Yes, But

Arians’ track record and familiarity with Tampa Bay make a reunion appealing, but his return is far from certain. He stepped away partly because of health concerns, and the demands of another head-coaching job—as well as the NFL’s growing preference for younger coaches—could weigh against it.

State of Play
  • Bowles remains the Buccaneers’ head coach, despite criticism following last season’s collapse and this year’s slow start.
  • Arians is no longer under contract as Tampa Bay’s head coach, so the team would not need another club’s permission to pursue him.
What’s Next

Tampa Bay’s performance over its remaining games could shape the conversation about Bowles’ future. Whether Arians would pursue a return—or whether the Buccaneers would consider him—remains unknown.

Bottom Line

Arians has reopened the door, but the Buccaneers have not walked through it. His candidacy may become relevant if Tampa Bay makes a coaching change; for now, the team’s immediate priority is improving its season.