The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finalizing a deal that would make Bruce Arians their next head coach, ESPN's Adam Schefter said.
Buccaneers now finalizing deal to make Bruce Arians their next head coach, per sources. The former Cardinals’ HC will be the Bucs next HC.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 8, 2019
Schefter went on to say Arians would be the team's next head coach.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports it will be a four year deal.
Arians had previously said he would only be interested in the Cleveland job, but later said he would listen to offers in Tampa due to his relationship with Jason Licht.
Arians is 66 years old, and retired from the Arizona Cardinals following the 2017 season.
He has a reputation for developing quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Andrew Luck.
The Bucs recently fired head coach Dirk Koetter after three seasons with the team. In a press conference, General Manager Jason Licht said a new coach would have the opportunity to bring his own staff on board.
Ian Rapaport also announced Arians has some coaches in mind already.
The #Bucs are signing Bruce Arians to a 4-year deal with a fifth-yaer option, source said. Among the coaches Arians hopes to finalize deals with: Harold Goodwin as Run Game Coordinator/OLine, Byron Leftwich as Pass Game Coordinator and Clyde Christianson as QB coach.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2019
Rumors are circulating that recently fired Jets coach Todd Bowles is the top target for defensive coordinator.
Tampa Bay has not officially announced any coaching moves at this time.
