Bucs’ HC Bowles Comments Arians’ Ring Of Honor Induction

Sunday’s game for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as they face the Carolina Panthers is a big one, but not just for the action that will take place on the field as they look to clinch the NFC South division. The Bucs will also honor Bruce Arians as they induct him into the Ring of Honor for his work as head coach from 2019-2021.

In that time, Arians led the team to a 31-18 record in the regular season with a 5-1 playoff record. This was highlighted distinctly by the team’s 2020 Super Bowl victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium. 

Arians connected two eras of Bucs football, one marked by the ups and downs of quarterback Jameis Winston to the culture shift that comes with bringing in Tom Brady. Pairing with Brady in 2020 and 2021, they had two unforgettable seasons together. Although he still serves as a senior football consultant, his legacy will be for what he did to lead the Bucs to the “X” on every team’s NFL treasure map: the Lombardi trophy. 

Bucs HC Bowles: “He’s A Great Man”

Todd Bowles, Arians’ successor as head coach, spoke Wednesday on what Sunday’s induction means for the impact he had on the organization.

“Bruce came in – he’s very confident, understands exactly what he wants to do, how he has to do it, what he needs to do,” Bowles said. “He doesn’t have to think that much – he’s been around this game a long time. He’s learned a lot of things along the way, he’s given a lot of advice along the way. 

Bruce Arians and Bucs head coach Todd Bowles – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“His attitude and his persona around the building – even around the city – made everything comfortable when we first came in here. He brought in guys he trusts, gave them complete control of what they do. [He] gives you a lot of confidence and can get in your face at the same time. He’s brought the Kangol hat back in here, so he has his own style and he does things his own way – I think that’s impressive.”

Arians trusted Bowles enough to first give him a role as defensive coordinator when he was hired in 2019. He would then hand him the head coaching reins after he stepped down in late March ahead of this season. While Bowles’ tenure is still being defined, there is no questioning the mark Arians left on him and the team in such a short time. This mark will be immortalized at the stadium Sunday. 

“I think it’s outstanding – he’s a legendary coach, he’s been at it a long time. [He has] a lot of accolades – there’s really not many more, or much more [meaningful] accolades than getting your name put on a stadium. It means you’ve done a heck of a job as a coach – that’s very rare.”

In total, Arians achieved an 80-48-1 record as an NFL head coach, winning AP NFL Coach of the year awards in 2012 as an interim coach with the Indianapolis Colts and in 2014 with the Arizona Cardinals. More than wins and losses and awards, Arians left a lasting stamp on the Bucs for the diversity he brought the organization, including a staff featuring many minority coaches. 

Bowles summarized Arians best when wrapping up his remarks: 

“He’s a great man.”