Bruce Arians talks Buccaneers, Jameis Winston on Rich Eisen Show
By Ryan Doyle
In his first interview since being named head coach of the Buccaneers, Bruce Arians broke down why he returned to the sideline and his confidence in Jameis Winston.
On The Rich Eisen Show, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians broke down his return to football and the team’s situation at quarterback.
The interview was his first since he was named the head coach, the first chance for Tampa Bay fans to hear why he chose the Bucs. He provided some insight and helpful tidbits, as well as confirmation about his coaching staff and what duties they would handle.
Arians was clear that Jameis Winston will be the team’s starting quarterback and he will build the team around Winston in 2019. The two have had a relationship since Winston went to Arians’ football camp back in high school.
Always supportive of Winston publicly, he continued to praise the former number one overall pick during the interview.
“His willingness to work is unbelievable. He’s in the office at 5 o’clock in the morning,” Arians said. “There’s no doubt. The whole thing is going to be built around him.”
Arians talked about why he decided to make a comeback. He discussed his relationship with Bucs general manager Jason Licht and how most of his former assistant coaches became available.
With Byron Leftwich, Todd Bowles and other former Arians assistants on the market, he would be able to build an ideal staff.
Just before the interview a report from the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs that stated Bowles was deciding between an offer from the Chicago Bears. However, Arians’ comments seemed to shut down those rumors.
He spoke in the present about Bowles and how he is the one man to fix the Buccaneers defense. Although it hasn’t been officially confirmed, it seems that Bowles will be the new defensive coordinator in Tampa Bay.
Plus, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Tampa Bay did, in fact, sign Bowles to become the team’s defensive coordinator.
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The other news regarding Arians’ staff was who would be calling the offensive plays. Arians said that Leftwich would call the plays, but he will still have a say in the matter. Leftwich had his first experience as a play-caller for the Cardinals in an interim role last season.