Bruce Arians is one of the most respected and beloved head coaches in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history.
He was at the helm in 2020, when the Bucs won their second Super Bowl.
He is responsible for a complete culture change and helped lay the foundation for the winning organization that Tampa Bay has become in recent years.
Arians is no longer roaming the Bucs sidelines, but he’s still keeping a close eye on the team, and he’s got high expectations for the 2026 season.
Bruce Arians thinks the Buccaneers are a playoff contender
In an appearance on the Pewter Report Podcast, Arians talked about all things Bucs.
He touched on Baker Mayfield and Vita Vea’s contract situations, the team’s offseason roster additions, and new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson.
A listener asked Arians to predict how the team would fare in terms of win total 2026, and he didn’t hold back.
“I’m saying over 10 [wins],” said Arians. “If we stay healthy.”
That’s an important caveat. When healthy, the Bucs quietly boast one of the NFL’s best rosters. If they weren’t so decimated by injuries last season, they likely would’ve surpassed 10 wins and cruised to another NFC South title.
If they have better fortune with the injury bug in 2026, Arians expects to see the Bucs return to the postseason. It’s a pivotal year for the franchise, with Arians’ hand-picked successor Todd Bowles on the hot seat, and a handful of key players including Mayfield entering contract years.
Whether or not Arians’ prediction comes true will determine whether the organization goes all-in on this iteration of the team, or if they push the reset button and lay the foundation for a new era of Bucs football.!
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