Former Jets GM Says Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Move on From Bruce Arians if They Miss the Playoffs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in crisis mode right now. After another loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay fans are very concerned. The major talking point is the conflict between Buccaneers’ Head Coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Tom Brady.

The past few games have shown that Brady is not able to execute the offense in the way Arians wants him to. Many have called on Arians to design the offense in a way that fits Brady. Additionally, Arians’ continued public criticism of Brady has been a major talking point.

Former Jets’ GM Mike Tannenbaum spoke to ESPN regarding the situation around Brady and Arians. Tannenbaum said that should the Buccaneers miss the Playoffs, they should part ways with Head Coach Bruce Arians.

He said, “It’s a big ‘if’. But if they (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) don’t make the Playoffs, I would move on from Bruce Arians, let him go retire.” 

Tannenbaum suggested that rather than look for a new head coach from the league, the Buccaneers should use an already present member of the coaching staff to become the new Head Coach.

He said, “I would promote a really talented coach on that staff in Todd Bowles. Someone who has had some success as a Head Coach with the Jets, someone that is really well regarded by the players on that team.” 

Bruce Arians has to go – Tannenbaum

Tannenbaum also recommended that the team hold on to Tom Brady despite his advancing age. Brady still has a lot to contribute, and Tampa Bay can find his replacement over the next season.

“And I would try to keep Tom Brady for at least another year. And while I’m doing that, I would draft his replacement. Right now I have 6 quarterbacks in the next year’s draft with 1st-round grades.”

Tannenbaum concluded his analysis by saying that the Buccaneers should focus on winning in the short term with Tom Brady, but also find a suitable replacement for him in the meantime.

“There’s a lot of quarterbacks so then you can try to win for today, in terms of being Todd Bowles, and then you win for tomorrow by drafting Tom Brady’s successor in the 2021 Draft.”

It will be interesting to note if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers make the Playoffs or not. Should they miss them, Buccs fans can expect personnel changes, with the departure of either Brady or Arians. This season has shown that neither can coexist for much longer.