Bucs Might Have To Pay Cardinals Just To Talk To Bruce Arians
December 31st, 2018
Bruce Arians
It might be a good idea to place an ice pack on the part of your body that is hot for two-time NFL Coach of the Year Bruce Arians to become the Bucs’ next head coach.
A couple of days ago, Mike Florio, the iconic NFL guru of ProFootballTalk.com and NBC Sports, explained that Arians is not a free agent on the coaching market.
Why?
Because he resigned/retired from the Arizona Cardinals after the 2017 season with years remaining on his contract. And NFL rules say that means the Cardinals can demand compensation from any team that requests to talk to Arians, plus compensation to sign him.
“An employee under contract to a member club (including a head coach, general manager, or other “high level” employee) who voluntarily resigns or retires prior to the expiration of his contract, is not free to discuss or accept employment with another NFL club without the consent of the prior-employer club,” the memo explained, according to Pro Football Talk. “This is true for the full remaining term of the employee’s contract. If a club wishes to consent to discussions of a substitute employment arrangement, that club may condition its consent on receiving appropriate compensation from the member club wishing to discuss employment with and/or hire the employee who has ‘retired’ or ‘resigned.’ Once an employee’s contract has expired, the employee is free to seek other employment with another NFL club, assuming there has been compliance with the Anti-Tampering Policy.”
Perhaps the Bucs could offer DeSean Jackson in exchange for the right to speak to Arians about their opening? Or maybe there’s a Mike Smith defensive manual laying around to be handed over?
Arians is an intriguing candidate as a guy who knows what he’s doing with quarterbacks and leading football teams. He has a 58-33-1 career record.
That said, Joe would very concerned about Arians’ health. The 66-year-old kidney cancer survivor said he retired, in part, for health reasons. “There’s too much to live for to die on the sideline,” Arians said.
The Bucs would have to put Arians through one heck of a physical examination and be certain there’s a very capable fill-in on staff.
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December 31st, 2018 at 2:53 am
As awesome as Bruce is? I don’t feel he’s on the radar. Got a strong feeling it’s a coordinator from another team. Or maybe a coach from the college ranks? And wouldn’t surprise me at all if it’s McCarthy.
December 31st, 2018 at 2:57 am
Don’t do it Bruce! For God’s sake, the stick carriers would beat you to death before you took a step on our sidelines, let alone took a physical! Too much to live for… very cool dude you are I’ve always thought… It’s the BUCs life for us!
December 31st, 2018 at 3:08 am
“There’s too much to live for to die on the sideline,” Arians said.
And he would have to coach Licht’s picks (27-53) that won’t be good for anyone’s health.
Who that is worth a darn would look at this situation and say…yes?
December 31st, 2018 at 3:38 am
Cue the carousel music. At this point it don’t matter who the poor sap will be. Predictably he’s gone in 2 years maybe 3 years if the media likes him.
Now, on to the next created clickbait drama. Will the media ramp up their call for torches, and pitchforks for the ouster of Jason Licht?
We are officially Cleveland South.
December 31st, 2018 at 4:33 am
A 66 yo with health issues? I’ll pass. I would prefer Richard or Lefleur. I know people get all happy when they see a name they know, but make the right hire.
December 31st, 2018 at 4:39 am
Since Licht has history with Arizona and Arians perhaps the 2 teams can work something reasonable out.
December 31st, 2018 at 4:53 am
What makes anyone think that he would want to play for GM the we have, with his track record of crap he has given coaches ???
December 31st, 2018 at 4:53 am
And my steak juice is attacking my texas breaded toast as it lays there….GET HER DONE MOFOS!!!!!!!!!!!
Yall dont know…..you just dont know….MAKE IT HAPPEN LICHT!!!!!!!!
December 31st, 2018 at 5:14 am
he looks like he is already short on air in the above pic…add the florida heat and the bucs trilogy into the mix and you’ll have to keep tampa general on speed dial…is he really ready for the soap opera at one buc place…just ask jenna
December 31st, 2018 at 6:33 am
It’s a Bucs life…we know what that means. Do not come here. Talk about a dead end job. Geez.
December 31st, 2018 at 6:45 am
Just get Jim Harbaugh or Dabo Swinney and pay them whatever they want.
December 31st, 2018 at 6:51 am
The Bucs are currently in a position where they don’t need an offensive-minded coach. We have Monken for that, assuming he isn’t offered an HC job.
We need a defensive-minded head coach…a solid, reduced risk one. To my mind, that means Mike McCarthy. Failing that, Flores. If the Steelers fire Tomlin, maybe him…but it doesn’t look like that will happen.
December 31st, 2018 at 6:51 am
Dabo Swinney wants to coach in the NFL. He turned down the possibility of coaching the Browns earlier in the season as he said that he preferred warm weather to cold weather. I’d have him on the shortlist.
December 31st, 2018 at 6:52 am
It’s crazy to think the Browns HC job is more attractive than the Bucs HC job all in part to Baker Mayfield and that up and coming Browns defense. It’s a much better foundation in Cleveland. Good for them. They deserve to get over that hump.
We need to climb out of ours. We have a good offense minus the RB (Barber can’t do it alone), a few OL pieces, and a question mark at QB (who’s magically playing better after the ish hit the fan). But, we need a lot of help on defense still. Too much raw talent sprinkled in with some veteran anchors. Some of the defensive players have no business being starters.
The Jaguars are an intriguing team as a draft day trade partner with disgruntled Jalen Ramsey and Leonard Fournette (I would avoid Fournette as he seems like a prima donna). But, would the Jags trade up to get their QB or just hope to land him or the 2nd best at their spot? If we could get Ramsey then that frees up the 1st round pick to be used on an OT, DT, or DE. McCoy is gonna be gone unless he restructures his contract.
December 31st, 2018 at 6:58 am
Bruce Arians should be a consultant only with his health issues. Licht needs a John Robinson type . He may be worse than Bruce Allen when it comes to signing free agents. Sad that he has to watch waiver wires and practice squads to correct his failures at free agency and drafting.
December 31st, 2018 at 6:58 am
So a 66-year-old HC retires for health reasons FROM (not to) Arizona and Licht MIGHT be able to entice to come to Bucsville to clean up HIS mess IF the Glazer Boyz pay a ransom to the Cardinals ownership for the privilege of talking to him. Yup, that’s exactly the way I’d expect the Bucs to start off the New Year.
December 31st, 2018 at 7:03 am
The DE position can be dealt with a later pick as we have Nassib and JPP for another productive season in 2019 and because the 2019 draft is DL heavy. Vinny Curry is serviceable in a reserve role. We need to just be done with Noah Spence already. He’s eating up a roster spot for no good reason. Or you move him to a reserve role as SAM LB/DE. Anything but warming the bench.
I would lock in on the first 2 rounds being CB, DT, OL, or RB and not deviate from that by being cute and reaching for projects.
We have to nail the first 2 picks with day 1 starters.
December 31st, 2018 at 7:06 am
@lambchop … “We have a good offense minus the RB (Barber can’t do it alone), a few OL pieces, and a question mark at QB (who’s magically playing better after the ish hit the fan).” So if I understand correctly lambchop, our offense is ‘good’ EXCEPT for the half that’s questionable (3 OLine, RBs, QB)? Am I close yet?
We do certainly agree though that our #30 defense needs “a LOT of help” and that “some of the defensive players have no business being starters”. Actually I’d go even further … some have no business collecting an NFL paycheck at all.
December 31st, 2018 at 7:23 am
Hahaha, a Mike Smith defensive manual laying around!! Only if the Cardinals want to have the 1st pick again.
December 31st, 2018 at 7:37 am
@lambchop … “We have to nail the first 2 picks with day 1 starters.” There we agree 100% lambchop. And I’d go even further … we desperately NEED to get THREE STARTERS out of this next draft class (getting 4 is a pipe dream, although I’d love to see that happen).
Our #1 NEED in the draft IMO is LEFT TACKLE. Donovan is a FA & IMO he’s not the answer to our LT situation going forward. Personally would try to re-sign him as a LG IF he has the talent/skills for that position & IF the price is right.
Our #2 draft NEED is DLine (preferably DE but I wouldn’t pass on a stud DT in the 2nd Rnd if rated higher than remaining DEs).
Our #3 draft NEED is LB. Kwon & Beckwith are BOTH rehabbing & who knows how that’ll turn out. Plus Kwon is a FA & giving him a big long-term contract with him coming off a major injury is not smart IMO. Besides LVD (a definite keeper IMO) the Bucs are very iffy at LB right now.
Free agency pickups are the key to fixing this defense IMO. Bucs NEED to sign at least 1 experienced outside CB (and preferably 2). Bucs also NEED to sign at least 1 experienced Safety PLUS a starting MLB.
We’ll also need to pick up a RT in FA (watched Cappa yesterday … he looked as bad as Benenoch has IMO). And oh ya, at least 2 RBs as potential starters (RoJo is not a starter & Rodgers is a FA (and shouldn’t be re-signed in any event). Throw in a backup QB (Fitz & Griffin are both FAs), just for good measure & in case Jameis decides to get suspended again.
No question though, fix those 6 offensive & 6 defensive glaring weaknesses (oh ya, plus kicker) and we’ll be an instant Super Bowl contender. Well, providing everyone stays healthy that is.
December 31st, 2018 at 7:40 am
Who knows what the Glazer guys are going to do. They do not Ned a splashy retread, they need a coach with a plan to establish an expectation to win, innovative, motivator and surround himself with talented coaches. One of Dirks biggest issues was his assistants, (Defensive Co., ST Co., Offensive line Co., whoever the heck he had telling him to challenge obvious calls that would go against the Bucs – did he ever win any challenges), Dungy success was the other coaches he surrounded himself with to build and teach with consistency.
December 31st, 2018 at 7:53 am
Mike Smith defensive manual laying around lmao. How about we send them a kicker and Jac Rogers lol
December 31st, 2018 at 8:04 am
Arians is the guy and it’s a good thing.
I base my speculation…aren’t we all just guessing here…on the fact that the Glazer retained Licht.
Why on earth would the Glazers keep Licht with his record?
What if Licht’s connections to both Arians and Arizona front office folks were essential to facilitating getting Arians for the Bucs. Might they keep Licht then. Make me feel a little better otherwise he SHOULD have been fired. This is HIS mess as much as anybodys.
December 31st, 2018 at 8:33 am
This signing makes perfect sense. They give him a 5 year contract, and hope he dies after 2 years the final three not guaranteed for death.
December 31st, 2018 at 8:52 am
If we don’t get him, at least I’ll be glad to not see that all the time. stupid little golf hat.
December 31st, 2018 at 9:02 am
My to pick for a head coach if they cant lure Arians would be the Dc for chicago and drafting Bosa.
December 31st, 2018 at 9:04 am
bonzai
mike is an offensive coach….
if we’re going to go defense we need someone young and innovative…..
plus, word on the street is that licht isnt looking for a big name hire and wants to go defensive…..that means KRIS RICHARD!!!!!
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…#ADIOSDIRK!!!…GO BUCS!!!
December 31st, 2018 at 9:20 am
Tampa Bay where good coaches come to have their reputation killed
December 31st, 2018 at 9:26 am
lambchop Says
“It’s crazy to think the Browns HC job is more attractive than the Bucs HC job…”
1) It isn’t more attractive. The Bucs have a top offense and a good defensive draft behind them. Tampa is a lot more attractive than the haters and trolls claim.
2) The Browns are idiots. Their interim Head Coach had them winning and yet they are replacing him? They make mistake after mistake.
December 31st, 2018 at 9:27 am
I would not under any circumstance trade any draft picks for any coach. Just go and get a young NFL assistant coach.
December 31st, 2018 at 9:28 am
813bucboi Says
“bonzai
mike is an offensive coach…”
Oops. Got me there. Long week 😉
December 31st, 2018 at 9:35 am
@813bucboi
So far as Kris Richard, you know where I stand on that one. You are overrating him.
So he gets excited on the sideline and as a coach? Big deal. So he’s having one good year. What you fail to comprehend is that he’s failed as a Defensive Coordinator the year before…in fact, as a pass defense coach, you would think he’d have specialized in that, but his pass defense was the worst in the league in 2017.
So you keep shouting from the rooftops. I just hope you don’t get your wish, because I’m not confident in that option at all.
I would rather have Flores, who has experience as a Scout, Special Teams Asst, Assistant on Offense, Defensive Assistant, Safeties Coach, Linebackers Coach, and Defensive Coordinator with the Patriots…the number one Franchise in America. At team who is always good on defense.
December 31st, 2018 at 9:37 am
the DC from chicago aint going anywhere…..his life is good right now….
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…#ADIOSDIRK!!!…GO BUCS!!!
December 31st, 2018 at 9:52 am
bonzai
as DC in 2015 his defense was ranked 1st in points allowed
2016 it was ranked 3rd
the thing that you fail to realize is that in 2017 his defense was without earl thomas(shoulder) for a couple games, richard sherman(Achilles) 7games and kam chancellor missed 7games as well….and his defense was still ranked 13th with all those starters out….
this year in 1 offseason he’s taken the dallas defense from 13th to 4th…..
he’s more than just a rah rah coach….he develops players….he motivates players and has an aggressive coaching style…..
you want someone from the pats?…lol…..the only former Pats coach that has had success is bill obrien and he was almost run outta town last year…..
your underrating him……and judging by your post, you dont know anything about him…..
KRIS RICHARD 4 HC!!!!
#REALISTKNOWSNOTHING!!!!…#ADIOSDIRK!!!…GO BUCS!!!
December 31st, 2018 at 10:06 am
I’ll keep on repeating this……
The Glazer boys are cheapskates……….they won’t shell out top dollar for good veteran coaches……..they’re going to look for someone young who they can pay less…..
This way, they can keep this ridiculous hiring cycle of 2 -3 years going.
They save helluva money by doing this crap……….
December 31st, 2018 at 10:29 am
We don’t like him that much and at that age the stress of the nfl won’t be a good thing especially trying to get this team going. I’m hoping the glazers are playing the long game. We need a coach that can plant roots in this team, someone who’s job is more secure than players, that’s the only way to change the culture and force guys to get their heads in the game or get gone.
December 31st, 2018 at 10:34 am
If Licht hires Arians, it’s Lovie 2.0. He’s old and would not last much longer. The fact that the Glazers kept Licht tells me they’re not serious about winning. His record proves he’s incompetent.
Just throwing money at problems doesn’t solve them. All the owners in the NFL have money. Teams have tried that a failed. I applaud the Glazers for letting someone else do the hiring, but wow, they might as well put the coach up to a fan vote instead. At least the fans aren’t blind and can see that draft OTs to play OG won’t work; running stuffing DTs and DEs can’t pass rush; nobody is running to draft kickers in the 2nd round; good running backs can be found in the 3rd and 4th rounds; Jackson has no heart; and Licht can’t find a valuable free agent to save his lift.
December 31st, 2018 at 10:58 am
No GM Coach friendships