Bruce Arians Calls Baker Mayfield “One Of My Last Decisions”
April 21st, 2025
The ol’ ball coach is in a reflective mood these days when it comes to his Tampa Bay experience.
Bucco Bruce Arians isn’t doing much of substance as “senior advisor to the general manager” of his beloved Buccaneers. But he will do an occasional interview.
That included Arians’ sitdown with The National Football Show recently.
Arians was asked if he’s proud of Baker Mayfield’s two Pro Bowl seasons with the Bucs.
“Yeah, that was one of my last decisions, you know, to get with Jason [Licht] and let’s go after this; I love this kid,” Arians said of Mayfield.
“You know, when I was at CBS that one year, I did two [Browns games with Mayfield], went to Browns practice on Friday. That locker room loved that kid. I mean, loved him. And the way he competed in a Friday practice, I was like, ‘This is my kind of guy.'”
Arians said he believed Mayfield was the kind of guy who could handle the challenge of taking over for Tom Brady — and he has delivered.
“He’s won that team over,” Arians said. He’s won the city over. He owns the city right now, and rightfully so. He’s played his ass off.”
Mayfield sure has, delivering a 71.4 completion rate last season with 41 touchdowns, 4,500 yards and a league-leading 16 interceptions.
Mayfield also had a career-best season running the ball with 378 yards on the ground and three touchdowns.
As for Arians calling Mayfield “one of my last decisions,” Bucs fans can wrestle with that over a cold beverage.
April 21st, 2025 at 10:19 am
Can we stop hearing about Bruce Arians…
April 21st, 2025 at 10:23 am
hahaha we believe you Bruce. I’m sure someone will be asking Jason about this soon. Don’t worry he’s got your back.
April 21st, 2025 at 10:24 am
I’m guessing it was a decision that Licht, Arians and Bowles made together. They all seem to like Baker back then enough to give him a chance here. Not sure if Canales had much decision making in that regard since he was only hired weeks before Mayfield.
April 21st, 2025 at 10:25 am
A franchise turning point when Bruce was hired.
I do not think Bruce is BS’n about Baker. He gave a green light to Jason to make a decision, and Jason made an excellent decision.
How many teams survive the first year of Cap Hell?
Let alone win, and go to the playoffs and win a playoff game.
That list is as scarce as hens teeth.
It was talked about many times on JBF during Brady’s time about the cap situation, what it would be like after Brady, and the expected decline and cap hell situation.
Thankful that the team is run much better than the decades of losing that any long time fans of the Bucs have had to endure.
Side note..
BTW JBF Joe’s, the 1st “lost decade” was 1983-1997, Lost Decade+ =14 years.
GO BUCS, GO Arians, GO Jason Licht!!!
April 21st, 2025 at 10:28 am
Can we stop hearing about Bruce Arians…
Why ? He brought us Super Bowl ring, he should be celebrated. Maybe the story is garbage or maybe totally true, who cares. BA delivered a ring to Tampa, he can go on podcasts a say whatever he wants. Not sure why the pearl clutching…..
April 21st, 2025 at 10:32 am
Bowles wanted Mayfield when he was with the Jets. Mayfield and Bowles had a connection long before either one was at Tampa. Not surprised Arians wanted Mayfield too. But it’s because of Bowles, as much as anyone, that Mayfield is in Tampa.
April 21st, 2025 at 10:48 am
I’d like to hear a sit down interview with BA and The Sage…
April 21st, 2025 at 11:03 am
I think it’s safe to say Licht, and Bowles completely agreed with Arians on Mayfield.
April 21st, 2025 at 11:04 am
Now they all are starting to see…
April 21st, 2025 at 11:04 am
Well, I don’t hear him bragging on Leftwich.
April 21st, 2025 at 11:06 am
Mayfield will be elected Tampa mayor when Bucs win Super Bowl this season. All we need is just a mediocre defense instead of the mess the last several years.
April 21st, 2025 at 11:09 am
SB LV?
Thats your name?
And you hate on the coach who brought us Tom Brady and a Super Bowl?
And you complain?
Some fans are just sick!
April 21st, 2025 at 11:16 am
Baker Mayfield could be one of the biggest bargains in recent NFL history! Following Tom Brady would have been near impossible for any other QB.. Baker believes in himself and his ability, and now Tampa Bay believes in him as well!
I love that Baker and this Tampa Bay team are underestimated.. That makes their success that much better!
April 21st, 2025 at 11:16 am
Love it! Baker was the best QB to come right after Brady.
April 21st, 2025 at 11:33 am
Just very glad we have Baker…. doesn’t matter who’s last decision it was lol… GO BUCS!
April 21st, 2025 at 11:53 am
Then y did u pick trask I’m all for Bruce but this seems like he wants to still be relevant
April 21st, 2025 at 11:55 am
BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE BRUCE!!!!!!!
April 21st, 2025 at 12:02 pm
Baker Mayfield was a risk it for the biscuit move… Todd Bowles punts on 4th and a millimeter with the game on the line… I’m going with Bruce made the call.
April 21st, 2025 at 12:08 pm
Great point, Kenton. Bowles wanted Baker while at the Jets.
Respect Arians and am guessing it was decision along with Todd and Jason. Yes, one of the best decisions.
April 21st, 2025 at 12:11 pm
Giant risk for four mil.
April 21st, 2025 at 12:24 pm
🧐 Jason Licht has credited Todd Bowles for being the driving force behind the decision to sign Baker Mayfield
April 21st, 2025 at 12:57 pm
What a glory hound! Toot, toot Bruce, blow your own horn. Anyone notice how you only hear from BA during good times and how quiet he is during a mid-season slide. He’s not claiming JTS
April 21st, 2025 at 12:58 pm
I love the current Tampa Mayor, Gip. I am ALSO ecstatic for an article not crystal-balling the draft. 🙂
April 21st, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Guarantee, if Baker flopped, Bruce would not be making this comment
April 21st, 2025 at 1:34 pm
Arians wanted the Browns job because he wanted to coach Baker before they hired Freddie Kitchens in 2019.
April 21st, 2025 at 1:37 pm
“LUVMYBUCS Says:
April 21st, 2025 at 12:24 pm
🧐 Jason Licht has credited Todd Bowles for being the driving force behind the decision to sign Baker Mayfield”
BUT without Bruce Arians, Todd Bowles would not be here, so Bruce hired Todd who hired Baker…… But Bruce would not be here if not hired by Jason Licht…. And Jason wouldn’t be here without being hired by the Glazers and the Glazers wouldn’t have a team without buying from Hugh Culverhouse.
Conclusion “Thank Hugh Culverhouse for bringing Baker to Tampa” : )
April 21st, 2025 at 1:42 pm
If Bowles’ D is Top-10 this year, and if he doesn’t have a loser mindset and quit before any games are over this year, I think we can definitely win the SB this season.
Don’t be a quitter, Bowles!
Be aggressive and we’ll win alot.
April 21st, 2025 at 2:50 pm
BA turned this whole thing around. Licht should be thanking him every day.
April 21st, 2025 at 2:51 pm
First report Baker was signed by the Bucs came out on 15 Mar 2023. First report Bruce Arians was stepping down came out on 30 Mar 2023. And apparently, Todd Bowles knew nothing about BA’s decision to pass the torch prior to that.
Pretty good chance it seems that BA did in fact make the call on signing Baker given that 2-week interlude. I’m sure however it was after discussions with his GM & key coordinators.
April 21st, 2025 at 3:25 pm
Love hearing how Bruce is still talking about his beloved Bucs. How I wish he was still our coach. Please post more about this wonderful guy.
April 21st, 2025 at 5:05 pm
Oh I have no doubt he was whispering (or possibly shouting?) into Licht’s and Bowles’ ears to go get Mayfield after the 2022 season…
April 21st, 2025 at 7:10 pm
Say what you want about Arians but no Arians no Super Bowl. His offense combined with Tom Brady is why we won it all in 2020. I still think Arians offense is the best that we have ever had here in Tampa.
April 21st, 2025 at 8:34 pm
BucsFan81, correct about no Super Bowl without Arians. And 2020 offense may have been best ever. But because Brady was Brady he had a leash to hurl the ball 50 times a game. We had the most balanced offense in Buc history last year. Now if we remember we’re a pass first offense (and Grizzard knows that) with our second year ground game we should be able to set our franchise record in points. I think this offense that we have may be the best in Tampa history. It will be thought of as the best when our defense can complement it (our offense) all the way through the Super Bowl.
April 21st, 2025 at 9:17 pm
I’m not sure there’s any NFL HC who wouldn’t want Baker on his team.
Or a dozen guys like Baker who will play their tail off every snap every day.
For me, I’m absolutely thrilled that Baker is with the Bucs.
April 21st, 2025 at 9:22 pm
Wow. The word “alignment” gets a post dumpstered. Algo in its raging glory.
April 22nd, 2025 at 1:59 am
EnigmaFan, I can think of one Coach of the Year (twice) who didn’t want Baker on his team
Heh
April 22nd, 2025 at 4:49 am
There is always an exception like the one coach. It doesn’t mean that exception is right, it just means it is an exception and that’s all it means.
Baker has proven he is our franchise quarterback. People that didn’t know what he is about are finding out and they like what they see. He is a fighter and we like fighters. Fighters fight until they achieve what they have been after. He won’t quit until he has won a superbowl. When he played half a season on a fractured shoulder and a completely torn labrum that was a big hint into who he is. Quit isn’t in his DNA. He doesn’t even know the definition of quit. A smart coach can get a lot of use out of a player like that.
April 22nd, 2025 at 7:03 am
SB~LV Says:
April 21st, 2025 at 10:19 am
Can we stop hearing about Bruce Arians…
————————————————–
Why don’t you stop reading articles about Arians, then?
April 22nd, 2025 at 8:23 am
The bash Baker group has gone away and been replaced by the Todd Bowles defense team. Are you sharing notes with the Nico Harrison defense team? How about the Deshaun Watson excuse team?
April 22nd, 2025 at 9:24 am
Not that BA didn’t already deserve it, but put him in the ROH now.
April 22nd, 2025 at 3:56 pm
Baker Mayfield is a ok quarterback he’s not bad but he’s never played in a conference championship and none of y’all want to admit it. I think beinging truthful is not hate. Again who wants to say NFC Championship or bust?? Can Baker Mayfield put a offense on his back like Daniels did in Washington?
April 22nd, 2025 at 10:35 pm
Here we go again, he has already accomplished that numerous times and you know it. It is disingenuous to say you are just being honest. You know a top 5 quarterback isnt an ok quarterback. You know a 2x pro bowl quarterback isnt an ok quarterback. He has set numerous records, all while being on the worst team in NFL history and going through 9 OC’s in 8 years. Daniels didn’t beat Tampa, Dan Quinn did. His game plan dominated us in that game, dominated. Quinn knew the only way to beat us was to keep the ball out of Bakers hands, and he did. Quinn knew if Baker got his normal number of throws there would be no beating him. Quinn is going to be a great NFL coach. Oh the jealously runs so deep onei, it blocks your common sense and you are left only with your delusions. Baker, Baker the head coach maker.
April 22nd, 2025 at 10:45 pm
To your point onei, Baker was drafted in 2018. He didn’t play the first 3 games. He was put in the 4th game because Tyrod Taylor was getting beat and Cleveland was behind. Baker came in as a rookie, put the offense on his back and won the game. A rookie came in and dominated in his first NFL game. Set the record for rookie touchdowns all while only playing in 13 games. All those great quarterbacks down through history and Baker beat them all in 3 less games, what an amazing talented quarterback Baker is. This year will be fun watching him dominate.
April 23rd, 2025 at 6:56 am
Davy. First of all I don’t know Baker Mayfield to be jealous of him and again Baker Mayfield has never played in a championship game his whole career and don’t give me that how many coaches different coaches he had mess. Because he’s on his 4th team in his career so maybe it was because of his bad play. Again in meaningful games for both teams he chokes or change the momentum of games. Garden Mitchew helped the colts win 10 games and made the playoffs. Baker Mayfield is a ok quarterback get to the NFC Championship game at least before the bucs give him a new contract. And he also lead the league in picks and fumbles .