It’s not hard to connect the dots between reports of friction between Tom Brady and Bruce Arians, the retirement and return of Brady and the resignation of Arians. But don’t do it — according to Arians.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach spoke to reporters on Thursday after the team announced he would move to the front office so Todd Bowles could take over as head coach. Arians addressed the rumors of friction — and the theories that Brady might have forced out the coach.
“People gotta write (expletive),” Arians told the media. “And it couldn’t be further from the truth.”
He also said: “Every one of them (players) has gotten cussed out, including (Brady). That’s just part of me. That’s nothing new. But we have a great relationship. As soon as he retired, I think we texted every week. ‘Hey, where you at? What are you doing? When are you coming to play golf? When are you coming back down this way?’
Brady thanked Arians in an Instagram statement following the Buccaneers’ announcement of the decision.
“You are an incredible man and coach, and it was a privilege to play for you. You are a true NFL legend and pioneer for all the work you have done to make the league more diverse and inclusive,” Brady wrote.
Arians and Brady are here to tell you they’re OK — whether you’ll believe them or not.
