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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians reportedly have mutual interest concerning the Bucs’ head coaching vacancy.
On Saturday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported Saturday the sides “could meet soon” to discuss the job. NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero added there’s been a “sense in the building” Arians will be the hire.
The 66-year-old New Jersey native posted a 9-3 record as the Indianapolis Colts’ interim coach in 2012, and the Cards hired him in 2013. He guided Arizona to a 49-30-1 mark and two playoff appearances across five seasons before he announced his retirement last January.
If Arians does take over the Buccaneers, he’ll inherit Jameis Winston as his starting quarterback.
Bucs general manager Jason Licht said Monday the franchise is committed to Winston despite his up-and-down 2018 season.
“Jameis is someone we hold in high regard here,” Licht told reporters. “… There’s a lot to like about Jameis. He will be here next year.”
He added: “He’s done some amazing things for a young 24, turns-25-in-a-week quarterback. He accomplished more than most of the elite quarterbacks at his age.”
Winston completed 64.6 percent of his throws for 2,992 yards with 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 11 games for Tampa in 2018. He added 281 rushing yards and one score on the ground. Pro Football Focus graded him as the NFL’s No. 24 quarterback.
The Bucs finished the season with the worst record in the NFC South at 5-11 and own the fifth overall pick in the 2019 NFL draft. They ranked third in total offense but 27th in total defense.
A third straight playoff-less season under Dirk Koetter led to his firing Sunday. Now it appears Arians is picking up steam as the potential replacement.
from A Viral Update http://bit.ly/2F9z3WW
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