Bruce Arians Says He Has the Itch to Coach Again

Bruce Arians says he is healthy again and interested in a possible return to NFL coaching. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach discussed the prospect with Jordan Schultz, saying, “I got the itch again.” He added that a comeback was not certain.

Arians said health problems contributed to his departure from Tampa Bay after the 2021 season. He had been dealing with a torn Achilles, a back issue and a heart problem, which he says are now behind him.

The Cowboys could become a potential destination if they move on from head coach Brian Schottenheimer. Dallas is at risk of missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season, and a coaching change after the campaign has been proposed as a possibility.

Arians won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay in 2020 and was named NFL Coach of the Year twice. His teams’ offenses ranked among the league’s top 10 from 2015 through 2021. Although he did not call plays during his three seasons leading the Buccaneers, the team ranked third, third and second in points during that span.

Arians is 74, which could make a short tenure a concern for a team seeking long-term stability. The case for Dallas, however, is that his experience and record could suit a team hoping to contend soon. No decision about Arians returning or the Cowboys changing coaches is described as having been made.