Ever since Bruce Arians announced his retirement in March, there has been speculation that his decision to leave was due to issues with his relationship with quarterback Tom Brady.
But NFL insider Ian Rapoport wants to clear up that theory. Appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, Rapoport called the rumors to that effect “completely ridiculous.”
“I’ve talked to six or seven Bucs sources and people close to Brady who all say that’s completely ridiculous,” Rapoport said.
It was rumored all the way back in mid-February that the relationship between Brady and Arians was souring. Brady retired a few days after the Super Bowl but announced his return in March.
A few days later, Arians stepped down to become a front office executive. Todd Bowles will be Brady’s head coach in 2022.
There have been rumors that there were issues between Tom Brady and Bruce Arians, but publicly, the two have gotten along.
Brady and Arians never had the kind of sideline blowups that have ended relationships, and only ever spoke glowingly of one another in public. Unambiguously positive too.
“We have a great relationship,” Arians said at his exit press conference, via Sports Illustrated. “All the players, every one of them has gotten cussed out, including him. That’s just part of me… People gotta write s–t. It couldn’t be further from the truth.”
“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 of Arians on Instagram.
The post Report: Tom Brady, Bruce Arians Theory Is ‘Completely Ridiculous’ appeared first on The Spun.