NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport shares that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians have a mutual interest in the open head coaching position.
At one point, it appeared that former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians was only open to a return to coaching in Cleveland.
Then Arians threw out a line that even though he was interested in the Browns job, if Tampa Bay called, he would listen.
And on Saturday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources, there was reciprocal interest and the team later announced it had completed an interview with Arians.
Rapoport added that Arians' relationship with Bucs general manager Jason Licht from their time in Arizona bodes well.
If the #Bucs hire Bruce Arians as their head coach — and he is the front-runner — they are not required to provide compensation to the #AZCardinals, sources say. Arians did retire in AZ, but his 2019 team option was declined. Tampa Bay can proceed without any obstacles.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 5, 2019