Bruce Arians Admits Tom Brady Played Role In Surprise Retirement

When Bruce Arians announced his shocking retirement on Wednesday night, many believed his fractured relationship with Tom Brady played a major factor.

But shortly thereafter, Brady put his ego aside to write a lengthy farewell message to his latest head coach and play-caller.

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Tom Brady Reacts To Bruce Arians’ Surprise Retirementhttps://t.co/KIodC0a9I5

— SideAction (@SideActionHQ) March 31, 2022

When speaking on his retirement, Bruce Arians revealed that Tom Brady did, in fact, play a role. But it might not be how you think.

Arians claimed that he wanted to leave DC Todd Bowles in good shape with the roster once he took over the reigns. And when Brady returned, he knew Bowles would have a great chance to compete for a championship.

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Bruce Arians told me once he knew Brady was coming back he starting thinking he could step away and leave Todd Bowles in great position. Said there was a rule they needed clarified, which they got this week at Owners Mtg, which led to timing.

— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) March 31, 2022

Bruce Arians would further explain himself on Thursday.

“Immediately after [the playoffs], two to three weeks afterwards [I thought] … if I quit, my coaches get fired,” Arians told NBC Sports’ Peter King. “I couldn’t do it then.

“Tom was kind of the key. When Tom decided to come back … and all of these guys back now, it’s the perfect timing for me just to go into the front office and still have the relationships that I love.”

With Tom Brady now back in the fold, Bruce Arians felt the time was now to leave his fellow coaches in good shape.

“With the organization in probably the best shape it’s been in its history, with Tom Brady coming back … I’d rather see Todd in position to be successful and not have to take some [crappy] job,” Arians said. “I’m probably retiring next year anyway, in February. So, I control the narrative right now. I don’t control it next February because [if] Brady gets hurt, we go 10-7, and it’s an open interview for the job … I got 31 [coaches and their] families that depend on me. My wife is big on not letting all those families down.”

Despite all the noise, Bruce Arians still maintained that him and TB12 have a good relationship.

“Tom was very in favor of what I’m doing. I mean, I had conflicts with every player I coached because I cussed them all out, including him. Great relationship off the field.”

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