NFL

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Name Bruce Arians Head Coach

Published

8 years ago

January 8, 2019

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that Bruce Arians has been named the 12th head coach in franchise history.

Arians is a two-time Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year, earning the award in 2012 (Indianapolis Colts) and in 2014 (Arizona Cardinals). He is the only coach in NFL history to earn the award multiple times in a three-year span with different teams and is one of only 12 coaches in NFL history to win the award multiple times.

“Bruce Arians is one of the NFL’s most well-respected coaches over the past two decades and we are excited to have him leading our team. Throughout this process, we focused on finding the right coach with a proven ability to elevate our players and lead our team forward. Bruce has played a large role in the development and career success of some of our league’s best players and we look forward to seeing him continue that work here with our franchise,” said Buccaneers Owner/Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer.

Prior to arriving in Tampa, Arians spent five seasons as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals (2013-17) in addition to a 12-game stint as interim head coach for the Indianapolis Colts (2012), compiling a regular season record of 58-33-1. During that 92-game stretch Arians was a head coach, his 58 wins ranked fourth in the NFL, trailing only Bill Belichick (73), Pete Carroll (63) and Mike Tomlin (59).

Throughout his 25-year NFL career, Arians has worked closely with some of the league’s top passers including Pro Bowlers Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Andrew Luck and Carson Palmer. As an offensive play-caller, Arians has directed top-10 offenses with three different teams (Arizona, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh) over the last nine seasons of his coaching career.

During his time in Arizona, the York, Pennsylvania native compiled a 49-30-1 regular season record (.619 winning percentage). The Cardinals’ 49 wins during that span were the seventh-most in the NFL and the third-most in the NFC. Arians won 50 total games in Arizona (49 regular season, one postseason), finishing his time there as the winningest coach in franchise history. His 49 regular season wins are also the most by any coach in Cardinals history.

Arians posted three seasons with double-digit wins as the head coach of the Cardinals, including tying the then-franchise best with 11 in 2014. The following season, Arizona established a new franchise record with 13 wins, which also featured the team’s first-ever postseason bye and second-ever appearance in the NFC Championship Game.

Under Arians, the Cardinals offense set several single-season team records, including points scored (489 in 2015), total touchdowns (59 in 2015), total net yards (6,533 in 2015) and first downs (373 in 2015). Arians also helped coach individual players to some of the best seasons of their careers. In 2015, Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer set franchise records for passing yards (4,671), passing touchdowns (35), yards per attempt (8.70) and passer rating (104.6) en route to a Pro Bowl selection. In 2016, running back David Johnson established new team records for rushing touchdowns (16), total touchdowns (20) and yards from scrimmage (2,118), while leading the NFL in total touchdowns and yards from scrimmage. Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald posted the top three seasons for receptions in Cardinals history under Arians and ranked third in the NFL in catches during that span.

Arians came to Arizona after spending the 2012 season with Indianapolis. Hired as the team’s offensive coordinator, he also served as the team’s interim coach for 12 games while head coach Chuck Pagano was treated for leukemia. He led the Colts to a 9-3 record and was selected as the 2012 AP NFL Coach of the Year. Indianapolis’ nine-win improvement (2-14 to 11-5) matched the third-largest single-season turnaround in NFL history.

Arians helped the Colts’ offense rank 10th in the NFL in yards (362.4 ypg) and seventh in passing yards (258.0 ypg). Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck – the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft – made the Pro Bowl and set rookie records for passing yards (4,374) and 300-yard passing games (six). He also established the NFL single-game rookie record for passing yards (433, 11/4 vs. Miami). Luck finished with the then-third-most passing touchdowns by a rookie in NFL history, with 23.

Prior to his time with the Colts, Arians spent eight seasons with the Steelers, five as offensive coordinator (2007-11) and three as the wide receivers coach (2004-06). During his tenure as the offensive coordinator, the Steelers had a 55-25 record, tying Green Bay for the second-best mark in the NFL during that span. Pittsburgh won three AFC North Division titles, two AFC Championships and earned a victory in Super Bowl XLIII over the Cardinals. Arians was also part of the Steelers’ Super Bowl XL win as the team’s wide receivers coach.

Under Arians’ guidance, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger put together some of the best seasons in team history, establishing a then-franchise record with 32 touchdown passes in 2007, recording a then-team record 4,328 passing yards in 2009 and registering a career-high and Steelers-record 104.1 passer rating in 2007. Roethlisberger earned his first career Pro Bowl selection in 2007 under Arians.

In 2009, the Steelers’ offense became the first team in NFL history to have a 4,000-yard passer (Roethlisberger), two 1,000-yard receivers (Santonio Holmes, Hines Ward) and a 1,000-yard rusher (Rashard Mendenhall) in the same season.

Before joining the Steelers, Arians spent three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns (2001-03). He joined Cleveland after spending three seasons with the Colts as the team’s quarterbacks coach. Working with offensive coordinator Tom Moore, Arians helped tutor Peyton Manning during his first three seasons in the league and helped him earn Pro Bowl berths in 1999 and 2000.

Arians’ first NFL job was with the Kansas City Chiefs, working as the team’s running backs coach for four seasons (1989-92). There he helped Christian Okoye to two Pro Bowl selections (1989, 1991). Arians also spent the 1996 season as the tight ends coach for the New Orleans Saints.

Arians’ coaching career began as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Virginia Tech, in 1975, before being elevated to running backs coach in 1977. He spent 1978-80 with Mississippi State as the school’s running backs/wide receivers coach before coaching the running backs at Alabama for two seasons (1981-82) under legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. Arians would later return to Mississippi State (1993-95) and Alabama (1997) to serve as the offensive coordinator for the respective schools. He became one of the youngest head coaches in Division I history when Temple University hired him in 1983 at the age of 30. He spent six seasons coaching the Owls (1983-88).

Born in Paterson, New Jersey, Arians grew up in York, Pennsylvania, and played quarterback at Virginia Tech. He and his wife, Christine, have two children – son, Jake, and daughter, Kristi Anne, as well as a granddaughter, Presley and a grandson, Aiden.

ARIANS’ NFL HEAD COACHING CAREER

Year Team W L T Pct. Playoffs

2012 Indianapolis Colts* 9 3 0 .750

2013 Arizona Cardinals 10 6 0 .625

2014 Arizona Cardinals 11 5 0 .688 0-1

2015 Arizona Cardinals 13 3 0 .813 1-1

2016 Arizona Cardinals 7 8 1 .469

2017 Arizona Cardinals 8 8 0 .500

TOTALS 58 33 1 .639 1-2

*As an interim head coach, the NFL attributed all results to head coach Chuck Pagano.

ARIANS AT A GLANCE

YEARS HEAD COACH

1972-74 Virginia Tech, Player Charlie Coffey/Jimmy Sharpe

1975-76 Virginia Tech, Graduate Assistant Jimmy Sharpe

1977 Virginia Tech, Running Backs Jimmy Sharpe

1978-80 Mississippi State, Running Backs/Wide Receivers Bob Tyler/Emory Bellard

1981-82 Alabama, Running Backs Paul “Bear” Bryant

1983-88 Temple, Head Coach

1989-92 Kansas City Chiefs, Running Backs Marty Schottenheimer

1993-95 Mississippi State, Offensive Coordinator Jackie Sherrill

1996 New Orleans Saints, Tight Ends Jim Mora/Rick Venturi

1997 Alabama, Offensive Coordinator Mike Dubose

1998-2000 Indianapolis Colts, Quarterbacks Jim Mora

2001-03 Cleveland Browns, Offensive Coordinator Butch Davis

2004-06 Pittsburgh Steelers, Wide Receivers Bill Cowher

2007-11 Pittsburgh Steelers, Offensive Coordinator Mike Tomlin

2012 Indianapolis Colts, Offensive Coordinator/Interim Head Coach Chuck Pagano

2013-17 Arizona Cardinals, Head Coach

2019- Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Head Coach

Notable Players Under Arians

John Abraham

· Pro Bowl Selection (2013)

Budda Baker

· First-team AP All-Pro (2017)

· Pro Bowl Selection (2017)

· PFWA All-Rookie Selection (2017)

Justin Bethel

· 2x First-team AP All-Pro (2013, 2015)

· 3x Pro Bowl Selection (2013-15)

Antonio Brown

· Pro Bowl Selection (2011)

Calais Campbell

· 2x Second-team AP All-Pro (2014, 2016)

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2014-15)

Alan Faneca

· First-team AP All-Pro (2007)

· Second-team AP All-Pro (2008)

· 3x Pro Bowl Selection (2007-09)

Larry Fitzgerald

· 4x Pro Bowl Selection (2013, 2015-17)

David Johnson

· First-team AP All-Pro (2016)

· Pro Bowl Selection (2016)

Chandler Jones

· First-team AP All-Pro (2017)

· Pro Bowl Selection (2017)

Andrew Luck

· Pro Bowl Selection (2012)

Peyton Manning

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (1999-2000)

Tyrann Mathieu

· First-team AP All-Pro (2015)

· Pro Bowl Selection (2015)

· PFWA All-Rookie Team (2013)

Heath Miller

· Pro Bowl Selection (2009)

Christian Okoye

· First-team AP All-Pro (1989)

· Second-team AP All-Pro (1991)

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (1989, 1991)

· AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1989)

Willie Parker

· Pro Bowl Selection (2007)

Carson Palmer

· Second-team AP All-Pro (2015)

· Pro Bowl Selection (2015)

Patrick Peterson

· 2x First-team AP All-Pro (2013, 2015)

· 5x Pro Bowl Selection (2013-17)

Maurkice Pouncey

· First-team AP All-Pro (2011)

· Second-team AP All-Pro (2010)

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2010-11)

Ben Roethlisberger

· 2x Pro Bowl Selection (2007, 2011)

Mike Wallace

· Pro Bowl Selection (2011)

Hines Ward

· Second-team AP All-Pro (2004)

· Pro Bowl Selection (2004)

Reggie Wayne

· Pro Bowl Selection (2012)

Offensive Milestones Under Arians

Arizona Cardinals

· Most points scored in a season in team history (489 in 2015).

· Most yards gained in a season in team history (6,533 in 2015).

· Most touchdowns scored in a season in team history (58 in 2015).

· Most passing touchdowns in a season in team history (35 in 2015).

· Most first downs in a season in team history (373 in 2015).

· Most passing first downs in a single season in team history (237 in 2015).

Pittsburgh Steelers

· Then-most passing touchdowns in a season in team history (34 in 2007).

· Then-highest passer rating in a season in team history (99.9 in 2007).

· Then-highest completion percentage in team history (65.5 in 2009).

· Then-highest third-down conversion rate (46.8 percent in 2007).

Larry Fitzgerald

· Most receptions in a season in team history (109 in 2015 & 2017).

· Led NFL in receptions (107 in 2016)

David Johnson

· Most rushing touchdowns in a single season in team history (16 in 2016).

· Most touchdowns in a single season in team history (20 in 2016).

· Most yards from scrimmage in a single season in team history (2,118 in 2016).

· Led NFL in total touchdowns (20 in 2016).

· Led NFL in scrimmage yards (2,118 2016).

Peyton Manning

· Led NFL in passing yards (4,413 in 2000).

· Tied for NFL lead in passing touchdowns (33 in 2000).

Carson Palmer

· Most passing touchdowns in a season in team history (35 in 2015).

· Most passing yards in a season in team history (4,671 in 2015).

· Highest passer rating in a season in team history (104.6 in 2015).

· Highest yards per attempt in a season in team history (8.70 in 2015).

· Led NFL in yards per attempt (8.7 in 2015).

Christian Okoye

· Then-most rushing yards in a season in team history (1,480 in 1989).

· Led NFL in rushing yards (1,480 1989).

Ben Roethlisberger

· Highest passer rating in a season in team history (104.1 in 2007).

· Then-most passing touchdowns in a season in team history (32 in 2007).

· Then-highest completion percentage in a season in team history (66.60 in 2009).

NFL Leaders In Winning Percentage (2013-17)

Rk Team Wins

1. New England Patriots .788 (63-17-0)

2. Seattle Seahawks .681 (54-25-1)

3. Kansas City Chiefs .663 (53-27-0)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers .663 (53-27-0)

5. Carolina Panthers .644 (51-28-1)

6. Denver Broncos .638 (51-29-0)

7. Arizona Cardinals .619 (49-30-1)

8. Green Bay Packers .594 (47-32-1)

9. Cincinnati Bengals .588 (46-32-2)

9. Philadelphia Eagles .588 (47-33-0)

NFL Head Coaches From Week 5, 2012-Week 17, 2017

Rk Coach (Team) W-L

1. Bill Belichick (New England) 73-19

2. Pete Carroll (Seattle) 63-28-1

3. Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh) 59-33

4. Bruce Arians (Arizona/Indianapolis) 58-33-1

5. Ron Rivera (Carolina) 57-34-1

6. Mike McCarthy (Green Bay) 56-35-1

7. Andy Reid (Philadelphia/Kansas City) 54-38

8. Marvin Lewis (Cincinnati) 53-37-2

Most Wins In Arizona Cardinals Franchise History

(Including Postseason)

Rk Coach (Years) Wins

1. Bruce Arians (2013-17) 50

2. Ken Whisenhunt (2007-12) 49

3. Don Coryell (1973-77) 42

4. Jim Hanifan (1980-85) 39

5. Charley Winner (1966-70) 35

5. Jimmy Conzelman (1940-42, 46-48) 35

Most Regular Season Wins In Arizona Cardinals Franchise History

Rk Coach (Years) Wins

1. Bruce Arians (2013-17) 49

2. Ken Whisenhunt (2007-12) 45

3. Don Coryell (1973-77) 42

4. Jim Hanifan (1980-85) 39

5. Charley Winner (1966-70) 35

Jacksonville

Jaguars Maul The Patriots 35-6

Published

3 weeks ago

September 27, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars vs. Patriots (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) beat the New England Patriots (1-2) 35-6 at EverBank Stadium today. The Jaguars have now won six consecutive home games dating back to November 16, 2025. The Jaguars lost their nine game regular season winning streak last week in Denver with their 20-13 loss to the Broncos.

The first quarter was a defensive battle, highlighted by the Jaguars sacking Patriots QB Drake Maye to force a fumble, which was recovered by NT DaVon Hamilton. But neither team put points on the board.

Early in the second quarter, Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence found WR Josh Cameron in the end zone for a 12 yard touchdown, followed by K Cam Little’s extra point, to put the Jags ahead 7-0. Soon after, it looked as though Maye had scrambled into the end zone for a 21 yard touchdown run, but that play was nullified by an offensive holding penalty by Patriots RT Morgan Moses. They did manage to score on a 35 yard field goal by K Andy Borregales, to narrow their deficit to 7-3. But the Jags extended their lead as Lawrence completed a 10 yard pass for WR Jakobi Meyers’ 25th career touchdown pass. That was also Lawrence’s 104th passing touchdown of his career, moving him past QB Blake Bortles for sole possession of second place on the Jaguars all-time list. QB Mark Brunell currently holds the team record with 144. After Little’s extra point, the Jags were up 14-3. The Patriots came close to scoring late in the second quarter, but Jaguars CB Travis Hunter had his first career interception, grabbing a pass by Maye intended for WR Efton Chism III in the end zone. The Jaguars gave Cam Little an opportunity to break his own NFL regular season record with a 70 yard field goal attempt, but it went wide right. The score remained 14-3 at the half.

Travis Hunter’s First Career Interception. (Photo Credit Arthur “Dell” Morgan)

On the Patriots first drive of the third quarter, Borregales attempted a 38 yard field goal, but it went wide right. Late in the quarter, Lawrence completed a 17 yard touchdown pass to WR Parker Washington, followed by Little’s XP, extending the lead to 21-3. As the Patriots took possession, Jaguars CB Jarrian Jones intercepted a Drake Maye pass intended for WR Kyle Williams. On the next play, RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for a five yard touchdown. After another Little XP, the Jags were up 28-3 at the end of the third.

Early in the fourth quarter, Borregales redeemed himself with a 40 yard field goal, but the Pats remained down 28-6. The Jags added to their lead as RB Bhayshul Tuten ran for a 1 yard touchdown, and with Little’s extra point they finished the game up 35-6.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 182 passing yards and 3 TDs. Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars’ rushing with 73 yards and 1 TD. Jakobi Meyers was the leading receiver with 64 yards and 1 TD.

The Jaguars will be on the road for the month of October. They face the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m. Their next two games will be across the pond in London, where they’ll play the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, October 11th at 9:30 a.m. EST at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the Houston Texans on Sunday, October 18th at 9:30 a.m. EST at Wembley Stadium. The Jaguars have a bye for NFL Week 7, then return home to host the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, November 1st at 1:00 p.m. at EverBank Stadium. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Blowout the Browns 34-10

Published

1 month ago

September 13, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0) beat the Cleveland Browns (0-1) 34-10 at EverBank Stadium today. The Jags scored early and often in this dominant victory over Cleveland, extending their winning streak to nine games, which is now the second-longest regular season winning streak in franchise history.

Browns QB Deshaun Watson entered this game 7-0 against the Jaguars. This was also his first game since October 20, 2024, when he ruptured his Achilles tendon. Watson’s first drive of the game was ended by a Foye Oluokun interception. The Jaguars first drive ended with a 30 yard touchdown pass by QB Trevor Lawrence to WR Parker Washington, with K Cam Little adding the extra point, to put the Jags ahead 7-0. The Jags added another score on their next drive, as Lawrence had his 100th career touchdown pass, a 4 yard completion to WR Josh Cameron, for Cameron’s first career TD reception. Little added the XP, to put the Jags up 14-0 at the end of the first quarter.

The Jaguars next possession in the second quarter ended with a 47 yard field goal by Little, extending the Jaguars lead 17-0. On the Browns’ next possession, the Jags forced a fumble by WR KC Concepcion Jr., which was recovered by DE Josh Hines-Allen. Five plays later, Lawrence later completed a 14 yard touchdown pass to TE Brenton Strange, followed by another Little extra point, as the Jags moved ahead 24-0, which remained the score at halftime.

The Jaguars’ first possession of the third quarter ended with another score, as Lawrence found WR Jakobi Meyers in the end zone, completing a 32 yard pass, followed by another XP by Little. The Jags now led 31-0. The Browns finally put points on the board on their next drive, with a 26 yard field goal by K Andre Szmyt, reducing the deficit to 31-3. Little added a 40 yard field goal, putting the Jags ahead 34-3 at the end of the quarter.

Nick Mullens entered the game at Quarterback for the Jags about midway through the fourth quarter. Trevor Lawrence left the game with a QB rating of 150.6, his highest ever. The Browns did manage a 46 yard touchdown pass by Watston to WR Denzel Boston just after the two-minute warning, followed by Szmyt’s XP, making the final score 34-10.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 245 passing yards and 4 TDs. Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars’ rushing with 66 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 83 yards and 1 TD.

Trevor Lawrence also became only the fourth player in NFL history to record at least 100 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns before turning 27 years old. The first three were Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Cam Newton.

Today’s game also marked the return of WR/CB Travis Hunter, who missed 10 games last season with a torn LCL.

The Jaguars’ stadium renovations also continue all season long, with the team playing in Orlando’s Camping World Stadium for the 2027 season. For an update on this construction project, visit https://www.instagram.com/reel/DdPBZU-BqKC/?stkn=a2lrcXViMmx0aWJ5.

The Jaguars head west to Denver to play the Broncos on Sunday, September 20th at 4:05 p.m. EST. They return to EverBank to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, September 27th at 1:00 p.m. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Jacksonville

Jaguars Lose to the Bills 27-24 in the AFC Wild Card Playoffs

Published

9 months ago

January 11, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars vs. Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs (Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (Florida National News) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (13-5) lost to the Buffalo Bills (13-5) 27-24 at EverBank Stadium today in the AFC Wild Card Round of the NFL Playoffs. The Jaguars finished with nine more victories than last season, but fans are still disappointed that the miracle season has come to an end.

On Jacksonville’s second drive of the game, QB Trevor Lawrence threw a pass intended for WR Parker Washington that was intercepted by Bills LB Shaq Thompson. A couple of plays later, Bills QB Josh Allen was tacked by Jaguars DE Josh Hines-Allen, and Allen went to the Bills’ blue tent to be evaluated for a concussion, but was cleared to return. On the fourth down, K Matt Prater kicked a 50 yard field goal to put the Bills on the board 3-0, which was the score at the end of the first quarter.

Early in the second quarter, Trevor Lawrence completed a 3 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr. and K Cam Little added the extra point, putting the Jaguars ahead 7-3. On the kickoff, the Jaguars benefited from a fumble by Bills RB Ray Davis that LB Devin Lloyd recovered. The Jaguars were on Buffalo’s 9 yard line when Trevor Lawrence tried to dive for a first down on 4th and 2, but came up a little short on the officials’ review. The Bills took possession and ended up scoring on Josh Allen’s two yard touchdown run, followed by Prater’s XP. The Jaguars managed to get into field goal position just before the half, but Cam Little missed a 54 yard field goal that hit the left upright, ending his streak of 20 consecutive field goals made, including a 67 yarder just last week which set the NFL outdoor record. The Bills were up 10-7 at halftime.

Matt Prater kicked a 47 yard field goal on the Bills’ first drive of the third quarter, extending their lead to 13-7. Cam Little redeemed himself with a 43 yard field goal on the Jaguars’ next drive, to narrow the Jags’ deficit to 13-10, which remained the score at the end of the third quarter.

Early in the fourth, Trevor Lawrence found Parker Washington in the end zone for a 6 yard touchdown pass, and after Cam Little’s XP, the Jags were ahead 17-13. But Josh Allen’s 15 yard touchdown pass to TE Dalton Kincaid, followed by Matt Prater’s XP, put the Bills up 20-17. The Jags responded with a 14 yard Lawrence touchdown pass to RB Travis Etienne Jr., and a Little XP, to put the Jaguars ahead 24-20. Josh Allen ran into the end zone for another Bills touchdown, followed by Prater’s XP with just over a minute left in the game, putting the Bills up 27-24. Trevor Lawrence threw a pass that was intercepted by Bills S Cole Bishop, effectively ending the season for the Jaguars.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 207 passing yards and 3 TDs. Travis Etienne Jr. led the Jaguars’ rushing with 67 yards. Parker Washington was the leading receiver with 107 yards and 1 TD. Today’s attendance was 70,250.

Today marked the Jaguars’ 17th playoff game in history. With today’s loss, they are now 5-3 in the Wild Card round, and 4-2 at home in the playoffs. Jacksonville beat the Bills in the 1996 AFC Wild Card round to win their first playoff game in franchise history.

The AFC Divisional Playoff schedule will be announced after the completion of this weekend’s playoff games. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.