Arians: Stepping down a 'no-brainer' after Brady returned

Tom Brady's return from his brief retirement was a key factor in Bruce Arians' decision to step down as Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach.

"I was waiting for Tom and to see what he was going to do," Arians said on the "Wolf & Luke Show" recently. "Once he came back, it was a no-brainer. (Todd Bowles is) in a great shape. The organization is in a great shape. I probably wouldn't have done it had Tom not unretired."

The 69-year-old isn't sure he would've remained head coach if Brady were still retired, either.

"There was always a possibility, and we were going to wait until the last minute," Arians said. "We were making plans in case he didn't (unretire), but thank goodness he did."

Arians stepped down as the Buccaneers' head coach in a stunning move March 30 and moved to a senior football consultant role. Bowles, who served as Tampa Bay's defensive coordinator over the last three seasons, was named his successor.

"It was kind of a shock because of the timing, but it was something I've dreamt about a long time," Arians said. "To have one of my guys take over, get a deal, and get a contract. … It couldn't have worked out any better. I'm really excited."

During Bowles' introductory press conference last Thursday, Arians rejected reports that a strained relationship with Brady prompted his move to the team's front office.