Arians denies rift with Brady led to coaching exit: 'People gotta write shit'

Bruce Arians shocked the NFL world by stepping down as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and some speculated that a strained relationship with Tom Brady was a reason why he was transitioning to the team's front office.

But Arians strongly denied any issues with Brady in Thursday's press conference introducing Todd Bowles as his successor, which the quarterback also attended.

"We have a great relationship. All the players, every one of them, has gotten cussed out, including (Brady)," said Arians, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. "That's just part of me. ... People gotta write shit. It couldn't be further from the truth."

Arians said Brady unretiring sparked his decision to step aside for Bowles.

"It's no better time to pass the torch than now," he said, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Brady praised Arians in an Instagram post on Wednesday, saying he was "forever grateful" to the coach, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The 69-year-old has been lauded for being a champion of diversity and inclusion within NFL coaching ranks. Bowles is now the fourth Black head coach in Buccaneers' history, more than any other franchise, according to Schefter.

Arians said it was an easy decision to pass on the chance for a second Super Bowl in three years in favor of handing Bowles the opportunity to succeed immediately.

"I don't give a shit about the Hall of Fame. Succession is way more important to me," said Arians, according to Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network.

The Buccaneers announced that Arians will be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor this season.