Bruce Arians’ decision to resign as coach was significantly influenced by Tom Brady’s return to Tampa, but not for the reason you may expect.

Todd Bowles, who was the team’s defensive coordinator before his unexpected elevation, will take over for Arians.

In one way or another, I have been a football coach on the sidelines for most of the last 50 years of my life. Arians started his statement by saying, “Today, I have decided to move from the sidelines into another capacity with the Buccaneers front office, aiding [general manager] Jason Licht and his team.”

This year marks Arians’ 70th birthday. A cancer survivor, he assured supporters that “this is the best I have felt in many years, and I’m looking forward to helping this club continue winning via my new role.” Arians clarified that the decision was not motivated by health concerns.

A few weeks after Tom Brady decided to come out of retirement and rejoin the Bucs for another season, Arians left, and some conjectured that there was a falling out between the star quarterback and head coach.

Arians clarified in his remark that he left because of Brady’s comeback rather than being fired.

Brady’s comeback, on the other hand, gave Arians the confidence that he would be leaving his club and his successors in the greatest possible position to succeed in his absence.

“My goal was to make sure Todd Bowles would have the best chance to succeed when I left,” Arians wrote. “It was clear to me that the moment had come to hand the reins to Todd after Tom’s choice to return and Jason and his staff’s outstanding work in keeping the nucleus of this club together during free agency.”

The people who think Brady’s return to the Buccaneers was dependent on his departure will probably not be silenced by Arians comments. Nevertheless, Arians says the choice was taken to support the organization’s transition at a time that was convenient for him and the Buccaneers.

Brady sent Arians a final goodbye message on Instagram.

Brady wrote, “Thank you, BA, for everything you have done for me and our team.” It was an honor to play for you; you are an amazing man and coach. For everything you have done to improve diversity and inclusivity in the NFL, you are a real pioneer and legend.”