Bruce Arians willing to listen to Buccaneers’ interest

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly hoping to entice Bruce Arians out of retirement to come coach them, and the former Arizona Cardinals coach is apparently willing to entertain their overture.

According to Alex Marvez of SiriusXM, the Buccaneers have legitimate interest in speaking to Arians, who retired as coach of the Cardinals a year ago. Other veteran coaches like Jack Del Rio and Jim Caldwell are also said to be in the mix.

I'm told there is legit @Buccaneers interest in Bruce Arians for a head coaching interview and he may not be the only veteran coach in the mix. Keep an eye on Jack Del Rio and Jim Caldwell as potential candidates as well

— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) December 31, 2018

Arians had previously said he would only consider coaching the Cleveland Browns if he were to return from work, but as rumors intensified on Monday, he confirmed to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that he’d be willing to consider the Tampa Bay opening.

Previously, former #AZCardinals coach Bruce Arians had said he’d only consider the #Browns job. But with the #Bucs job open, BA just texted me: "I know Jason (Licht). So, I would listen.” That would be interesting.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 31, 2018

Listening and taking a job are two very different things, and Arians had indicated that he still believes he is unlikely to coach next season. Perhaps serious interest will change that.