GM confirms there was ‘friction’ between Tom Brady and Bruce Arians
By Scott Rogust
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht spoke on the reported friction between quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bruce Arians.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers only had to experience over a month of life without quarterback Tom Brady. His retirement was brief, as he announced his decision to return to the team for 2022 in what has become a very winnable NFC. However, there were questions about Brady’s relationship with head coach Bruce Arians, where there were reports of friction between the two.
When speaking with the media on Monday, Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht was asked by ESPN’s Jenna Laine about the reported friction between Brady and Arians. Licht said that there is always going to be some form of friction on any team.
I asked Jason Licht if the key to managing any possible friction between players and coaches is keeping an open line of communication (which Bruce Arians has always tried to do). "Absolutely," Licht said. "[Brady's] loved his time here and he's told me that several times."
— JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) March 21, 2022
Buccaneers GM speaks on reported friction between Tom Brady and Bruce Arians
When Brady announced that his retirement would be short-lived and that he would return for the 2022 season, Arians responded to the news with “total excitement.” After all, the Buccaneers path to Super Bowl 57 is not going to be as grueling as it is going to be in the loaded AFC.
Not only is Brady returning, but so is wide receiver Chris Godwin and cornerback Carlton Davis on new contracts. The Buccaneers also brought in Brady’s former offensive guard from the New England Patriots in Shaq Mason in a trade.
Brady was still playing at a high level prior to announcing he was stepping away from the NFL. He did lead the entire NFL in completions (485), yards (5,316), yards per game (312.7) and touchdowns (43). Those statistical numbers helped Brady finish second in NFL MVP voting.
The goal, as has always been the case since Brady joined Tampa Bay, is to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. That is what Licht, Brady and Arians are looking to do entering the 2022 season.
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