Coach Bruce Arians’ career after retirement – NFL Feature
Bruce Arians earlier this year announced he has retired from the professional league as a coach. He was serving as an offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers then.
The decision was seen as not Arians’ choice. It was rather imposed on him, and the manner and timing all indicated the Steelers forced him to quit, after refusing to renew his deal.
He could not think of an alternative then, probably, and therefore decided to call it a day. He soon after coming out from the headquarters confirmed media doubts that the retirement was against his own will.
Irrespective of a question who did this to him, the official came out of the so-called retirement to confirm earlier suspicions and joined the Indianapolis Colts in a similar role.
The Colts were in need of a coach at almost all positions. So it took only about a week to a retired man to start a fresh career, a career that is thriving remarkably well since then.
Bruce luckily found him in a better position with Colts than he was with the Steelers. The Steelers were through a phase of transition, parting ways with veterans and taking in the raw and young talent.
On the other hand, the Colts were probably far ahead of the Steelers, as they were rebuilding themselves almost from scratch. This provided Bruce more opportunities in Indianapolis than he could have had in Pittsburgh.
The offensive coordinator got involved with owner Jim Irsay and head coach Chuck Pagano at the outset of rebuilding process. He led the team to understand him and his new offensive strategy more, and had an opportunity to know working style of the Colts
more closely. This promised new and fast progression of his career.
Nevertheless, he in any way could not have thought then that one day his dream of coaching his own side might come true at the Colts. It has happened, although the situation and manner are not ideal. It is rather a blessing in disguise.
Strangely, it is the illness of coach Pagano that paved the way for Arians to fulfil head coaching dream, although the coach is more saddened at arrival of the chance than being happier. The reason is that Pagano has been diagnosed with Leukaemia and Arians
finds himself in tears while he mentions it.
So, although the opportunity has helped him fulfil his life-time dream, its timing is not suitable. He nevertheless has made an impressive start as a head coach, no matter on an interim basis. He guided the side to a win in his first game as a replacement
coach, and as per his plans he dedicated the win to his immediate boss Pagano as a wish for good health.
Pagano will not be able to coach the Colts this season at all, meaning Arians will be in charge of the affairs for the entire season, at least, and prospects beyond this year are unknown to everyone yet.
While he himself hopes Pagano is recovered and back as quickly as possible, a successful current stint might let him have the opportunity in the longer run, if Pagano excuses himself for health reasons or in case of in any other worst scenario.
At the end, with all the frustration and furry over the forced exit from the Steelers, Arians little knew then that he was destined for a better future, and everything has happened for him within a short span.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article in no way reflect bettor.com's editorial policies
Tags: