Fear not, Bucs fans. Head coach Bruce Arians isn’t planning on walking off into the sunset anytime soon.

Many fans – and members of the media – assumed Arians, who came out of retirement to lead Tampa Bay, would coach maybe two or three of the five years on his deal he signed in 2019. Then he would walk away and turn it over to one of his assistants, especially if he were able to win a Super Bowl, as he did this past season. Or if quarterback Tom Brady decided to retire before Arians’ contract expires after the 2023 season.

Arians said that’s a misconception on Tuesday’s Pewter Report Podcast. In fact, right now he plans to honor his five-year deal – and maybe even more. Arians said his coaching future isn’t tied to Brady’s plans at all. Brady signed a one-year extension this offseason through the 2022 season.

“Oh yeah, that’s the plan. I don’t have any plans on retiring,” Arians said. “It’s just, when do I not want to go back to work? When I’m not excited about going back to work then I’m cheating somebody. I’m cheating the Glazer family, I’m cheating my players. Right now I can’t wait to get back to work. I don’t know when that’s going to happen, but no, I’m not tied to any players.”

Bruce Arians and QB Kyle Trask – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Not only did Arians say Brady’s future won’t affect his, he said the challenge of a young quarterback is also appealing.

“I could get extremely excited about having another young quarterback and going to war with one,” Arians said.  “I’ll be honest with you. I’d be excited to take Blaine Gabbert to war because I love Blaine Gabbert. I think he is the most underrated player in the NFL. So yeah, when its not fun, then it will be time.”

When Arians walked away following the 2017 season with Arizona its was partly due to health concerns. The then-64-year old, two-time Coach of the Year had three bouts with cancer including renal cancer that cost him part of a kidney. Arians also battled prostate cancer and skin cancer. On top of that, he suffered with a bout of diverticulitis in 2016.

In fact, before Arians was hired he was required to get a full physical in Tampa. The good news is he passed easily. And according to a now 68-year old Arians, he continues to be in good overall health.

“Everything’s great. I lost all that weight during the season, but just gained it all back,” Arians said with a chuckle on Tuesday. “I have to lose it again, but other than that I got a good, clean bill of health man. I’m still a C-plus. I’m good.”

You can watch the full Pewter Report Podcast episode with Arians below, or hear his answer to the retirement question at the 35:25 mark.