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Since Tom Brady and Bruce Arians concluded their time together on the football field, the dynamics of their relationship have been the subject of much speculation, especially after rumors emerged suggesting they stopped communicating with each other completely.
Recently, NFL insider Jeff Darlington reignited the conversation with claims that the former New England Patriots quarterback's respect for Arians had waned by the end of their time together.
"When Tom Brady was playing for Bruce Arians, that relationship absolutely got to the point where Brady didn't have the respect for Arians that he originally did when he first got there," Darlington told Get Up.
"Had they lost that first year and did not win the Super Bowl ... I don't think Bruce Arians is the coach the following year. Eventually, Bruce Arians was not the coach."
Darlington's comments suggest that Brady's dissatisfaction with Arians played a significant role in the coach's eventual departure.
While Brady didn't officially have the authority to hire or fire coaches, his influence within the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization was substantial after he became their biggest ever signing.
The team's desire to keep their star quarterback content may have led to Arians' exit, with former New York Jets coach Todd Bowles taking over in Brady's third season.
Brady and Arians' Legacy and the Fallout
The partnership between Brady and Arians began on a high note, as they led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl victory in their first season together.
This achievement not only cemented Brady's legacy, proving he could win outside of Bill Belichick's system, but also marked Patrick Mahomes' only Super Bowl loss to date.
Despite their initial success, tensions seemed to build, culminating in Arians stepping down before Brady's final season. Brady continued to play until age 45, leading the Buccaneers to the playoffs in his last season under Todd Bowles.
However, his attendance at practices became sporadic, raising questions about his commitment and relationship with the team, with many wondering if that had plagued his time with Arians too.