Bruce Arians reminisces on time with Virginia Tech Hokies

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians returned to Virginia Tech last Saturday for the Hokies’ matchup with Middle Tennessee, his first appearance at Lane Stadium since 1977, he said on the ESPN broadcast.

“It has changed a little bit,” Arians said through his laughter. “Some great traditions. Obviously, as I’ve grown up, I remember every single day.”

Arians played at Virginia Tech as quarterback and started his senior season for the Hokies in 1974. The Hokies largely operated out of a wishbone formation, and as a senior he held a 44.9 completion percentage, while throwing for 952 yards, three touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for 243 yards and 11 touchdowns, which set a then-program record for most quarterback rushing touchdowns in a season.

“Our guys are so close from my class,” Arians said. “And all Hokies are close. And nothing better to put a smile on my face than when I’ll be driving down the street and someone yells, ‘Go Hokies’ because I’ve always got my [Virginia Tech] gear on. It just puts a smile on your face. It’s amazing, the brotherhood of this community.”

After his Virginia Tech playing career, Arians began his coaching career in 1975 as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech. After working three seasons for his alma mater, Arians moved on to assistant coaching roles at Mississippi State, as a wide receivers and running backs coach, and Alabama, as a running backs coach under Bear Bryant. He received his first head coaching opportunity at Temple, where he coached the Owls from 1982 until 1988.

Arians has since served largely NFL coaching roles, save for one more stop at Alabama as the offensive coordinator in 1997. Most recently, Arians was the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals from 2013 until 2017, and he is now the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach, where he’s been since 2019. Arians and the Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV last season, defeating the Chiefs 31-9.

After sneaking past the Dallas Cowboys with a 31-29 victory, Arians in the booth discussed what it’s like discussing seven-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Tom Brady.

“Tom Brady is like coaching a 12-year-old,” Arians said. “He comes to practice so excited every single day. Like a little kid. ‘What can I learn today? What can I get better at today?’ It just permeates through our whole football team. He’s the easiest guy to coach. Very similar to Peyton Manning.”

The Virginia Tech Hokies started off their season in Week 1 on a very positive note, upsetting the No. 10 North Carolina Tar Heels 17-10, after which fans stormed the field in Blacksburg. Although Week 2 featured a much less talented opponent, the Hokies were still able to cruise to a 35-14 victory.