LOOK: Virginia Tech pays tribute to Bruce Arians after Hokie legend retires as NFL head coach

Virginia Tech and Bruce Arians have a 50-year history and have continued that connection throughout the former Hokie’s journey as an NFL head coach.

On Thursday night, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach — who most recently was the driving force for bringing the organization its second Super Bowl victory in franchise history — abruptly announced he would be stepping away from his duties as an NFL head coach and will transition to a front office role with the organization.

What a career

• Two-time @NFL Coach of the Year
• Three-time Super Bowl champion

Congrats on an incredible coaching run, @BruceArians 🤝 pic.twitter.com/8fhX7gnkRL

— Virginia Tech Football (@HokiesFB) March 31, 2022

Arians played quarterback for Tech from 1971-74 and started his coaching career in Blacksburg as a graduate assistant (1975-76) and running backs coach (1977) for the Hokies.  As a player, Arians rushed for 11 touchdowns during the 1974 season, a Tech quarterback record that stood for over 40 years until Jerod Evans surpassed it with 12 rushing touchdowns in 2016.

Last fall, Virginia Tech honored the longtime NFL coach and former Hokie in a significant way.

A statement released by the Tech athletic department noted both Arians and his wife Christine — who is also a Hokies’ alum — have made a “substantial and impactful commitment” to the Virginia Tech Football Enhancement Fund.

“To honor the Arians’ generous contribution to Virginia Tech Football, the quarterback meeting room will now be known as the Bruce Arians Room. The room, which is used daily by Tech student-athletes and coaches, is located in the Merryman Athletic Center within Michael Vick Hall,” the statement said.

The recent gift from Arians and his wife was called a notable investment that aims to raise $400 million to fund major initiatives within Virginia Tech Football and Virginia Tech Athletics.

“Virginia Tech football is a special brotherhood, and creates a bond for all Hokies,” Arians said. “I’m not able to get back to campus very often, but I have and will continue to wear the VT proudly supporting our program. Blacksburg is such a special town and an amazing place to develop as a college football player.”

Bruce Arians suddenly retires as NFL head coach

Bruce Arians shocked the NFL world by retiring from coaching on Wednesday. After the announcement, he released a statement explaining the decision.

Arians spent nearly 50 years on the sidelines, going from a Virginia Tech graduate assistant in 1975 to a Super Bowl title in 2021. People have questioned his health lately, and he even left the NFL coaches meetings this week with a stomach bug. But he made it clear that had nothing to do it.

“Before you start thinking this is about my health, don’t,” Arians said in a lengthy statement. “This is the best I have felt in many years and I’m looking forward to helping this team continue winning through my new role. I want to focus on what I can give back to this incredible game that has provided so much for me and my family.”

He went on to explain that his respect for Todd Bowles — and the return of Tom Brady — made the timing right as he believes Bowles deserves a chance to lead a team capable of winning another Lombardi.

“The simple answer is that I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed I could during this incredible coaching journey,” Arians stated. “Winning Super Bowl LV at our home stadium, with my mom and family in attendance, was really the last item I wanted to check off my career bucket list. For me, this is about more than just trying to add more wins to my coaching record.

“This team is in a much better place than it was three years ago due to Jason’s great work and the Glazer family’s commitment to winning.”

You can read Bruce Arians’ full statement here.