TAMPA, Fla. _ The Bucs hope to begin contract negotiations either Tuesday or Wednesday aimed at making Bruce Arians their next head coach.
Arians, 66, has been considered the front-runner for the job since the team fired Dirk Koetter Dec. 30.
Arians interviewed with general manager Jason Licht in Tampa Saturday and underwent a complete physical at a local hospital as part of the process, according to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports.
Arians retired from coaching following the 2017 season with one year remaining on his contract with the Arizona Cardinals.
He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and had undergone some health problems while coaching the Cardinals.
Last year he worked as an NFL analyst for CBS.
The Bucs also interviewed Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Vikings defensive coordinator George Edwards and Cowboys defensive backs coach Kris Richard.
But none of those candidates have any head coaching experience.
Arians would provide a proven quarterback whisperer for Jameis Winston, who is entering his fifth and final year under a rookie contract.
And Arians has worked with Licht, who was the Cardinals Vice President of player personnel in 2013 with the Cardinals.
It's believed that Arians also would bring former Jets head coach Todd Bowles with him to Tampa Bay as defensive coordinator.
