ARIZONA CARDINALS

Bruce Arians says only the Browns job could bring him out of retirement

Nov 5, 2018, 2:14 PM | Updated: 10:28 pm

(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)...

(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

(AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Fresh off retirement following a five-year stint as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Bruce Arians said that he might return to coaching if it was with the Cleveland Browns.

After firing head coach Hue Jackson on Oct. 29, the Browns head coaching job is occupied under interim status with a coaching search presumably set to begin soon.

While covering the Browns game against the Kansas City Chiefs for CBS, the Canton Repository asked Arians about his interest level in the new opening.

“Cleveland is the only job I would consider,” Arians said. 

Arians was an offensive coordinator for the Browns from 2001-2004. He was also interviewed for their head coaching vacancy in 2013.

In an NFL age where young offensive geniuses have become the trendy preference, Arians’ history on the offensive side of the ball becomes an intriguing option.

Though Arians is 20 years older than current offensive gurus like the Rams’ Sean McVay or the Vikings’ John DeFilippo, his resume speaks to a similarly advanced offensive mind.

It is hard to imagine someone referring to the 66-year-old Arians as a “Boy Wonder” these days, but that’s what people referred to him as in 1983 as the 30-year-old head coach of the Temple Owls.

Recently, Cardinals quarterback Josh Rosen referred to Arians as a “Ghostly legend” rather than a “Boy Wonder.”

Whatever coach takes over for the Browns will have to opportunity to mold the top pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, quarterback Baker Mayfield, who leads all rookies with a QB rating of 81.5.

Arizona Cardinals

Zaven Collins at practice...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals not picking up Zaven Collins’ 5th-year option

The Arizona Cardinals are not picking up linebacker Zaven Collins' fifth-year option, general manager Monti Ossenfort told Burns & Gambo.

3 hours ago

Brian Harline and Marvin Harrison Jr....

Kevin Zimmerman

Ohio State’s Brian Hartline: Marvin Harrison Jr. ‘pretty boring … lives on that Jugs machine’

Ohio State co-OC Brian Hartline called Marvin Harrison Jr. pretty boring and meant it as a compliment to the newest Arizona Cardinal.

4 hours ago

Kaden Davis...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals release WR Kaden Davis, CB Quavian White

The Arizona Cardinals released wide receiver Kaden Davis and cornerback Quavian White, the team announced on Tuesday.

5 hours ago

Christian Jones works out at NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

From soccer to football: Christian Jones in ‘perfect situation’ with Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals rookie offensive lineman Christian Jones left soccer for football. He got involved in football starting with a handshake.

8 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort speaks with reporters...

Arizona Sports

NFL Draft grades: Arizona Cardinals receive high marks for 2024 class

NFL Draft grades are out. And for the most part, those around the league are liking what GM Monti Ossenfort did last week.

1 day ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. poses after getting drafted by the Arizona Cardinals...

Tyler Drake

What did they say? Best quotes from Cardinals’ 2024 NFL Draft class

A look at some of the best quotes from each of the 12 newest Cardinals picked up during the 2024 NFL Draft.

1 day ago

Bruce Arians says only the Browns job could bring him out of retirement