The Buccaneers have seen their fair share of retirements this offseason.

First, it was Tom Brady. Then, it was Ali Marpet.

Now, it's Bruce Arians.

The 69-year-old head coach announced his retirement to the surprise of many Wednesday night. Todd Bowles will take over as the Buccaneers' new head coach and Arians will step into a front office role.

Arians' retirement comes as a surprise mostly because he decided to do so after Brady announced his return to the NFL. If anything, most would've expected Arians to retire after Brady retired, not after he returned.

Part of the odd timing is the rumors and speculation that surrounded Brady's and Arians' final months as members of the Buccaneers. Many speculated that a rift had grown between Arians and Brady. So, naturally, that same many are thinking that the speculated rift has something to do with Arians' retirement.

That couldn't be further from the truth. However, Brady did play a role in Arians' retirement. It's just not what the speculators and rumor-mongers want his role to be.

"Immediately after [the playoffs], two to three weeks afterwards [I thought] … if I quit, my coaches get fired," Arians told NBC Sports' Peter King. "I couldn’t do it then.

“Tom was kind of the key. When Tom decided to come back … and all of these guys back now, it’s the perfect timing for me just to go into the front office and still have the relationships that I love.”

Right now, the team is in great shape with Brady back at quarterback and the team made several good moves in free agency. Therefore, he's leaving Bowles with a team that has the best quarterback of all time and a very strong roster.

"With the organization in probably the best shape it’s been in its history, with Tom Brady coming back … I’d rather see Todd in position to be successful and not have to take some [crappy] job," Arians said. "I’m probably retiring next year anyway, in February. So, I control the narrative right now. I don’t control it next February because [if] Brady gets hurt, we go 10-7, and it’s an open interview for the job … I got 31 [coaches and their] families that depend on me. My wife is big on not letting all those families down.”

Arians also confirmed that he and Brady's relationship is in good standing.

“Tom was very in favor of what I’m doing. I mean, I had conflicts with every player I coached because I cussed them all out, including him. Great relationship off the field.”

It makes sense. Brady in the fold gives Bowles his best chance to succeed, which in turn buys him more time as a head coach in the NFL and in particular, the Buccaneers.

It's time to put the Arians-Brady rift rumors to rest, but that certainly won't happen any time soon. Especially after Wednesday night's news.

Featured image via Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports