NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Packers, Vikings

Buccaneers

Buccaneers GM Jason Licht tells Albert Breer of the MMQB.com that he said he was looking to hire Bruce Arians-type of coach even before it became a realistic possibility.

“When we laid out the criteria for a head coach, I did say at one point to them, ‘Well, we want someone who’s really competent, ideally, someone who’s been in the seat before so they know what they’re getting into, I want a guy who connects with people, I want a strong leader,’” Licht said. “And then I go, ‘Basically, we want Bruce Arians.’”

When asked about a potential succession plan for Arians, Licht said it’s “off the radar right now.”

“It’s off the radar right now,” Licht said. “Right now, we’re just focused on Bruce and this season. I will say that Bruce feels very, very strongly that he’s got three coordinators and an assistant head coach that are all very worthy of being a head coach. He feels very, very strongly about Todd Bowles, and we do too. We’re really fortunate to have Todd. He wouldn’t have come here if it weren’t for Bruce. And he and I have a strong relationship too. I don’t want to say Todd is the next guy right now because we’re all focused on Bruce. But I do feel good about who he’s got.”

Packers

• Tom Silverstein reports that the Packers will not be hiring Dolphins special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi, despite interviewing him for their coordinator job last week.
• According to Silverstein, the Packers’ focus will likely be on NFL assistant special teams coaches and college special teams coordinators.
• Jim Owczarski wonders if the Packers will reexamine Bengals special teams assistant Brayden Coombs for their special teams coordinator job.
• Alex Marvez reports that the Packers remain a strong possibility for Jets OL coach Rick Dennison.

Vikings

• Alex Marvez reports that the Packers remain a strong possibility for Jets OL coach Rick Dennison.