Bruce Arians Shares Update on Upcoming Heart Surgery, Reflects on Career Roots in Pittsburgh
Bruce Arians, the longtime NFL coach with deep ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers, is facing an important health moment-but in typical Arians fashion, he’s approaching it with clarity, confidence, and a touch of humor.
The 73-year-old Super Bowl-winning coach recently shared an update on social media regarding his upcoming heart surgery. After mentioning the procedure during an appearance on The Today Show, Arians took to X (formerly Twitter) to provide some reassurance.
“The procedure I am having is a common one and is something my doctors and I have been monitoring for a number of years,” Arians wrote. “They recommend I correct the issue now so I can be as good as new back on the golf course ASAP.”
That’s classic Arians-direct, optimistic, and already looking ahead to his next tee time.
While the surgery is certainly a serious matter, Arians made it clear that this is a proactive step, not a sudden emergency. He also took a moment to thank fans and well-wishers for their support, a testament to the strong connections he’s built throughout his decades in football.
A Pittsburgh Pillar
For Steelers fans, Arians’ name still resonates. He joined the organization in 2004 as the wide receivers coach and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2007-the same year Mike Tomlin took over as head coach. That pairing helped guide Pittsburgh through a successful stretch that included two Super Bowl titles, one of which (Super Bowl XLIII) came with Arians calling the plays.
Before his Steelers days, Arians had already carved out a long football résumé. A native of York, Pennsylvania, he began his coaching career in 1975 as a graduate assistant at Virginia Tech, his alma mater. From there, he worked his way up through the college ranks and eventually landed his first NFL job as the Kansas City Chiefs’ running backs coach in 1989.
His time in Pittsburgh ended after the 2011 season in what the organization labeled a retirement. But Arians wasn’t done.
He quickly returned to the sidelines as the Indianapolis Colts' offensive coordinator in 2012. That season, he famously stepped in as interim head coach while Chuck Pagano underwent cancer treatment, guiding the Colts to a playoff berth and earning widespread respect across the league.
A Super Bowl Journey
Arians' coaching career hit its pinnacle in Tampa Bay, where he led the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl LV victory during the 2020-2021 season. It was his first title as a head coach, and it capped off one of the most unique coaching journeys in recent memory.
After one more season on the sidelines, Arians transitioned into a front office role with the Bucs as a senior football consultant-a position he still holds today.
Looking Ahead
Now, as he prepares for surgery, Arians is staying focused on recovery and returning to the things he loves-football, family, and yes, golf. At 73, he remains a respected figure in league circles and a beloved figure in Pittsburgh, Arizona, Tampa Bay, and everywhere else his coaching career has left a mark.
Here’s to a smooth procedure and a speedy return to the course for one of the game’s most colorful and accomplished minds.