Super Bowl-Winning Coach Bruce Arians to Undergo Open Heart Surgery

The 73-year-old has a history of health issues, including prostate cancer and kidney surgery.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Super Bowl-winning head coach Bruce Arians will be undergoing open-heart surgery on Feb. 6 as the latest development with his health problems. Arians, who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win five years ago, has a history of medical issues including prostate cancer, kidney surgery, and hospitalizations for diverticulitis and chest pains.

Why it matters

Arians is a highly respected and accomplished NFL coach, having won two Super Bowls as an assistant and leading the Buccaneers to a championship in Tom Brady's first year with the team. His health issues over the years have been well-documented, and this latest open-heart surgery is a significant development that could impact his future involvement in the league.

The details

Arians, 73, announced the upcoming surgery during an appearance on the 'Today' show alongside former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski. Arians was promoting a Super Bowl commercial about prostate cancer screening after he was diagnosed with the disease in 2007 and had cancerous cells removed from his nose in 2013. Arians was also hospitalized twice while he was the Arizona Cardinals head coach in 2016 - first for diverticulitis and then for chest pains.

  • Arians will undergo open-heart surgery on February 6, 2026.
  • Arians was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2007 and had cancerous cells removed from his nose in 2013.
  • Arians was hospitalized twice in 2016 while head coach of the Arizona Cardinals - first for diverticulitis and then for chest pains.

The players

Bruce Arians

A two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year who led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win five years ago. Arians has a history of health issues including prostate cancer, kidney surgery, and hospitalizations.

Rob Gronkowski

A former NFL tight end who appeared on the 'Today' show alongside Arians.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The details and timing of Arians' open-heart surgery on February 6 will be closely watched, as his health issues over the years have been a concern.

The takeaway

Arians' upcoming open-heart surgery is the latest in a series of health challenges the accomplished NFL coach has faced, including prostate cancer, kidney surgery, and hospitalizations. Despite his medical issues, Arians has remained a respected figure in the league, leading the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship. This latest development will be closely monitored as it could impact his future involvement in the sport.