Bucs GM Jason Licht doesn't deny reports of friction between Tom Brady, Bruce Arians

Shortly after quarterback Tom Brady initially retired last month, former NFL offensive lineman and current radio personality Rich Ohrnberger, who once played alongside the 44-year-old as a member of the New England Patriots, raised eyes with a report claiming that the relationship between Brady and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians had been "souring" well before Tampa Bay's playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams that preceded Brady's retirement announcement. 

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht spoke with reporters Monday and explained those within the organization "had a lot of faith" Brady would ultimately decide to play at least one more season, a call he officially confirmed on March 13. As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio wrote, Licht was asked about any issues between Brady and Arians during this past campaign. 

"I mean probably you’d be surprised we didn’t talk about it much," Licht responded. "You can’t believe everything you hear and see and read. There’s always going to be some friction between people on a staff and players and a coach. It’s just normal. And like you said, it can be healthy. We didn’t really think much about it. . . . [Brady] has loved his time here. And he’s told me that several times. Open communication is great thing." 

Brady is currently set to hit free agency after next season, and Licht remarked that "we’ll get to that when we get to it" regarding the seven-time Super Bowl champion potentially playing with the Buccaneers beyond February 2023. As for Brady's feelings on being in Tampa Bay another year, he spent his first week back as an active player recruiting multiple receivers to join him in Florida.