Jon Gruden Reportedly Will Interview for NFL Head Coaching Positions, Despite Insistence He's Happy With TV Gig

Jon Gruden Reportedly Will Interview for NFL Head Coaching Positions, Despite Insistence He’s Happy With TV Gig

by Ricky Doyle on Mon, Dec 31, 2012 at 9:37AM

Jon Gruden hasn’t coached since 2008, and he’s captured the hearts of football fans everywhere with his wackiness as an ESPN analyst. He might be ready to jump back into the coaching saddle, though.

Gruden will interview with NFL teams regarding head coaching positions, according to CBSSports.com’s Mike Freeman. The news comes despite Gruden’s public insistence that he’s happy in his current role as an ESPN television analyst.

There figures to be a number of teams who might be interested in Gruden’s services, as Freeman reports that teams have quietly contacted Gruden and/or his representatives over the past few weeks to gauge his interest. Teams were reportedly told that Gruden would speak with them after the regular season ended.

Now, with the regular season in the books, the next few days will surely be busy around the NFL. A number of coaches have reportedly been given the axe already, and the number will likely continue to grow as teams look toward next season. One would have to guess that Gruden is at the top of a few teams’ wish lists, as it’s not every day you can obtain a proven, Super Bowl-winning head coach.

Freeman reports that the Chargers and Eagles are two teams to keep an eye on when it comes to Gruden. The Chargers reportedly will fire Norv Turner, while Andy Reid is believed to be on his way out in Philadelphia.

Gruden last coached Tampa Bay in 2008, guiding the Buccaneers to a 9-7 finish, and he also enjoyed success with the Raiders from 1998 to 2001. His career coaching record sits at 95-81, and he has a Super Bowl victory to his credit, leading the Bucs to championship glory in 2002.

Gruden could continue to stress that he’s happy in his current role, but perhaps he’ll be happier with a return to the sideline.

Thumbnail photo via YouTube/ESPN