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Gruden Could Be Hot Property

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By IRA KAUFMAN

ikaufman@tampatrib.com

Published: January 17, 2009

TAMPA - Jon Gruden is suddenly on the NFL's open market, altering coaching landscapes from Dallas to Buffalo.

Gruden's dismissal as coach of the Buccaneers on Friday introduces a new dynamic as franchises around the league finalize their offseason plans, beginning with the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., and next month's Scouting Combine at Indianapolis.

Although the Glazer family is moving in a new direction, Gruden is still considered a hot property in many NFL locales. He has proven he can push a talented team over the top, and Gruden's charisma is considered an attractive marketing tool.

The Rams, Jets and Raiders are still looking for new coaches, and Gruden's sudden availability could prompt other franchises to reconsider.

"There's no question that in today's climate, Jon Gruden will be a sought-after candidate," said Gruden's agent, Bob LaMonte. "I do think today's decision in Tampa has altered the playing field markedly across the NFL. If it was the right opportunity, I have to think Jon would be interested in coaching again for someone in 2009."

The Rams and Jets are well into their coaching searches, significantly narrowing down their list of candidates, but a head coach with Gruden's pedigree can't be counted out.

Gruden, who went 57-55 in the regular season and won three division titles with the Bucs, did not return several phone messages Friday evening.

A return to the Raiders appears remote on the surface, but it's particularly intriguing because owner Al Davis would have to tacitly acknowledge he made a mistake by trading Gruden's rights to Tampa Bay seven years ago.
Bruce Allen could potentially rejoin Gruden in Oakland, which has gone 20-60 since Allen left the front office in 2004 to become the Bucs' GM.

"Today's decision was very shocking," said LaMonte, who represents several other NFL coaches, including Carolina's John Fox and Philadelphia's Andy Reid. "I have nothing but complimentary things to say about the Glazer family, who made a business decision. In my view, recent developments are more reflective of the society we live in.

"When you add in the Mike Shanahan situation in Denver and what happened to Jon today, I guess winning Super Bowls and registering 100 victories don't count much anymore in the National Football League."

Gruden's contract was extended twice since he arrived in Tampa from Oakland in 2002, promptly leading the Bucs to a Super Bowl triumph.

The Glazers reworked Gruden's deal after the 2004 season and again a year ago, extending Gruden and Allen through 2011. He may be in no hurry to immediately return to the sideline, but Gruden's competitive juices will likely lead him to quickly seek a new employer.

With Gruden on the market, competitive teams like the Cowboys, Bills, Texans and Vikings could reassess their head coaching position.

Dallas owner Jerry Jones has steadfastly supported Wade Phillips, but a chance to add Gruden's passion to a talent-laden roster could be too tantalizing for Jones to pass up.

Gruden has long been linked to several high-profile college jobs, including Notre Dame and Southern Cal. The Irish have stated their intentions to bring Charlie Weis back in 2009, but that was before Gruden became available.

"I literally fell off my chair when I heard the news out of Tampa," LaMonte said. "In talking to Jon, he said he felt badly that he didn't do a better job for the Buccaneers. I didn't think this would happen, because Jon had his meeting with the Glazers and came away thinking everyone would be moving forward together. What happened today was an absolute shellshock."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833.

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