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Gruden: 'Chucky Will Be Back'

Tribune file photo by JAY CONNER

Jon Gruden said he was looking at some immediate job opportunities but not necessarily with pro or college football. He did not rule out television, "especially if I actually get to talk about football."

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A Tribune wire report

Published: January 29, 2009

Updated: 01/29/2009 01:33 am

In his first public comments since being fired as Bucs coach, an upbeat Jon Gruden on Wednesday admitted he was surprised when he was dismissed on Jan. 16. But he added that "Chucky will be back and hopefully my teeth will be as sharp as ever."

Gruden, interviewed by Chris Mortensen for ESPN.com, had not spoken publicly since he was replaced by defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. In the interim, several players, including receiver Michael Clayton, quarterback Jeff Garcia and former defensive lineman Simeon Rice, have criticized their former coach.

"I'm not the first coach to take potshots. Hey, some people were taking potshots at Tony Dungy when I got here," Gruden said "Jeff Garcia, Michael Clayton, I wish those guys the best. I hope Raheem gets this thing going again."

In the 2008 season, the Bucs lost their final four games after a 9-3 start, with a season-ending loss to Oakland knocking them out of the playoff picture.

"It was rough the way it ended," Gruden told Mortensen. "This was the first time in my life being on the front line of the firing squad after 11 years. I've just taken a couple days to unwind with my family. A lot of people have called, being very supportive. Some people have taken shots and I understand that not everyone likes or agrees with what I do as a coach."

Gruden said he was looking at some immediate job opportunities but not necessarily with pro or college football. He did not rule out television, "especially if I actually get to talk about football."

Coaching remains his passion, and Gruden said he had no doubt he would return to the sidelines again, whether "it's the NFL, college, high school or, maybe, I'll just be the best damn flag football coach in the history of Florida."

"I'm now head of the FFCA - Fired Florida Coaches Association," he said.

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