With each passing moment, it appears that Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden will be heading back to the sidelines in 2018. The Oakland Raiders are conducting a full-court press in hopes of bringing Gruden back to where he coached from 1998 to 2001.
As Gruden is considering his next move and as he’s being encouraged to return to coaching, all indications are that he’s ready to make that leap from the broadcast booth back to the sidelines. In an interview on the Wingo and Golic show on ESPN Radio Wednesday morning, Gruden sounded like a guy who’s looking a job change in the face.
Gruden beat around the bush at first, saying “I have had conservations with (Raiders owner) Mark (Davis) and they’re still … uh … I believe through the interview process and when he knows …. I think we’ll all know, but I appreciate Adam’s and Chris’ (Schefter and Mortensen) confidence that I have a chance in getting that job. It’s awful nice of them.”
Then when Mike Golic asked if Gruden would take the job if offered, the MNF analyst confirmed that he’d likely take it.
”I think there’s a good chance. I’m excited about where I am in terms of studying the game and prepared to come back and coach. I just don’t want to sit here and speculate …. I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
NFL Network insider Ian Rapaport also gave credence to Gruden’s comments by saying he’s been putting together a coaching staff for the last week or so.
Gruden has been lining up his staff for more than a week. Either he’s taking this job… or a bunch of coaches are going to be coaching a flag football game at Gruden’s house https://t.co/msmn26Hlv1
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2018
Either Gruden is going to be the next coach of the Raiders, or he’s holding a coaches convention at his Tampa home. No matter what’s happening with the Raiders, Gruden plans on calling this Saturday’s Tennessee-Kansas City NFL Wild Card Playoff game, which will (in essence) be an opportunity for him to scout an AFC West Division opponent.
In the meantime, we wait for the official announcement from the Raiders.
[ESPN]
About Ken Fang
Ken has been covering the sports media in earnest at his own site, Fang's Bites since May 2007 and at Awful Announcing since March 2013.
He provides a unique perspective having been an award-winning radio news reporter in Providence and having worked in local television.
Fang celebrates the four Boston Red Sox World Championships in the 21st Century, but continues to be a long-suffering Cleveland Browns fan.