“Grumors” continue to grow and evolve as Tennessee’s head coaching search goes on. And Jon Gruden has finally addressed the speculations.
Gruden appeared on ESPN’s Mike & Mike morning radio and television show to talk about the NFL and football in general. But before he left his appearance, Mike Golic asked him about all the rumblings surrounding him and the Tennessee job.
“This always happens, your name always comes up,” Golic stated. “This time it’s with the Tennessee job. What say you about that?”
Gruden paused, then replied.
“I haven’t talked to anybody,” Gruden said. “All I really have in my life is my family and football. That’s about it.”
Gruden would go on to say he’s “real sensitive to the coaches out there coaching” right now, so he doesn’t want to speculate on any job openings or his name being tied to them.
“I just love football and am trying to hang on to the job I have,” Gruden added. “I’m very fortunate to be with the people I’m with. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. I just know this: I’m going to continue to give my best effort to the game, stay prepared, and I love Monday Night Football.
“I don’t plan on leaving, but as you know in life, you never say never to nothing.”
There have been conflicting reports about Gruden over the last couple days as it pertains to his interest in the Tennessee job. Two reports say that he has contacted former Vols about potentially joining a staff of his if he takes the Vols’ job, while another says he has “no interest” in the Vols whatsoever.
Only time will tell if the Vols can land Gruden or if he will continue to be Tennessee’s “white whale” in coaching. We will keep you updated as more news comes along.
