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ESPN analyst Jon Gruden has 'no intentions' of leaving broadcast booth to coach in the near future
Gruden has consistently been a speculative target for the Rams' head coaching vacancy
By JACOB BARTELSON –
jbartelson@profootballweekly.comPublished: Dec. 21, 2016 —
While the the rumor mill around the league continues to churn, at least one speculative candidate has all but officially taken himself out of consideration for a head coaching job in the coming weeks: Jon Gruden.
Gruden, the current 'Monday Night Football' analyst, has seemingly been a favorite among fans and media alike linking him to the latest head coaching vacancies with each passing season since his last year with the Buccaneers, in 2008.
The 11-year coaching veteran, including the 2002 Buccaneers Super Bowl champion team, was asked Wednesday on ESPN's 'Mike and Mike' about the latest speculation connecting him to the impending Rams' vacancy. John Fassel is serving as interim head coach in place of Jeff Fisher, fired earlier this month.
With a jewel of a stadium on the way and some intriguing pieces on both sides of the ball in place, the Rams have become a popular name linked to Gruden in recent weeks. Although, his latest comments indicate he has little plans to leave the network with which he's under contract through 2021.
"I'm very happy doing what I'm doing," Gruden said on the speculation. "Right now, I have no intentions of coaching. I really enjoy what I'm doing. I feel like I'm really close to the fire, and I'm getting plenty of satisfaction doing what I'm doing."
Gruden's status, then, may not be as fluid as some of the other situations around the league. We hear the Bills have already pegged former Giants coach Tom Coughlin as the favorite to replace Rex Ryan in Buffalo once the season ends, and reported recently the Jaguars are likely to tab Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith as the favorite to replace Gus Bradley.
