Although he’s been out of coaching since 2008, when he was fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaners, Jon Gruden’s name continues to come up whenever college or NFL teams are looking for a new head coach. He’s been with ESPN since 2009, and now rumors surrounding his return to coaching seem to be swirling more than ever, so his current employer has responded.
Jon Gruden ‘committed to ESPN’ amid Tennessee, Arkansas coaching rumors
The analyst has been linked to Arkansas and Tennessee as potential destinations this offseason. Follow @SBNationCFB
Thearon W. Henderson
Via ESPN PR to SI/SI.com on Jon Gruden rumors: "Jon remains committed to ESPN."
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) November 18, 2012
That statement conflicts with a report from CBS' Jason La Canfora, who reported Sunday the Arkansas Razorbacks and Tennessee Volunteers have been in touch with Gruden. Gruden has reportedly made inquiries with potential staff members and focused more on questions about recruiting abilities. The job with the Volunteers could be a more ideal fit for Gruden, whose wife graduated from the University of Tennessee. La Canfora said the job must be an ideal one for Gruden, who currently enjoys good pay and a more normal schedule with his family at his ESPN gig.
Gregg Rosenthal reports Gruden is likely keeping his options open as he could still return to the NFL or stay at ESPN.
Elsewhere, some Arkansas fans made a musical pitch:
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