Numerous reports have indicated that it is only a matter of time before the Oakland Raiders name Jon Gruden their next head coach, and the ESPN broadcaster all but confirmed that on Tuesday.
In a phone conversation with Jerry McDonald of the Bay Area News Group, Gruden admitted that he is being considered as a candidate for the Raiders job.
“My understanding is they’re interviewing candidates this week and they’re going to let everybody know sometime early next week or whenever they make their decision,” he said.
When asked specifically if he is in the running, Gruden said he is hopeful the Raiders want him.
“Well, I think I am being considered, yes,” he added. “I hope I’m a candidate.”
If you had any doubt before, that should remove it. The Raiders are being cautious about the timing of hiring Gruden, as they have to satisfy the Rooney Rule and make it seem like they interviewed other candidates in the wake of Jack Del Rio’s firing. In reality, they would not have fired Del Rio if they weren’t confident they could land Gruden.
Another consideration for Gruden is that he is scheduled to continue with his broadcasting gig with ESPN through the playoffs, and he wants to honor that commitment.
Gruden is eventually going to be announced as the coach of the Raiders, and there has been some talk that at least one Oakland fan favorite could be joining his staff.
