According to one longtime friend, Jon Gruden heading to Knoxville is still a viable option.

Former UT Chattanooga AD David Blackburn recently said that he still occasionally communicates with Gruden and said Gruden would at least listen to an offer to coach the Volunteers. Blackburn would not commit and say that Gruden would accept the job if offered, but he did say Gruden loves Tennessee and would be a great fit.

Blackburn’s relationship with Gruden goes all they back to 1985 when both men worked on the Tennessee football staff. Gruden served as a graduate assistant while Blackburn was a student manager that year.

Stephen Hargis with the Times Free Press shared Blackburn’s comments:

“He and I communicate from time to time,” said Blackburn. “I would definitely think he’s a viable option. He’s a guy who loves coaching and loves Tennessee…I can’t sit here and say he will take it if offered, but I do think he would listen. Tennessee is like home for him and he’d be a great fit.”

Blackburn also said that Gruden would surround himself with a great staff if he does come to Knoxville.

Hargis took time to go on Twitter to remind fans that everything at this point is speculation. Nothing has been decided, but Gruden certainly does seem to still be an option:

It is also worth noting that Gruden has been linked to NFL rumors surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Everything at this point is purely speculation. Vols fans will just have to wait and see if Gruden will head to Knoxville.