Report: Tennessee may have to fight at least one NFL team for Jon Gruden's services
It is that time of year when head coaching rumors heat up, and one name is being mentioned in a number of different circles.
Butch Jones is still head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, but it remains unclear how long he will last in Knoxville. The team has struggled this season with a 3-5 record while going 0-5 in the SEC to start the season. Jones has been on the hot seat for much the year, and fans seem ready for a change.
Jon Gruden is one name that continues to be linked to the Vols. The betting odds for Gruden taking over in Knoxville have steadily improved, and the betting odds improved to 2/1 odds on Tuesday evening.
It turns out that Tennessee is not the only potential job that Gruden is being linked to this season. Cork Gaines shared a report Tuesday that Gruden is being mentioned as a potential candidate for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers should the team make a change. Dirk Koetter is in his second season as Tampa Bay’s head coach, but the team has struggled with a 2-5 record.
Gaines shared the news on Twitter:
Mike Lombardi on Koetter's hot seat: "Lot of people in the NFL are telling me that the name they're hearing is Gruden for that #Bucs job"
— Cork Gaines (@CorkGaines) October 31, 2017
Gruden does have experience with the Buccaneers. He coached the team from 2002-2008. Gruden led the team to three divisional titles and a Super Bowl championship. Tampa Bay was 57-55 during his time there.
It should be noted again that both the Vols and the Bucs still have a head coach at this time. Everything is speculation, but it sounds like multiple team’s are inquiring about obtaining Gruden’s services.