Jon Gruden's name pops up with at least one or two coaching vacancies each and every year, whether at the college or professional levels. In 2017, though, things seemed to have picked up to an unusual degree with the vacancy at Tennessee and he is now seemingly pouring a bit of fuel on the fire with relatively clear intent.
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Reports are swirling that Gruden has been issued something of an ultimatum about the job but, with that as the backdrop, the current Monday Night Football analyst visited with Brock Huard and Mike Salk on ESPN Seattle (710 AM) on Thursday. The interview was taken through the guise of a preview of this week's game that features the hometown Seattle Seahawks but, in a weird twist, Gruden appears to make it about Tennessee, even if by odd circumstance.
The full interview can be heard below but, after it is fairly clear that the radio personalities understand Gruden does not want to be asked directly about the Tennessee rumors, the former Raiders and Bucs head coach opens the door himself. In short, he brings up "Rocky Top" and, as any college football fan knows, that is the song most associated with the Tennessee program and the city of Knoxville from a sporting perspective.
It is very strange but, in the same breath, Gruden has a penchant for flirting with job openings and receiving better deals at ESPN for remaining on board. Will this practice continue? We'll see but Gruden seems to know what he's doing here.
[H/T Saturday Down South]
