With Jon Gruden taking the reins of the Oakland Raiders (and being paid handsomely for it), focus began to shift to the staff that the long-time ESPN analyst would put together. After all, Gruden had been off the sideline for a long time and, with that as the backdrop, it would make some sense for him to go after young, up-and-coming assistants with close ties to the current direction of the league. Still, there were reports that former quarterback and league MVP Rich Gannon, who is currently in the broadcast business, would be a pick to join Gruden's staff in Oakland as the team's quarterback coach.
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On Wednesday, though, word broke from Gannon directly that it will not be taking place.
Rich Gannon just told @957thegame that he won't be Raiders QB coach "I came to my senses" on flight to Oakland Tuesday. Couldn't/didn't want to match Gruden's intensity and time commitment the position requires
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) January 10, 2018
Gannon's decision is not overly stunning, as the life of an NFL position coach is vastly different from one as a broadcaster. On one hand, it would have been interesting to see how the pairing operated together, especially considering the success they enjoyed when Gannon played under Gruden. On the other, Gruden could probably use a more established candidate that it willing to grind in a way that Gannon seemingly was not and this could be the right move for all parties.
Gruden won't have too much trouble building a staff but it won't include Rich Gannon.
