I don't know why, but any story that has a headline leading with "News Channel 3" automatically makes me think it is made up. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's dive in: Jon Gruden reportedly has a contract offer to become the new head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, this according to WREG in Memphis. But wait, there's a twist!
Apparently, to lure him to Knoxville, Tennessee is prepared to offer Gruden a partial ownership stake in the ... Cleveland Browns. WREG has the details:
Part of the offer is Gruden getting a piece of the NFL's Cleveland Browns, who were recently bought by Jim Haslam, one of UT's biggest boosters who played on the Vols' national championship teams in the early fifties. He's also the father of Tennessee governor Bill Haslam.
Well, it's at least a new and interesting idea, Tennessee! Could anything get in the way?
Current NCAA rules would prohibit this Gruden-Browns nonsense unless the ownership stake was first donated to Tennessee.
— John Infante (@John_Infante) November 28, 2012
Also, Gruden's already denying it.
Update: So are the Browns.
Browns release statement denying a TV report. Say owner Jimmy Haslam not involved in U of Tenn coach search. No ownership stake for Gruden
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) November 28, 2012