John Gruden

JDPhinFan — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:40:29 -0000

Some are wondering if Gruden would come to UT, and, if so, why? Well, PFT gives a little insight to this topic. Enjoy:

WILL GRUDEN LOOK TO UT?

Posted by Mike Florio on November 4, 2008, 3:46 p.m. EST

So with more and more NFL head coaches realizing that they can get almost as much cash and a lot more control at the NCAA level, the biggest question involving a current NFL head coach and a coming NCAA vacancy is whether Bucs coach Jon Gruden will flirt with the folks at the University of Tennessee.

Chris Harry of the Orlando Sentinel writes that Gruden’s contract with the Bucs doesn’t prevent a jump to the college level, but the throw-in nature of the statement makes us wonder whether that’s actually the case.

Though Gruden could never leave the Bucs for another NFL team absent permission, the Bucs can’t physically keep him from coaching at the college level. But the Bucs could sue Gruden for damages if he were to leave the Bucs in a manner that violates the terms of his contract. (Likewise, UT could be subject to liability for tortious inteference if it lures Gruden to break his deal.)

As we discussed earlier today with the Killer B’s at ESPN Radio in Tampa, the specific contents of the contract will go a long way toward determining whether Gruden could leave for the Tennessee job without an ugly fight. It’s possible, for example, that his contract specifically identifies the Tennessee job as one that he could pursue, if/when it ever becomes available.

If the language of the deal presents an impediment to Gruden’s departure, the Glazers could decide to let him go, just as the Falcons did last year with Bobby Petrino.

The biggest factor in all of this is whether Gruden wants to make the jump. Even if he says that he doesn’t, the Nick Saban experience of two years ago requires Gruden to be over-the-top unequivocal before anyone will begin to believe him.

If Gruden wants the Tennessee job, he needs first to study his contract and second to explain candidly and honestly to his current employer than he is interested in talking to UT.

The reality is that this process will take time. And until Gruden knows what he wants to do, he needs to have a solid plan in place for dealing with the questions that inevitably will come. And if there’s any chance that he’ll eventually get the job, saying “I’m not going to be the f–king Tennessee coach” isn’t the right answer.

But it’s likely that, in this case, there is no right answer. Refusing to discuss it will only fuel speculation that Gruden is interested. Saying that he’s interested will only create a distraction.

Stay tuned, because he’s bound to be asked the question soon enough. And until Tennessee hires someone else for the job, we won’t rule out the possibility of Gruden eventually singing the praises of good ol’ f–king Rocky Top.

DeAngelo Hall to Raiders!!

JDPhinFan — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 22:12:12 -0000

For all who wanted DeAngelo Hall: (via ESPN)

Source: Falcons to trade Hall for Raiders' second-round pick in '08 draft
By Chris Mortensen
ESPN.com

Updated: March 15, 2008, 5:39 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement in principle with the Oakland Raiders to trade cornerback DeAngelo Hall for the Raiders' second-round pick in the 2008 draft, pending the Raiders finalizing a contract with Hall, according to a source close to the Falcons.

Hall is close to agreeing to a contract with the Raiders that will pay him just below what Asante Samuel signed with the Eagles, according to the source. Samuel signed a six-year deal worth a reported $57 million, with $20 million guaranteed.

Hall is a former first-rounder taken with the eighth pick in the 2004 draft.

SB Nation User Blog: JDPhinFan

John Gruden

WILL GRUDEN LOOK TO UT?

DeAngelo Hall to Raiders!!