TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 30: Coach Jon Gruden of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers checks the scoreboard against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on November 30, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Tennessee Vols: Butch Jones Is Out As Head Coach; What’s Next?

Tennessee Vols: Butch Jones Is Out As Head Coach; What’s Next? by Zach Ragan

Jon Gruden to the Tennessee Titans? Wait, isn’t that the wrong Tennessee?

Grumors are all the rage right now, but they mostly center around Jon Gruden’s potential interest in the Tennessee Vols.

But how about one involving the Tennessee Titans?

According to a report from CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, some folks close to Gruden think he’d be interested in the Titans job if it opens again.

From CBS Sports:

Some close to Gruden noted the Titans job as another that would uniquely appeal to Gruden should it open up — he has strong family ties to Tennessee and has been a champion of quarterback Marcus Mariota — noting they suspect the former coach would be selective about which jobs he would entertain but acknowledging the field this offseason could skew uniquely to his liking.

My goodness that took an unexpected turn.

La Canfora’s report also suggests that Gruden would be interested in returning to Tampa Bay, since he still lives close by the facilities.

For what it’s worth, I don’t see the Titans job opening up anytime soon. Mike Mularkey is coming off a 9-7 season, and he currently has the Titans at 5-3 midway through the 2017 season.

Barring an unforeseen collapse, Mularkey’s job is secure.

But it is interesting that La Canfora didn’t note Gruden’s potential interest in any college jobs. Considering he spoke to people close to Gruden, you’d think that would come up if Gruden was seriously interested in coaching the Volunteers.

The Grumors are starting to feel a lot like they did in 2012.

I will mention, however, that La Canfora was one of the main instigators of Grumors in 2012, when he suggested that Gruden would “probably” end up coaching the Vols.

Honestly, I don’t think anyone has any clue what Gruden will do — and that includes Gruden himself.

There might be some legitimacy to what you’re hearing surrounding Gruden, but unless he actually signs his name to something, I would be skeptical of anything you hear.

Remember, Charlie Strong agreed in principle to come coach the Vols in 2012, but then he backed away from his words after having a night to think about it.

Coaching searches are fluid situations, so always be prepared for sudden change.