Gruden: 'No truth' to report Raiders offered ownership stake in deal

Jon Gruden's return to the Oakland Raiders appears imminent, but the broadcaster insists partial ownership isn't part of the contract that could bring him back into coaching.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen reported Monday that Gruden's deal to return to the club as head coach could come with an ownership stake in the team, citing sources. Gruden denied that element of the deal when asked about it on ESPN Radio's "Golic and Wingo" show Wednesday morning.

"There's no truth to that," Gruden said. "There's no validity to that at all, none, zero."

However, Gruden again acknowledged his interest in coaching the team, and offered a telling answer when asked if he would accept the job.

"I think there's a good chance," Gruden said. "I'm excited about where I am in terms of studying the game and prepared to come back and coach. I just don't want to sit here and speculate."

Gruden coached the Raiders from 1998-2001, compiling a 38-26 regular-season record. He was dealt to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to the 2002 season and immediately won the Super Bowl over his former club in his first year at the helm.