Report: Raiders' pursuit of Jon Gruden could include ownership stake
The Oakland Raiders currently have a head coach, but they're making preparations to pursue ESPN analyst and former coach Jon Gruden, ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen report.
Their pitch could also include an ownership stake in the team, Schefter and Mortensen report, citing league sources.
Gruden will not make a decision until the Raiders' season wraps up on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Current coach Jack Del Rio signed a contract extension after ending the team's 13-year playoff drought last season. The team has disappointed this season, slipping to a 6-9 record.
Any offer to Gruden that includes an ownership stake in the team would be subject to approval by the league's 32 owners. His power could also include say in the structure of the front office.
Gruden coached the Raiders for four seasons from 1998-2001 and compiled a record of 38-26. He was then traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won a Super Bowl against the Raiders the following season.
Gruden is currently the lead color analyst on ESPN's Monday Night Football where he is believed to command a salary of $6.5 million.
Both Gruden and Davis were asked directly by other reporters about the rumored offer.
Just got off the phone with Jon Gruden about ESPN report. He said, "C'mon man. I'm out with my wife. This is crazy. I was supposed to be going to Tampa last week . . . I've got nothing to report."
— Jerry McDonald (@Jerrymcd) December 31, 2017
Just ran into Raiders owner Mark Davis. Asked directly about about ESPN report re: interest in Jon Gruden. He played coy. Said focus is on winning next game. Asked about Del Rio’s job status. Wouldn’t touch it. Asked again about Gruden report: “these rumors come about every year”
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) December 31, 2017