Jon Gruden confirmed Tuesday that he's interested in returning to the Oakland Raiders as their head coach.
"Well, I think I am being considered, yes. I hope I'm a candidate," he told Jerry McDonald of The Mercury News.
Gruden said he's under the impression the Raiders are spending this week interviewing candidates, and plan to make their hire next week. If his interest is genuine, it's almost a certainty he'll be offered the job.
Related - Report: Raiders' pursuit of Jon Gruden could include ownership stake
The 54-year-old has been out of professional coaching since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fired him after the 2008 season. He's remained close to the game by working as a commentator on Monday Night Football, operating a coaching clinic, and running quarterback camps.
Gruden served at the helm of the Silver and Black from 1998-2001, taking them to the playoffs twice. He was traded to Tampa Bay after the 2001 campaign, and led the Bucs to a Super Bowl victory over Oakland in his first year.
