There are plenty of NFL head coaching jobs up for the taking and while some teams are targeting assistants others are going after the biggest and the best. Both Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher have had their names brought up over the last few years and 2014 is no different. However, once again, both are denying a return to the field.
Cowher's name emerged as the heavy favorite to coach the Washington Redskins after the team fired Mike Shanahan earlier in the week. Interest in Cowher came as no surprise considering he has excellent history in the league. He has been out of the game for a few years, working for the CBS NFL show and has walked the line regarding a possible return to the field. However, speaking on "CBS This Morning," Cowher denied all possibilities.
"I've never closed the door. But it's highly unlikely any time in the near future you'll see me coach," Cowher said.
Earlier NFL reports said the Redskins had already contacted the former Pittsburgh Steelers about interviewing for the position. General manager Bruce Allen denied the team had been in contract with the coach.
"No, that hasn't happened," Allen said, via the Washington Post. "We're going to leave names out of it at this point out of respect for teams in and out of the playoffs."
With Cowher out, is Gruden still an option? According to the current ESPN Monday Night Football analyst, that would be a no. Gruden, like Nick Saban, has his name brought up for every major coaching job available. The Super Bowl ring certainly helps and many believe he is itching to get back in the right situation. Gruden denies any idea of that.
"I don't want to be considered for any of these jobs," Gruden said, via the Pioneer Press. "I don't want to be considered for anything. There are plenty of good candidates out there. I'm just sick for the guys who can no longer coach their teams. I'm hoping to do the best I can to hang on to my job."
Right now, the University of Texas Longhorns have made Gruden one of their heavy favorites. According to MySanAntonio.com, a Texas billionaire is lobbying very hard to get the former coach to Texas. This donor reportedly gives more than $100 million a year to the university and has plenty of influence.
Texas has already interview Charlie Strong for the open position and sources are reporting that Art Briles has expressed interest in the job as well. For now, Gruden and Cowher are not options.
