Jon Gruden Reportedly Turned Down Multiple Head Coaching Job Offers

After spending the last eight years as a Monday Night Football color commentator, former Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden reportedly turned down advances from Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay about making his return to the sideline.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the news Saturday and passed along comments from his ESPN colleague, who downplayed the situation:

In fact, according to Cork Gaines of Business Insider (via Yahoo Sports), Gruden turned down three clubs' offers of coaching jobs.

Despite the fact he's relayed his happiness in his broadcasting role, Gruden is one of the most discussed coaching options on an annual basis.

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reported in December the 53-year-old Ohio native was the early "focal point" in the Los Angeles Rams' search for a new coach. The team ultimately hired Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay to fill the void.

Prior to Schefter's report, the man affectionately known as "Chucky" became connected to the Colts head coaching job more through inference than direct information.

On Wednesday, a source told Brian Bondus of CBS 4 that Irsay and Gruden had spent 10 hours together last weekend.

Bob Kravitz of WTHR discussed speculation about Gruden and Colts legend Peyton Manning. While noting it was in the rumor stage, he wrote, "I believe there's since been an attempt to court Manning" to fill a role similar to the one John Elway holds with the Denver Broncos.

Meanwhile, former Stampede Blue editor-in-chief Brad Wells reported the contractual demands for the ESPN analyst checked in at four years and $40 million.

Gruden compiled a 95-81 record across 11 years with the Raiders and Buccaneers. The highlight of his coaching career came when he led the Bucs to the Super Bowl XXXVII title over Oakland in his first season after switching teams.

All told, it's still unclear how hard the Colts tried to make Gruden consider the job. And even though he stood firm on remaining a broadcaster, the continued rumors make it fair to wonder whether he'd change his mind if the right offer came along.

One thing's for sure: The ordeal is unfair to Chuck Pagano. He's still the team's head coach, and he recently signed a four-year contract extension. But the Gruden talk has left his status in a state of flux ahead of a key offseason for Indianapolis.