Jon Gruden Reportedly Willing to Interview for NFL Head Coaching Vacancies

Former Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden is reportedly willing to leave the ESPN broadcast booth and interview for NFL head coaching vacancies.

According to a report by CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman, Gruden told teams he'd wait until the regular season ended to listen to offers:

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Despite public protestations he's happy in his current position as a television analyst, Jon Gruden will interview with NFL teams for their head coaching position, according to people with knowledge of the situation.

Over the past few weeks, teams have quietly contacted Gruden and/or his representatives to gauge Gruden's interest. In response, Gruden and/or his representatives informed teams Gruden would speak to them once the regular season ended.

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With several head-coaching positions likely to be open—some already so—there is a good chance Gruden will get plenty of calls.

The 49-year-old coach has posted a 95-81 regular-season record and has won five playoff games, including the 2003 Super Bowl with Tampa. That gives him plenty of credibility.

Freeman hints at the possibility of the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Diego Chargers as the top destinations to watch for as to where Gruden might land, but he notes that the Chargers may also be looking for a younger head coach.

One other team that could emerge is the Cleveland Browns. If the team wants some continuity on offense rather than putting rookie QB Brandon Weeden in his second system in as many years, Gruden could definitely help.

Recently fired head coach Pat Shurmur (firing news via Jay Glazer of Fox Sports) ran the West Coast offense, which is what Gruden is schooled in. Cleveland is reportedly looking for an offensive-minded candidate, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Until news about Gruden's negotiations with teams becomes official, it's purely speculation as to who might be interested. But the phone should be ringing off the hook considering his track record and championship experience—and his ability to turn franchises around immediately.

Check back here for the latest on Gruden as this intriguing situation develops.