Jon Gruden: If He Really Must Coach, Here Are 10 Better Options Than The U

Could Chucky be returning?

Former coach Jon Gruden, currently an analyst for ESPN's Monday Night Football, is apparently the top choice of Miami to become their next head football coach. The opening came after Randy Shannon was fired on Saturday following the team's loss to South Florida.

Gruden has already came out and said he enjoys his current job and wants to remain at ESPN. That could be the truth, but coaches have sent up smokescreens before to deflect attention and speculation. Next thing you know, they have a new gig.

Could that be the case here? And is Miami really the best fit for him?

Here are 10 other possibilities that could be much better.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass against the New York Jets at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Yes, this franchise is a trainwreck, but you can also count on a potential lottery pick headed your way in the 2011 NFL Draft. It would be a low-pressure situation, too, because this team knows nothing about consistent success.

College? It's win now or else.

9. Stanford

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 20: Head coach Jim Harbaugh talks to Andrew Luck #12 during their game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium on November 20, 2010 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Like Gruden, Jim Harbaugh's name is always mentioned for other openings at the college and pro levels. If Miami happened to pry him away, or an NFL team, could you blame Gruden for landing this job?

8. Carolina Panthers

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CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach John Fox of the Carolina Panthers reacts to a call against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 28, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

You know John Fox will likely be gone after the season, and this team basically needs to start from scratch. Gruden could get the chance to help build them from the ground up.

7. Georgia

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 27: The Georgia Bulldogs enter the field to face the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The school would be crazy to get rid of Mark Richt, but his name has been mentioned among those coaches on the hot seat. If he did end up getting canned, how could you turn down the chance to coach at a prestigious program like this and in the SEC?

6. Arizona State

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TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 26: Runningback Cameron Marshall #26 of the Arizona State Sun Devils carries the football for a 71 yard rushing touchdown against the UCLA Bruins during the thrid quarter of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November

There are whispers that Dennis Erickson could be gone after this season. The cupboard isn't bare either, talent-wise.

5. San Francisco 49ers

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers walks off the field following the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated

You've got to wonder if Mike Singletary will be let go. Expectations were high to begin the year, but this team has struggled and still doesn't have a franchise quarterback.

4. Denver Broncos

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 28: A pass from Kyle Orton slips through the fingertips of wide receiver Brandon Lloyd #84 of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter against the St. Louis Rams at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 28, 2010 in Denver, Colorado

Questions remain about just how safe Josh McDaniels' job really is. This once-proud franchise has hit hard times, but you've got to believe someone like Gruden could be a huge difference.

3. Cleveland Browns

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BEREA, OH - MAY 01: Team president Mike Holmgren of the Cleveland Browns looks on during rookie mini camp at the Cleveland Browns Training and Administrative Complex on May 1, 2010 in Berea, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

It could be a great fit, since Gruden used to be an assistant for Browns' president Mike Holmgren.

2. Dallas Cowboys

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ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys scores a third quarter touchdown on a 3 yard pass from Jon Kitna #3 and celebrates with the fans during the game at Dallas Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys d

Yes, having to work for Jerry Jones could pose some definite problems and keeps it from being the No. 1 choice on this list. But this is still the most prestigious franchise in the NFL and you certainly don't have to worry about a lack of talent.

1. Michigan

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Denard Robinson #16 of the Michigan Wolverines drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on November 27, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Sorry Hurricanes fans, but if Michigan gets rid of Rich Rodriguez and there's a chance to go to the Big House, you go for it. No questions asked.