If this is true, it makes perfect sense.Why would Miami be in such a rush to fire Randy Shannon if they didn’t already have something up their sleeve?
Shannon wasn’t even allowed to take off his headset, before he was giving his pink slip. Could that be because the university already had his successor set up? Several sources are saying Gruden is close to signing a 3 million dollar a year deal to coach at The U.
Per Lake Lewis of Sports Journey Broadcast Network, Gruden will take over as head coach at the University of Miami. The deal, which is yet to be finalized, should be worth about $3 million per season
Everyone knew that Gruden wanted to get back into coaching. But most assumed it would be a NFL opening, even though there have been whispers that Gruden was interesting in the college game.
The reason being, is a head coach in college is a mini dictator.
Would you rather be under an owner like Jerry Jones or be the guy who brought Miami back to prominence?
This would be an outstanding hire for Miami, because regardless of what you think of Gruden personally, he can coach and he brings a pedigree to the program that not many coaches could.
It is ironic, though. Miami used to be the place that coaches would leave to go to the NFL, now it appears to be the other way around.
If Gruden doesn’t take the position or this turns out to just be a rumor others that have been mentioned Texas Tech’s Tommy Tubberville, Georgia’s Mark Richt, TCU’s Gary Peterson and Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen, among others.
Check back for any additional details.
*UPDATE*
According to reports Gruden reached out to the university to express his interest.
University of Miami athletic director Kirby Hocutt vowed Sunday that Hurricanes football will become “relevant” again and he’ll find a new coach that will make that happen.
“We expect to compete for championships and nothing less,” Hocutt said at a news conference at the Hecht Athletic Center on UM’s campus. “Miami must be relevant in college football.”
According to a UM source, former NFL coach Jon Gruden initiated contact with the university to express his desire for the job and that the interest is mutual. Hocutt said there’s no timeline on the hire and that money will not be an issue in the selection.