Report: Jon Gruden would consider coaching Texas Longhorns By Dan Greenspan College Football 24/7 writer NFL.comPublished: Dec. 18, 2013 at 12:54 p.m. 
Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports Jon Gruden's name has surfaced in the search for the coaching vacancy at Texas. Well, that didn't take long. Jon Gruden has interest in replacing Mack Brown as head coach of the Texas Longhorns, but the two parties have not had formal contact yet, OrangeBloods.com reported Wednesday.Gruden, who won the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is currently the color analyst on "Monday Night Football," has been linked with virtually every prominent vacancy at the NFL and college levels in recent years, including Notre Dame and Tennessee.NFL Media analyst Gil Brandt understands the fascination college programs have with Gruden, a high-profile coach with an outstanding track record and the presence capable of connecting with 17- and 18-year-old recruits."I have no doubt Jon Gruden would be a successful college coach because of his ability to relate to young people," Brandt told College Football 24/7 in a phone call. "But I would be surprised if he wanted to give up the comfortable routine (of working in television)."USC athletic director Pat Haden spoke with Gruden to discuss the Trojans' vacancy that was eventually filled by Steve Sarkisian, but came away with the distinct impression that Gruden would only return to the professional ranks."He wants to coach in the pros," Haden told "The Dan Patrick Show." "If he coaches, he wants to coach in the pros."If Haden's assessment is accurate, the Gruden watch starts with Black Monday, not with burnt orange and Bevo.Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
