Grumor: Vols make lucrative offer to Jon Gruden

Former Super Bowl winner Gruden mulls Tennessee Vols' offer

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The Chattanooga Times Free Press has learned from sources close to the process that Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden has been extended an offer to succeed Derek Dooley.

Sources confirmed that while details are still being negotiated, the university's offer is very lucrative and there is no firm deadline on a decision.

Gruden's decision likely will hinge on the money the school is willing to pay for his potential staff, the sources say.

"Right now, the money is there for him [Gruden], but they aren't as close as he would like for his assistants," one source said. "It could happen as soon as this weekend or go into next week, but he's pretty firm where he is and has already spoken with the guys he wants to be on the staff with him."

According to a different source, "He's told them they aren't close enough on money for the staff. He's very interested, but if they don't come up with what they need for the assistants, he's told them he's out."

Mash here.

What would a Tennessee coaching search be without breathlessly reported rumors that Jon Gruden might be the Vols' next coach?

Earlier this week, rumors swirled that Gruden's compensation package included an ownership stake in the NFL's Cleveland Browns franchise. Both Gruden and Browns representatives quickly shot that down.

Gruden has been mentioned and coveted in every coaching search since he was cut loose by the Buccaneers in 2008. And every year, he's right back in the booth at ESPN. Is it different this time?

UPDATE: Apparently, it's the same-old same-old.