Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has been a name associated for vacant head coaching positions in Jacksonville, with idle (aka, waiting for Jeff Fisher) interest from the St. Louis Rams. In the end none of it really mattered. According to NFL Network Insider Jason La Canfora, Jay Gruden is going to remain in Cincinnati as the Bengals offensive coordinator.
@JasonLaCanfora
Jason La CanforaJay Gruden will not be interviewing for head coaching jobs. Very happy in Cincy. Rams and Jags wanted to talk him. #insideslant
4 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry® · powered by @socialditto
Albert Breer initially reported that Gruden was the favorite candidate for the vacant head coaching position for the Jacksonville Jaguars, going so far as to say that Gruden told the Jaguars that he was interested -- though Gruden denied any communication took place between himself and any NFL team.
On Tuesday reports surfaced that the St. Louis Rams were interested, even reportedly scheduling an interview on Thursday.
UPDATE: Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer confirms.
@joereedy
Joe ReedyJust talked to Gruden: It is official, he is staying for 2012. Says he has unfinished business and likes the direction of the offense. 2 minutes ago via Twittelator · powered by @socialditto
As did Brad Johansen, Local 12 Sports Director:
@bradjohansen
Brad JohansenJust confirmed @local12 following conversation with Bengals, Jay Gruden "will not pursue other coaching opportunities" and happy to stay. 2 minutes ago via TweetDeck · powered by @socialditto
And Joe Danneman from Fox 19:
@FOX19Joe
Joe DannemanBengals confirm to FOX19 that offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is "happy in Cincinnati and not pursuing other jobs." 1 minute ago via web · powered by @socialditto