Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden is being rumored as a prime candidate for the head coaching position in Jacksonville. NFL Network Insider Albert Breer went so far as to say that Jay Gruden was actually interested, writing, "Gruden told the Jaguars that while he's interested..." However Gruden is offering a very different response.
According to quotes obtained by Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer and Geoff Hobson with Bengals.com, Jay Gruden said:
"I have not heard anything. I’m just sitting here getting everyone out of here," Gruden said on Monday. "I don’t know what’s happening to be honest with you. I don’t know if I’m ready. I’m just dealing with the season that came to an end and whatever happens, happens. I got a couple texts from people that heard I was a candidate for the job but I haven’t heard anything otherwise. I don’t know exactly how it works. I’ll probably find shortly if it is true."
We don't doubt Breer's report that Gruden said he was interested, especially if the Jaguars asked that Gruden not make public comments until they're ready to either make an announcement or provide an update. Regardless do we really trust coaches to speak on their futures?
During his first year as the team's offensive coordinator, the Bengals offense finished 20th in the NFL and 18th in scoring.