Jon Gruden on coaching return: ‘Never say never’

Watch out Jay Gruden, you might see your brother on the opposing sideline next season. 

ESPN commentator and former NFL coach Jon Gruden didn’t rule out his return to coaching when asked Wednesday on ESPN’s “Mike and Mike” radio show. 

Gruden has been linked to returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who fired him after the 2008 season. 

“I haven’t talked to anybody,” Gruden said, via Pro Football Talk. “All I really have in my life is my family and football. That’s about it. I’m real sensitive to the coaches that are out there coaching, so I don’t speculate. I just love football. I’m trying to hang onto the job I have. I’m very fortunate to be with the people I’m with. I don’t know what’s gonna happen in the future. I just know this: I’m gonna continue to give my best effort to the game, stay prepared, and I love Monday Night Football and don’t plan on leaving but, as you know in life, you never say never to nothing.”

Gruden, who won a Super Bowl in 2002 with the Buccaneers, has been with ESPN since 2009.

Asked in August, Redskins coach Jay Gruden said he wouldn’t be surprised if his brother coached again.

“It wouldn’t shock me, no,” Jay Gruden said. “I don’t know why he would want to do that. He’s got a pretty good job. But, I think Jon’s got a passion for the game. There’s no doubt about it. The way he talks and the way he prepares for the job that he has is second-to-none. He loves coaching, he loves preparing, and it shows in the job that he does. He does a great job. I don’t know if he’ll come back or not. That’s a tough one.”