The report that new Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is offering an ownership stake in the Browns to Jon Gruden if Gruden will coach Haslam’s alma mater, the University of Tennessee, has been denied by both men.
Asked on Mike and Mike in the Morning if there is any truth to the report, Gruden answered, “No, there isn’t.”
The Browns, meanwhile, released a statement also denying the report.
“Jimmy Haslam has no involvement in the University of Tennessee head coaching search, and the report that Jon Gruden would potentially have an ownership stake in the Browns is completely erroneous,” the statement said.
Gruden says his interest remains doing the job he’s doing, as ESPN’s Monday Night Football commentator.
“I’m just excited about Monday Night Football,” Gruden said. “I like what I’m doing. I’m just trying to hang on to the job that I have.”
Even so, the talk that Gruden could bolt for a job on a sideline is sure to continue.