Oh the hot seat talk that goes on this time of year. I've also heard the Jeff Fisher talk a lot as well. http://www.tbo.com/sports/bucs/MGBUH0MPOUE.html IRVING, Texas - Get used to this dateline, Buc fans. It could be Jon Gruden's mailing address next season. While it's unlikely the Glazers will dismiss Gruden this winter, there's a growing likelihood Tampa Bay's fifth-year coach will seek employment elsewhere. The Tribune has learned Gruden already is sending out feelers regarding potential job opportunities for 2007. One major stumbling block is his contract status, with Gruden signed through the 2008 season. Given the annual turnover rate among NFL coaches, several clubs will be looking for a new leader within the next two months and Gruden still generates star power. The Cowboys, who take on the unbeaten Colts today at Texas Stadium, could make a play for Gruden's services if Bill Parcells retires, as expected. Although Tennessee's Jeff Fisher has been linked to Dallas, Gruden may have more appeal for a savvy marketer like Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Although his regular-season record with the Bucs would fall to 37-37 with a loss to the Redskins today, Gruden has proven he can turn a good club into a champion. He also would provide the Cowboys with the kind of celebrity clout Jones craves as much as a Vince Lombardi Trophy. If Jones calls the Glazers in an effort to pry Gruden out of his contract, they'd have to listen. Wouldn't you? Jones and the Glazers already have a good relationship and the ensuing compensation issues wouldn't be insurmountable. "That's not implausible," one NFL source said of the Gruden-to-Dallas scenario. "Ten years ago, it couldn't happen. Now, it's not a crazy idea." Gruden could depart Tampa the same way he arrived - through the back door. The Dallas job would be attractive to Gruden, who doesn't appear to be the type of coach to put down roots with one franchise for 15 years. Tony Romo is a young quarterback who fits the Gruden prototype and the prospect of working with Terrell Owens undoubtedly would excite Chucky, even though Owens can be as disruptive as Keyshawn Johnson. Gruden likes great players, and he never thought Keyshawn was great. Faced with the prospect of several more losing seasons in Tampa, Gruden naturally is starting to feel antsy. If he stays, Gruden could be on the verge of losing his job a year from now, with four losing seasons in a five-year span on his resume. Bolting to Dallas could be a win-win situation all the way around. Jones gets his man, while the Glazers accelerate the rebuilding process with a slew of draft picks. When Herm Edwards left the Jets in January with two years remaining on his contract, it cost the Chiefs only a fourth-round choice. Gruden would command considerably more compensation. But after years with the Glazers, would Gruden want to work with a hand's-on owner so involved in personnel decisions? Gruden didn't finesse his way out of Oakland in 2002 because he couldn't stand Al Davis. He engineered a trade because Davis doesn't like to pay his coaches top dollar. That isn't an issue for Jones, who may decide to take the easy way out and simply hire Fisher, whose contract expires at the end of the season. But if Gruden's camp keeps making overtures, Jones will be tempted to call the Glazers and check out the price of juice these days.
Everybody IMO has heard the Fisher to Dallas scenario. It would not surprise me if the Glazers would listen to Jerry Jones. Wouldn't it make Gruden the 1st coach to be "traded" twice? If Chucky has any say, he won't go. I heard he's from the Tampa area. The hottest prospect for 1st time coaches is/will be (Bears DC) Ron Rivera. It would be mildly shocking but not unlikely if Dom Capers (current phins DC) gets a few interviews.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pack Attack)</div><div class='quotemain'>Dallas needs...Jim Bates.</div> That would mean a switch back to the 4-3.
