Eskin: Gruden 'Definitely, Positively' Wants To Coach Again
By Steve Beck
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- 94WIP's Howard Eskin joined the WIP Morning Show Friday morning to discuss the story he broke, reporting that Jon Gruden is interested in coaching again.
"Well, here's what I've heard, and that's why I put it out there yesterday: Jon Gruden, definitely, positively, wants to coach again. He's got the itch. One of the reasons, well, he enjoyed doing what he did for ESPN. But one of the other reasons is his son was in school, this is his senior year. His son would be done, so he doesn't have to worry about going to see his games and he's ready. He's a football coach and he wants to coach again. That's the first part of what I know. You just don't throw it out there, 'Oh, it's Jon Gruden coming back.'"
LISTEN: Full Podcast With Howard Eskin
Eskin was then asked about the relationship between Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and Gruden.
"I think there were some people in the organization that weren't high on Gruden at one time, but I don't think that's the case any longer. Jon Gruden and Jeffrey Lurie are fine. Now, I have not talked to Jeffrey Lurie about that. Jon Gruden will not answer my questions," Eskin explained.
Eskin was then asked if Gruden said if he was definitely staying with ESPN as an analyst for Monday Night Football.
"No he did not do that. He did not do that. That is absolutely, because I did reach out to Jon Gruden, both when I was there in New Orleans on Monday, then I sent him a text and he did not answer. When he doesn't want to answer my questions, he doesn't answer my questions. He did not in this case."
According to Eskin, Gruden is reportedly enthralled with back-up Eagles quarterback Nick Foles.
"When he does those pieces for ESPN, he gets to sit down with the quarterback in a film session with these guys, and work them out. He did so with Nick Foles when he was coming out of college, and he likes Nick Foles. He loves him. He loves him [Nick Foles], but that's part of his requirements. And he loves Philadelphia. Gruden loves Philadelphia."
Eskin was quick to point out that no one in the Eagles organization has talked to Gruden. However, he reiterated that Gruden is available and wants to coach again.
In a scenario that will certainly be interesting, if not awkward in just a few weeks, the Eagles play on Monday Night Football against the Carolina Panthers on November 26th in Philadelphia. Gruden will have a production meeting with Andy Reid and they are both represented by the same agent.
