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The Oakland Raiders have been linked to their former coach, Jon Gruden, for years since he left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to join the world of broadcasting.
Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the team's interest in Gruden is seemingly being reciprocated by the current Monday Night Football color commentator:
Jon Gruden told one close friend: “If there is one job I’d come back to the @NFL for, it’s the #Raiders.” But will he leave his current job?
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2014
Rapoport also cites three sources who indicate that Gruden was pushing the Raiders behind the scenes to take a chance on Johnny Manziel during the 2014 NFL Draft:
According to three sources, Jon Gruden spent round 1 of the draft imploring the #Raiders: Draft Johnny Manziel. Just imagine #whatif
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 26, 2014
The Raiders did, however, land Derek Carr in the early second round. Carr's maturity level and upside has been undeniable during his rookie season, so don't be surprised if his presence on the Raiders' roster intrigues Gruden enough for him to put his feelings on Manziel aside.
However, with a very nice gig in hand calling games alongside Mike Tirico for ESPN, will Gruden leave the booth for the rigors of the NFL head coaching scene? As of this point, no one really knows for sure - except Gruden.
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