Former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden worked as a graduate assistant at Tennessee from 1986-87. (AP Photo)KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - A person familiar with the situation said former NFL coach Jon Gruden has informed Tennessee he does not want to be considered for its coaching job.
The person said Tennessee initially reached out to Gruden late last week but there was never a contract offer or a discussion of financial terms.
The person spoke to The Associated Press Friday on condition of anonymity because the school hasn't publicly discussed details of its search.
The person said after discussing the matter with his family, Gruden indicated he did not want to make the move at this time
Tennessee is seeking a replacement for Derek Dooley, who was fired November 18 after going 15-21 in three seasons.
Gruden, an ESPN analyst, worked as a graduate assistant at Tennessee from 1986-87.
The Vols coaching woes go back to 2008 when the university dismissed long-time coach Phillip Fulmer. UT brought in former Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, who led the team to a 7-6 record in 2009.
Kiffin abruptly left Knoxville to become the head coach at the University of Southern California, where he spent some time as an assistant coach.
Dooley became the third coach in three years.
Since going 10-4 in 2007, Tennessee has posted a 28-34 overall record. They have been 12-28 in SEC play during that time, and have only won 2 SEC games in the last two seasons.
(NewsChannel5 and The Associated Press.)
