Originally posted on ProFootballTalk.com on September 24 at 10:16 am
We temporarily interrupt the current Philly love-fest for its pro football team to perpetuate a rumor making the rounds regarding the potential future of the franchise.
At a time when some Internet hack has done everything he can to stir up rumors of Bucs coach Jon Gruden landing in South Bend after the 2007 season, we're hearing that Gruden continues to eyeball the Eagles job -- since it's regarded in league circles as a 50-50 proposition that current coach Andy Reid will resign in January.
Gruden served as the offensive coordinator in Philly from 1995 through 1997 before becoming head coach of the Raiders.
Though the turmoil surrounding the team seems like a fading memory after Sunday's 56-21 shellacking of the Lions, it could return very quickly if the Eagles lose on Sunday night to the Giants, who also are showing signs of life after a disastrous 0-2 start.
Even with Sunday's stellar performance, it still could be a long season for the Eagles. The Lions were overrated, and the Eagles were arguably due to have a big day. With 13 more games to go, a lot can still happen.
And with the Cowboys putting the rest of the conference on notice that it's for real after doing to the defending NFC champs in an early-season Sunday nighter at Soldier Field the same thing that the Bears did nearly a year ago to the defending NFC champs a year ago in an early-season Sunday nighter at Soldier Field, a repeat of last year's division title currently looks like it will be a steep uphill climb.
So if there is no division title or, even worse, if there is no playoff appearance at all, the chances of Reid calling it quits will potentially increase. Conversely, if the 2-1 Bucs (who have spanked the Saints and Rams in consecutive weeks) can bogart one of the six seats at the postseason table, Gruden will rejoin the short list of hot NFL coaches.
With such a potential development coming at the end of a season in which Gruden was widely believed to be on the hot seat, it's not a stretch (in our view) to think that Gruden will look for a way out of town. Regardless of what he eventually might do, it's definitely a story line worth monitoring as the 2007 season continues to unfold.
yea and his family is really screwed up right now. I live about 15 minutes from the Reid place in Lower Merion. I've heard plenty of stories about the reid boys. The one son is going to do some real jail time!
yea and his family is really screwed up right now. I live about 15 minutes from the Reid place in Lower Merion. I've heard plenty of stories about the reid boys. The one son is going to do some real jail time!
They are trouble but i still dont see Reid stepping down.
Jon Gruden Eyeing Eagles' Gig
Jon Gruden Eyeing Eagles' Gig
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