Colts Owner Jim Irsay Tried To Hire Jon Gruden As Head Coach, But He’s Staying At ESPN

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the rumors of Colts owner Jim Irsay trying to lure Jon Gruden back to the NFL are true. However, Gruden resisted the Colts overtures and plans to remain at ESPN.

According to Schefter, Gruden denied having discussions with Irsay.

“I know nothing. I’ve told people, I’m not coaching. I’m a broadcaster, I’m not a coach,” Gruden said, per Schefter.

Schefter adds that Irsay’s run at Gruden is another of his thinking and the fact that he’s willing to do anything in his power to get the Colts another championship.

Irsay has been strangely quiet since the team’s season ended, which has led to reports and speculation that he could be targeting a big-name head coach like Gruden. However, it appears he struck out with at least one notable target.

This immediately calls into question the future of HC Chuck Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson, as it can’t be a great sign for them if their owner is attempting to hire replacements while not saying anything publicly.

There has been a lot of talk that the team should consider moving on from both Pagano and Grigson after another disappointing season, so this will be a popular topic to watch in the coming weeks or at least until Irsay makes some sort of official announcement regarding their future with the team.

All of this is interesting, considering that Alex Marvez of the Sporting News reported Irsay gave Pagano assurance that his job is safe a few weeks ago.

Pagano, 56, was hired as the Colts’ head coach back in 2012. He has led the team to a record of 49 and 31 (61.3 percent), which includes three playoff appearances and a trip to the AFC Championship game back in 2014.

As for Gruden, he was linked to the Rams’ job a month ago but he later mentioned during an appearance on “Mike and Mike“ that he has “no intentions of coaching“, despite being linked to the Rams in recent weeks.

“I love football,” Gruden said, “but I’m very happy doing what I’m doing.”

We’ll have more regarding the Colts as the news is available.