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It will feel like coming home for Gruden

JAY GRUDEN

Jay Gruden, left, a former star QB for the AFL’s Storm, wouldn't mind coaching for his brother. Dad Jim Gruden, right, was a Bucs running backs coach for two seasons and a scout for four.

JIM GRUDEN

By ROGER MILLS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 19, 2002

MORE COVERAGE • Gary Shelton: Gruden: Staggering, astounding, incredible triumph • Jan Glidewell: Gold medal to the Bucs in 'Goofy Coach Hunt' • Bucs players relieved, amazed • Living for every moment • Fans pleased with Gruden • What they're saying • Q&A: A five-week roller coaster • Eerie resemblance Related 10 News Video 56k | High-Speed

TAMPA -- Long before Raiders owner Al Davis allowed Jon Gruden to become the Bucs coach, the Gruden name was part of Tampa Bay's football landscape.

In fact, the Gruden who will be announced as the Bucs' seventh coach at a news conference Wednesday isn't the first Gruden to work for the Tampa Bay franchise.

He isn't even the first Gruden to coach for the Bucs.

His father, Jim Gruden, was a Bucs running backs coach from 1982-83 under first coach John McKay, father of Bucs general manager Rich McKay. Jim Gruden, who lives in Tampa with his wife, Kathy, then worked as a scout for the Bucs for four years before being fired by Ray Perkins in 1987.

"We had a pretty good team back then," Jim Gruden said from his Carrollwood home Monday night. "They were in the playoffs even before I got there, and with guys like Doug Williams and James Wilder, we had a lot of talent. Those were pretty good days."

Now at One Buc Place, a building similar to how it was when Jim Gruden walked the halls, Jon Gruden takes over as coach. "It's exciting to have him come back home where his family is, and I'm still in shock," Jim Gruden said. "I really didn't think it was going to happen considering how things went. But we're all really very happy for Jon and his family."

Jim Gruden said he spoke with Jon at 4 a.m. Monday after Davis notified him that the Bucs were interested in making the deal. Jim Gruden said his son called him back a half-hour later to tell him the deal was done.

"I haven't talked to him since," Jim said.

Jon also will have to share some of the bay area football history with younger brother Jay, an Arena League legend with the Tampa Bay Storm.

Jay Gruden, who returned to the Arena league this season as a quarterback after spending the past four as a coach, played six seasons with the Storm and led the franchise to four Arena Bowl titles.

Along the way, he set records for career pass completions (1,182), passing yards (15,514) and passing touchdowns (280).

"I was as fired up as he was when I heard the news," Jay Gruden said. "My dad and mom finally get to see him in action, get to see him coach. I can drive an hour and see him and watch practice. It's a great opportunity for him."

Jay Gruden, who has led the Orlando Predators to two Arena titles as coach, said he would love the opportunity to coach with his brother.

"That would be up to him," Jay Gruden said. "Right now, my focus is on getting ready for the season. I guess now we'll have to be Bucs fans (again). The good thing is every time he changes teams, I get new gear."

Asked what the Bucs are getting in their new coach, Jay responded: "You're getting a guy that is going to put everything into his job. He's going to go at it 100 miles per hour. Someone said to me that Jon was coming back to Tampa to enjoy the beaches. I can assure you, he won't be spending any time on the beach. He's going to be at One Buc Place all day, all night."

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