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Gruden works on filling staff

Tampa Bay's new coach also spoke to several key players.

By RICK STROUD, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 23, 2002

TAMPA -- Jon Gruden met with several key Bucs players and continued formulating his coaching staff Friday, his second full day on the job.

Redskins receivers coach Richard Mann has been offered and is expected to accept the same position on Gruden's staff.

Former Dallas assistant Clarence Shelmon is deciding between offers from the Bucs and Chargers. Shelmon would coach running backs in Tampa Bay. Chargers coach Marty Schottenheimer has offered him the position of tight ends coach.

In addition, the Bucs will interview Southern Cal running backs coach Kirby Wilson.

Gruden's brother, Jay, remains the leading candidate to coach quarterbacks. He plans to return to playing in a few weeks as quarterback of the Orlando Predators of the Arena League but has said he wants to become a member of the Bucs coaching staff.

Gruden was unavailable for comment Friday. But he said this week he planned to take his time completing his coaching staff.

"I'm going to do the best I can, take some time and work hard to find guys that we can develop and find people to come in here and stimulate the players we have," Gruden said. "You look at the college ranks, you look at any ranks, really."

Gruden met with a small contingent of veteran players at One Buc Place, including linebacker Derrick Brooks, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, linebacker Shelton Quarles, defensive tackle Anthony McFarland and quarterback Shaun King.

"We got to introduce our players to Coach Gruden," linebackers coach Joe Barry said. "That was a very positive step. It's the beginning of a new era."

Gruden spoke by telephone to receiver Keyshawn Johnson, who is in Los Angeles but will meet with the coach Monday in Tampa.

The Bucs will have at least one extra minicamp, which is likely to focus on the passing game. Gruden said he does not expect the transition to his offense to be a tough one.

"It depends on the player," Gruden said. "With the way football is today, you've got to be a quick study. There's not a seven- or eight- or nine-year combination of players anymore. We feel our system is user-friendly, but we'll wait and see. It depends on the energy by our football team and I'm confident that we're going to have a lot of guys that are excited about what we're going to ask them to do. And I believe it'll be a quick process."

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