Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
Jay Gruden hoped to play one or, at the most, two more seasons with the Orlando Predators before returning to coaching.
But an ankle injury and the death of former coach Fran Papasedero accelerated the quarterback's move back to the sideline.
As expected, Gruden on Monday was named coach of the Predators for the second time. The younger brother of Bucs coach Jon Gruden replaces Papasedero, who was killed in a one-car accident July 19.
"It makes more sense for me to be the head coach now," Gruden said.
Gruden, who ended a five-year retirement to play for Orlando the past two seasons, comes off one of his best statistical seasons.
He completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,334 yards and 49 touchdowns with two interceptions as the Predators went undefeated in his 10 regular-season starts.
Gruden's return to coaching does not necessarily mean the end of his playing career.
The Predators might ask the Arena Football League to waive a rule that prevents Gruden from being a player/coach. The league already has granted an exemption allowing Gruden to switch from coach to quarterback without sitting out the mandatory one year.
But Gruden, expected to be on crutches for 8-12 weeks after a 41/2-hour operation last week to realign his right ankle, said he is at least four months away from walking on the ankle.
"If my ankle is bionic or something, maybe I'll come back and play again," Gruden said. "But I highly doubt that."
Gruden coached the Predators from 1998-2001, winning ArenaBowls in 1998 and 2000. He won four titles as quarterback of the Storm from 1991-96 and is a Bucs offensive assistant.
Gruden said his return to coaching won't affect his job with the Bucs. If anything, being around NFL players could help him identify future Predators.
"I'm in a great spot to find players," Gruden said.