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TAMPA - Grambling has lost coach Doug Williams, who will begin his front-office job with the Bucs on Wednesday.
But some University of Louisiana System officials appear unwilling to accept defeat.
A contingent led by system president Sally Clausen and three other board members plans to fly to Tampa today for a meeting with Bucs general manager Bruce Allen to make a last-ditch effort to keep Williams.
Williams, 48, said Sunday he plans to join the Bucs at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis to begin his new job as a pro personnel executive.
Allen confirmed he had spoken to several system officials but said no formal meeting is planned and insisted Williams will not return to Grambling.
"No. No. It's impossible," Allen said Monday. "Obviously, it's not Doug nor I who are spreading these rumors.
"I have talked to a couple (board) members. Most of the people from Grambling we've spoken to are excited for Doug and what he will mean for us. But there are a few that are obviously having trouble accepting it."
Grambling officials said Monday they had delayed announcing an interim coach to replace Williams.
ESPN.com reported Sunday that Williams had returned to Grambling to formally resign as coach but after a tearful meeting with his team was having second thoughts. As of Sunday, according to ESPN.com, Williams had not officially left his job.
Williams had an informal gathering with members of the Grambling coaching staff Sunday, however, and assured them he would remain with the Bucs. Louisiana state Rep. Rick Gallot and university system members Andre Coudrain and Walter Rhodes also are planning to arrive in Tampa today.
"In regards to what we hope to accomplish, we'd hate to lose him. And if there's any way or possibility of keeping him here, that would be the objective of this trip," Gallot said.
"One thing Dr. Clausen is trying to do is to let the Buccaneers know how valuable Doug is not only to Grambling State University, but to the whole university system in Louisiana and in the state. She's a real fighter and will never go down without a worthy fight."
Louisiana system chairman Mike Woods said a 3 p.m. meeting has been scheduled with Allen.
But Allen said he is not aware of it.
"We have some other meetings," Allen said. "But those are with our staff to get ready for the combine.
"Obviously, if they come, we'll try to accommodate them." NO TO HENSON FOR NOW: The Bucs do not plan to make an offer to the Texans for quarterback Drew Henson. The Bucs, who have only two quarterbacks under contract, were among 20 teams that attended Henson's workout in Houston on Thursday and were believed to be a darkhorse candidate to sign the former Yankees third baseman.
Allen said he spoke with Houston general manager Charley Casserly on Monday about the Texans' plans for trading Henson before April 24, when the one-time Michigan quarterback would have to re-enter the draft if he does not sign. The Texans will grant Henson permission to talk only to teams willing to give them compensation.
"There are no planned meetings (with Henson)," Allen said. "I talked to Charley. I think he's informing everybody of his plan. They are going to try to give only a select few teams permission to talk to (Henson).
"We're not a part of that right now."