Still waiting on that deal for Gruden

Contract extension discussions typically come at the end of the season, when the Glazers have a chance to evaluate everything.

By RICK STROUD
Published December 23, 2007

Jon Gruden is under contract for 2008, but is in line for a contract extension after winning his third NFC South title in six years.
	[Brian Cassella | Times]

TAMPA — Stop wondering whether Jon Gruden has been offered a contract extension yet. He hasn't.

And don't believe that the decision will be based on whether the Bucs win a game or two in the playoffs or go one-and-done like they did in 2005. It won't.

After winning his third NFC South title in six years, Gruden is a lock to return for many more seasons. So is general manager Bruce Allen.

But those discussions typically come at the end of the season, when the Glazers have a chance to evaluate everything.

Gruden is under contract for 2008, but nobody wants to see him enter the season as a lame-duck coach.

At some point after the season, the Glazers will sit down with Gruden's agent, Bob LaMonte, to open discussions.

Understand this about the Glazers - they genuinely like Gruden. It took a lot to wrestle him away from the Raiders in 2002 (two first-round picks, two second-round picks and $8-million). Gruden considers Tampa Bay his "dream job."

Now that the Bucs have plenty of money to spend on free agents, a full complement of draft picks and a new facility, there is little reason to think he would have a wandering eye.

That said, it might pay for Gruden's agent to wait to see how the market settles in terms of salaries for coaches.

Look around the NFC South. Sean Payton fell back to earth after the Saints went to the NFC title game last season. John Fox is on the hot seat at Carolina. Atlanta is a mess.

Furthermore, Gruden won the division without a single Pro Bowl player. Sure, there were deserving performances. But Jeff Garcia, Derrick Brooks, Ronde Barber and Joey Galloway are the Bucs' biggest stars - and on the downside of their careers.

Gruden will be rewarded. The guy is bronzed in the lobby of the facility. You don't do that if you plan to part ways.

A more pressing need might be to lock up his assistants, many of whom don't have contracts for 2008. But one assistant says those discussions happen at the end of the season as well.

[Last modified December 22, 2007, 22:34:20]